Psychiatric treatment facility for children to close in Cabell, reducing state’s options for kids

An in-patient psychiatric treatment facility for children is closing in Cabell County, decreasing the number of beds the state has available for kids experiencing severe mental health crises. 

Barboursville School has 22 beds for children who have psychiatric disorders and need specialized, 24/7 care. 

“After much consideration, the decision has been made to close Barboursville School,” said Leslie Clagg, director of business development for River Park Hospital, which operates the facility located in Barboursville Park. 

“Our intention to close by Feb. 4, 2026, comes after completing a comprehensive, careful review and evaluation of multiple factors including the environmental impacts of recent flooding and cost required to renovate the aging leased building,” she said on Monday. “River Park Hospital is committed to working with the families/guardians of each current resident to identify and facilitate a smooth transition to another appropriate facility.”

Barboursville School was built in 1986 as an off-site facility for River Park Hospital. The state owns the building.

Universal Health Services, which operates River Park Hospital, is not renewing its lease with the state. 

“The West Virginia Department of Human Services was formally notified in early November by Universal Health Services of its intent to terminate its lease for the property and cease services at that location. DoHS is actively exploring all available options to ensure continuity of care, and the safety and well-being of the children we serve remains our highest priority,” said department spokesperson Angelica Hightower.

DoHS didn’t respond to a question about whether the state had enough available psychiatric treatment patient beds for children in West Virginia. 

Foster care officials have said that West Virginia doesn’t have enough in-state treatment options for kids in need of specialized mental health or behavioral care, leading the state to send hundreds of children out-of-state for help. It has also led to some children living in hotel rooms while in the state’s care.

Del. Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, said he is gathering more information, including whether DoHS will continue work with any other providers to move into the building and continue in-patient mental health care for children. 

“I do have concerns,” he said. “I want to make sure that there’s a proper plan for every one of these children to continue to receive the care they need.”

Clagg said the decision to close Barboursville School did “not affect River Park Hospital’s other psychiatric residential treatment programs and acute inpatient programs.”

River Park will continue to offer in-patient psychiatric residential treatment to children at its other location, including a 30-day diagnostic program for children ages 10 to 17. An abuse reactive program, known as Bridge, offers psychiatric treatment for children ages 8 to 12 who have been sexually, physically and emotionally abused and are experiencing challenges stemming from the abuse.

“River Park Hospital remains committed to supporting the behavioral health needs of our community and improving the quality of life for patients through individualized treatment,” Clagg said.