About Austin State Hospital
Austin State Hospital is a facility operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission that provides psychiatric services to children, adolescents, and adults. The hospital offers short-term care to patients with the goal of reintegration into society where they can transition into healing through community-based options.
Austin State Hospital is located at 4110 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78751.
The Evolution of the Austin State Hospital Building
Austin State Hospital entered a powerful new era with the opening of its new state-of-the-art, 240-bed facility.
Located on the same historic 80-acre campus just three miles north of downtown Austin, this new space represents a meaningful investment in dignity, healing, and modern mental health care.
While the campus evolves, its legacy remains. The Old Main Building, now designated a historic landmark will continue to serve the community as office space, honoring the hospital’s deep roots while supporting its future.
The new hospital has been thoughtfully designed to feel welcoming, comfortable, and human-centered. With the look and feel of a modern residential community, the facility includes 11 secure courtyards and screened porches that bring in light, fresh air, and a connection to the outdoors.
Modern Facilities
Patients have a private, single-person rooms—each with its own bathroom. This creates space for rest, privacy, and healing. The campus also offers a range of amenities that support overall well-being, including a gym, salon, barber shop, chapel, and general store.
This transformation reflects a shift in how mental health care is delivered. It prioritizes not just treatment, but environment, experience, and the dignity of every individual who walks through its doors.
The History of Austin State Hospital
Austin State Hospital was the first state facility of its kind built west of the Mississippi. Construction started in 1857, and the first patients were admitted in 1861. As the oldest mental health care facility in Texas, the hospital holds a close connection to the history of Austin and the state.
By the late 1890s, patient population had increased from the original 12 patients to almost 700. Additional buildings sprung up to support the growing number of patients.
