UNM Children’s Psychiatric Center

Newly expanded in June 2026, the UNM Children's Psychiatric Center (CPC) provides intensive behavioral health care for children and adolescents through age 17 in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The new 32,500-square-foot center is designed using trauma-informed principles and features calming patient rooms, welcoming communal spaces, outdoor courtyards, and specialized treatment areas—features that support healing while helping children feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.

We provide care for patients who cannot function on their own and need to be in a hospital with observation, medication, group counseling, individual counseling, access to a variety of therapies, and even school.

The Center has 36 patient beds in single and double-occupancy rooms, a central dining area and interactive communal spaces and play areas. Take a tour here.

The CPC has been the state’s only children’s emergency psychiatric unit available regardless of a family’s ability to pay, in addition to being the only facility in New Mexico affiliated with an academic medical center.

Demand for children’s and adolescent mental health services continues to grow across New Mexico and the nation. It is our responsibility to ensure families can find the support they need during some of life’s most challenging moments. This new center reflects how far our understanding of mental health treatment has advanced and our commitment to providing the highest quality care for every child who comes through its doors.