Mental and behavioral health services in Killeen and Gatesville are expanding and improving as construction and renovations begin on two local centers.

In Killeen, the Metroplex Behavioral Health Center received $150,000 from the Metroplex Health System Foundation. The funding will go towards renovations and upgrades for the adolescent and adult units of the center. The children's unit was renovated in 2011.

The center, which is the only full-service child, adolescent, and adult center in the area, will be able to serve more patients after the renovations. In addition the upgrades, five new psychiatrists were appointed to the center.

In Gatesville, Coryell County Commissioners approved $44,400 for repairs which will support work to convert one wing of the old MHMR building into a new mental health center.

The center will have eight beds and will serve as a transitional mental health unit and is part of a four-year project, the second phase of which consists of finding a location for a new crisis respite care unit.

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