Penn State Health is actively considering new locations for the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) to ensure continued access to vital behavioral health services in central Pennsylvania. With PPI’s current lease set to expire on May 31, 2026, the health system is exploring alternative sites to accommodate both inpatient and outpatient services.
Options under consideration include renovating space at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center and identifying a new hospital site. Additionally, Penn State Health is seeking suitable space for PPI’s outpatient psychiatric, behavioral health, and addiction services.
Deborah Addo, President and COO of Penn State Health, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to maintaining the high-quality behavioral health services that PPI is known for. She emphasized that decisions regarding future locations are guided by their mission to improve health and vision to be Pennsylvania’s most trusted healthcare provider.
A decision on the future locations of PPI’s services is expected by early summer, with construction anticipated to commence later this year. Dr. Erika Saunders, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, will oversee the integration of inpatient and outpatient teams to ensure a seamless transition.
The priority throughout this process is to minimize disruption of care for patients, families, clinicians, staff, educators, students, and researchers associated with PPI. Penn State Health remains dedicated to providing uninterrupted behavioral health services beyond May 2026 while upholding its commitment to the community’s well-being.