Austin State Hospital

Austin State Hospital, established in 1856 and originally known as the Texas State Lunatic Asylum, is the oldest psychiatric facility in Texas and the oldest continuously operating west of the Mississippi River. Located in Austin, it provides psychiatric services for children, adolescents, and adults facing various mental health challenges. The hospital has evolved significantly over the years, changing its name in 1925 to reflect modern attitudes towards mental health care. It has undergone renovations to improve patient care, especially in response to increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility now features 240 private patient bedrooms and retains the historic Old Main Building as a Texas Historic Landmark, making it a site of interest for both tourists and researchers exploring the history of mental health treatment in the United States.