Austin Oaks Hospital, an acute-care psychiatric hospital, is the first of its kind in Southwest Austin, Director of Business Development Steve Kelly said.

"It is the first psychiatric facility that serves South Austin residents, and it provides easier access to care, especially for children and adolescents," he said.

The 51,420-square-foot facility opened May 21. It is owned by the same company that owns Austin Lakes Hospital, a mental health treatment center that offers psychiatric services for patients 18 and older. Kelly said Austin Oaks provides comprehensive behavioral health care and stabilization not only for adults, but also for children age 4 and older.

CEO and managing director Ramona Key said before it opened, patients had to travel outside the area to receive treatment because other Austin psychiatric hospitals were at capacity.

"This new hospital moves us closer to addressing a critical need in our community for resources that serve behavioral health patients," she said in a news release.

The new 80-bed hospital serves patients with health needs including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, Kelly said.

He said the hospital promotes crisis resolution, social skills, self-awareness and personal growth.

"It is also the only hospital [in the area] where the patients can go outside," he said, adding: "We saved 88 heritage oak trees to provide a beautiful, serene environment for recovery."

Kelly said acute care involves stabilizing patients so that they can enter outpatient care. Austin Oaks has a 6,000-square-foot outpatient services building with staff including psychiatrists, psychologists and registered nurses. Outpatient services include adult partial hospitalization.