Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare has opened a new two-story, 36,000-square-foot facility at 402 Liberty St. in Cleveland, marking a major investment in behavioral health services for north Liberty County. The new site officially began serving clients on Sept. 15, 2025, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 5 that was hosted in partnership with the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce.
The event drew dozens of employees, Chamber members, local officials and Tri-County board members, all eager to see firsthand how the project would expand care for the community.
The facility was designed to address the growing need for services in the region and to create a modern space capable of handling the full scope of Tri-County’s mission. Inside, the building offers expanded outpatient mental health services for both adults and youth, with rooms specifically designed for counseling and group programs. It also includes areas that meet state licensing requirements for outpatient substance use disorder treatment, giving residents of Cleveland and the surrounding areas access to care that previously required longer travel.
For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the facility provides an enhanced day program that emphasizes individualized skills and socialization. A highlight of this program is a dedicated culinary training area, where participants can learn practical skills in a hands-on setting. In addition, the building includes a large flexible meeting room intended for collaboration with community partners, reflecting Tri-County’s emphasis on working hand-in-hand with local organizations to strengthen services.
Board chair Patti Atkins of Hull said the new facility reflects years of planning and a deep commitment to meeting the changing needs of Liberty County.
“We are thrilled to bring this new facility to life, enabling us to better meet the behavioral health needs of north Liberty County,” said Atkins. “As Liberty County continues to grow, the board of trustees recognized the importance of expanding our services to support the Cleveland community and ensure everyone has access to the care they need,” Atkins said in a written statement provided by Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare.
EExecutive director Evan Roberson presided over the ribbon cutting and praised the combined efforts of the board, engineers and construction team. He told those gathered that they had built a strong, well-designed facility that will serve the community for many years.
“We’re proud of it and we’re glad to be able to use it for years to come to meet the needs of this community,” Roberson said.
Cleveland Mayor Danny Lee also addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude that Tri-County had chosen Cleveland for its new site.
“They could have built it somewhere else and I just thank God for Tri-County to partner with Cleveland in building this facility here because it will mean a great deal for Cleveland, Romayor, Shepherd, Tarkington and all the surrounding areas,” Lee said. “It’s just going to be big, just a blessing for us.”
After the ribbon cutting, staff members led tours of the building, giving guests a chance to see the new offices, program areas and community spaces. Many attendees commented on the size of the building and the thought that had gone into designing it to serve a wide range of needs.
In attendance at the ribbon cutting were Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Arthur and County Judge Jay Knight, who were happy to share their thoughts on the new facility.
“Yesterday I went to a Chamber luncheon where they honored teachers and school administrators in Cleveland and Tarkington, and today I am here for the grand opening of this facility,” Arthur said. “It goes to show you that despite what you hear, there are a lot of good things going on in Liberty County.”
County Judge Jay Knight echoed that sentiment, calling the building a beautiful addition to the county. “It’s going to be good for Liberty County,” he said.
With the opening of the new site, Tri-County’s previous location at 2004 Truman Street will be placed on the market for sale.
Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare continues to operate under its mission of enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities by providing services for those living with mental illness, substance use disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities. The new Cleveland facility, leaders said, is a significant step toward fulfilling that mission in a region where the demand for services has never been greater.
