HARLINGEN, Texas — Tropical Texas Behavioral Health is planning a roughly $17.8 million outpatient and crisis-services complex in Harlingen that would expand behavioral health and substance-use treatment available to Cameron County residents.
The proposed Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Harlingen Outpatient Plaza II would be built at 101 W. Loop 499, across from the organization’s existing Harlingen clinic. State licensing records describe a 39,315-square-foot project.
The development is expected to include four smaller buildings housing a diversion center, a children’s diversion program, a relocated crisis respite unit and space for expanded residential substance-use treatment, according to Tropical Texas CEO Terry Crocker.
Crocker said the organization wants to bring services currently available in Hidalgo County closer to Cameron County residents. The planned relocation of the existing Harlingen crisis respite unit would also replace a building that officials say is in poor condition.
The project follows a community planning process involving probation officials, school districts, hospitals and law-enforcement agencies. Participants examined points where people with behavioral health needs encounter schools, hospitals and the criminal justice system and identified service gaps in Cameron County.
The final construction price will depend on submitted bids, but the current estimate is about $17.8 million. Funding is expected to come from Tropical Texas Behavioral Health and the state.
Officials hope to break ground by October. Construction is projected to take about 18 months, placing expected completion in late 2027 or early 2028.
A meeting for prospective bidders is scheduled for 2 p.m. Aug. 13 in the Harlingen Outpatient Boardroom at 103 N. Loop 499, with remote participation available through Microsoft Teams.
Sources: MyRGV; Tropical Texas Behavioral Health; Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation project records
