IDAHO FALLS — A new long-term residential facility for teens dealing with mental and behavioral health conditions is preparing to open its doors in eastern Idaho, marking a major expansion of care options in the region. Community members and staff gathered last week to celebrate the completion of the Headwaters Behavioral Health Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new Energy Drive location.
The 18,000-square-foot treatment center, built over the last year and a half, is scheduled to begin operations in January 2026. Headwaters will serve up to 40 patients between the ages of 12 and 17 who face complex challenges such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorders.
Program Director Lex Fanopoulos explained that the facility is designed for long-term, non-emergency support where treatment may last from several weeks to six months. “Each case is going to be unique,” said CEO Bruce Figured. Fanopoulos emphasized that Headwaters meets “a critical need” for families who previously had to travel out of state for similar treatment options.
The new building features patient rooms, showers, a cafeteria, gym space for recreation, and a conference room. Fanopoulos and the center’s leadership say these amenities support a full-care approach focused on healing, therapy, education, and community engagement with families throughout treatment.
Idaho has seen alarming youth mental health statistics in recent years. Figured explained that the teen suicide rate in the state is 45% higher than the national trend. Fanopoulos added that data from Youth Empowerment Services shows that 17% of Idaho youth have experienced a “major depressive episode,” while 21.3% of high school students have “seriously considered suicide.” More than half of Idaho teens with mental illness — 53.9% — go without treatment.
According to Figured, rising youth mental health needs have been shaped by isolation and disruptive events. He attributed part of the surge to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that “One of the problems that’s really impacting our young adults is chronic loneliness and being isolated from people.” He added that social media has replaced critical human interaction for many teens: “It’s a basic human need for connection with people. When you have adolescents that don’t know how to connect anymore, the natural consequence is depression, anxiety, mood disorders, problems coping, etc.”
Chief Development Officer Chad Engbrecht said the Idaho Falls location was chosen due to access to nearby resources and the highway. For Fanopoulos, opening the center in eastern Idaho is both a necessity and a responsibility. “One of our goals is to bring youth and their respective families together so that we can do this process together. We are seeking and relying on community support because we can’t do this alone,” he said.
As the ribbon falls and operations begin, Headwaters is poised to become a critical resource for families seeking hope, treatment, and long-term care in their own community.
Originally reported by Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com in East Iadho News.
