Emerald City Health expands mental health services in Longview

Emerald City Health plans to open two new facilities in Longview, including a 16-bed intensive support centre and a larger all-purpose facility with 200–300 beds. Both are funded entirely through Medicaid and aim to address gaps in behavioural health infrastructure.

The smaller facility, at 1826 First Avenue, will help patients transitioning from hospital care regain stability before returning to the community, reducing repeat hospitalisations, homelessness, and interactions with the justice system. The building, formerly a restaurant and gym, is being repurposed to meet care standards.

The larger Emerald City Behavioural Health facility will provide a full continuum of care, offering inpatient and outpatient treatment, youth services, and long-term residential support for chronic mental health conditions. Discussions are ongoing to secure space at PeaceHealth’s Broadway campus, with significant investment planned for renovations.

These expansions come as Cowlitz County and statewide psychiatric services face capacity shortages, fragmented care, and legal compliance pressures. A consolidated “one-stop” model promises to streamline access, relieve pressure on existing facilities, and attract patients from across the state seeking integrated services.

Emerald City Health’s move highlights the growing role of private providers in filling systemic gaps while innovating how mental health and substance use care is delivered.

Discover how Emerald City Health is reshaping access to behavioural health services in Longview.