New $383 million state psychiatric hospital opens in Northville Township with 264 beds

A $383 million state-run psychiatric hospital in Northville Township was dedicated on Oct. 7 and will begin treating patients at the end of October, adding 54 beds to Michigan's state psychiatric system.

The Southeast Michigan Psychiatric Hospital, located on Haggerty Road, replaces Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital in Westland and is built on the site of the former Hawthorn Center. The opening increases Michigan's total number of state psychiatric beds to about 600 across four hospitals.

The 406,000-square-foot facility has 264 beds and 231 patient rooms, according to a fact sheet provided at the dedication. It includes 72 beds for youth and is the only psychiatric hospital in Michigan that serves children, hospital director Mary Clare Sulkey said.

Patients at the hospital may stay from three to six months up to a year or more, depending on treatment needs.

Sulkey said the hospital fills a need for inpatient psychiatric treatment in Michigan.

"Every aspect of it has been made with how people can heal fast in mind and keep our patients safe and keep our staff safe," Sulkey said.

The building is designed around nature themes, with flowers painted on walls, natural light, indoor four-season rooms and 12 secure outdoor courtyards. Officials said the design is intended to create a calm environment for patients.

The hospital also includes a gym, art rooms, a music room, a hair and nail salon, a basketball court, a chapel, an apartment where patients can practice independent living skills and medical offices offering dental, optometry and dietary services.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services acting director Amy Epkey said state officials view the hospital as part of an effort to modernize behavioral health care.

State Hospitals Administration Senior Deputy Director Dr. George Mellos said the facility is intended for patients who have not been helped by other treatment settings.

"There is a need for a highly sophisticated behavioral health care entity like this place to treat people for three to six months in order to get them back on track," Mellos said.

The new hospital was funded by the state through appropriations approved by the Michigan Legislature. It replaces Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital, which the state is repurposing after lawsuits alleged negligent care by staff.

In a video message, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer praised the facility.

"While there will always be more work to do in strengthening behavioral health supports and access, this facility will help improve health outcomes for generations to come," Whitmer said.

Michigan has faced a shortage of psychiatric beds for years. The Treatment Advocacy Center reported in 2024 that the state was short more than 1,000 psychiatric beds.

The shortage traces in part to closures of state psychiatric hospitals in the 1990s under former Gov. John Engler, when Michigan shifted toward community-based mental health care. Officials said that transition left gaps in inpatient treatment.

State Sen. Sarah Anthony said the new hospital should reduce the need for Michigan families to seek psychiatric care out of state.

The hospital is expected to open to patients by the end of October. Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital has not yet been assigned a permanent new use.