Kankakee, IL – Riverside Healthcare is investing nearly $30 million to expand and modernize its inpatient behavioral health services, a major project aimed at improving access to mental health care in Kankakee County and surrounding communities.
According to Riverside Healthcare, the multi-phase construction project began in fall 2025 and is expected to continue through 2027. The investment will completely rebuild the behavioral health units at Riverside Medical Center, replacing aging facilities originally built in 1973.
Hospital leaders say the renovation comes at a critical time as behavioral health programs continue to face cuts nationwide despite rising demand for services.
“Across the country, access to behavioral health care is shrinking, but the need continues to grow,” Riverside President and CEO Phillip Kambic said in a statement. “At Riverside, we believe it’s our responsibility to step forward for our community and ensure these critical services remain available close to home.”
The redesigned inpatient units will include more private patient rooms, specialized treatment areas for geriatric behavioral health patients, and flexible layouts designed to better match patients with the appropriate level of care. Riverside also plans to add therapeutic design features such as calming spaces and lighting systems intended to mimic natural daylight cycles.
According to national mental health data cited by Riverside, one in two individuals will experience a mental health condition during their lifetime, increasing the need for accessible local treatment options.
Hospital officials say inpatient behavioral health services remain an important safety net for individuals facing acute mental health crises, including patients at risk of harming themselves or others.
Construction will continue in phases to minimize disruptions to patient care during the expansion.
For additional information about Riverside Healthcare’s behavioral health services, visit riversidehealthcare.org.
