New residential treatment beds are helping Oregon families get the mental health and addiction care they need, close to home. These improvements strengthen communities across the state and support people when they need it most.
Expanding care that Oregon communities can count on
Governor Tina Kotek announced major progress in expanding treatment options throughout Oregon. This growth gives families more reliable access to care, reducing long wait times, and helping people find support in their own communities.
“Oregonians deserve a health care system that shows up for them when they need help,” Governor Kotek said. “That’s why we’re changing the treatment landscape, methodically and strategically. More than 1,000 beds are open today that weren’t available when I took office. Hundreds more are coming. And we’re also building the workforce to staff them.”
Oregon is adding 1,660 licensed residential treatment beds — a more than 45% increase. Today, 1,067 of these beds are already open, with 593 more expected in the next two and a half years. The state funded 960 of these beds, showing a clear commitment to supporting Oregon families and communities.
Why this growth matters for Oregon families
For many years, Oregon’s mental health and addiction system struggled with too little funding, not enough workers, and limited options for care. Families often had to rely on emergency rooms, jails, or the streets when loved ones couldn’t get treatment. Expanding residential treatment is a major step toward giving families stability, safety, and hope.
This rapid action is being noticed by leaders in the field who understand what it means for Oregon’s future:
“I’ve been in this field for decades; I have never seen statewide growth in capacity like this – not even close,” said Devarshi Bajpai, CEO of Fora Health. “The investments in beds and workforce are going to improve the lives of Oregonians and make our communities safer and healthier. Oregon is finally building a system to meet the scale of the need.”
As capacity grows, Oregon leaders emphasize that the goal is not only more beds, but better access for people across every part of the state.
“This expansion reflects a commitment to meeting Oregonians where they are,” said Ebony Clarke, Behavioral Health Director of OHA. “When someone is ready to seek treatment, we have to be ready to receive them. And the state is making that a reality for more Oregonians not only in the metropolitan area but also in our rural and coastal communities.”
Providers say these investments are giving them the ability to serve more families in meaningful ways.
“State investment made it possible for us to open new beds and serve more people in our community,” said Julie Ibrahim, CEO of New Narrative. “Providers like New Narrative are ready to do this work — we just need the resources to do it at the scale the crisis demands. This funding is a real signal that Oregon is serious about meeting that moment.”
Looking ahead: A healthier, stronger Oregon
This investment in treatment beds marks real progress for Oregon families. By expanding care, strengthening the workforce, and supporting providers across the state, Oregon is building a stronger, healthier future. These changes help ensure that when someone is ready for treatment, support is available — not just in theory, but in every community, for every Oregonian.
A message from the Governor
Governor Kotek recorded a message about this growth. Watch and share the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJKoJXbDlrg.
