Old Astria Health Medical Center converting to behavioral health facility

March 27, 2026 - 06:17

The long-vacant former Astria Regional Medical Center in Yakima is poised for a significant rebirth. The iconic building, which closed its doors as an acute-care hospital in early 2020, has been sold and will be converted into a much-needed behavioral health facility.

The transformation marks a pivotal shift for the property, ensuring it continues to serve the community's critical healthcare needs. The new facility is expected to provide comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, addressing a pressing regional demand. Plans indicate the renovation will repurpose the existing structure, updating it to meet modern healthcare standards for behavioral health care delivery.

Local officials and healthcare advocates have welcomed the news, highlighting the acute shortage of inpatient behavioral health beds in Central Washington. This conversion promises to create new healthcare jobs and offer vital services closer to home for Yakima Valley residents, eliminating the need for lengthy travel for specialized care.

Construction and renovation work on the project is scheduled to commence in the near future. The development represents a substantial investment in the community's health infrastructure, turning a symbol of past medical care into a beacon of hope for those struggling with behavioral health challenges.