Visitor Policy
North Texas State Hospital welcomes all visitors to the facility. We ask for understanding in that the facility is the home to some 700 individuals in a variety of treatment programs.
All visitors must stop at the Security Gate at the respective campus to be given instructions regarding visiting policies. A strict 15mph policy is enforced on all campus streets. Visitors should also be aware that weapons, contraband items and tobacco products are not allowed on campus.
All Wichita Falls campus visitors must register at the switchboard at the Family Living Center. Visitation should occur at a time when it does not interfere with scheduled programming, and should be arranged through the patient's Social Worker.
Vernon campus visitation is controlled, due to the maximum security nature of the facility. Visitation should be coordinated through the patient's social worker and treatment team and information on specific rules and facility contact persons will be given upon admission.
Visiting Hours
Maximum Security Unit (Vernon)
Visiting hours are 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. seven days per week. Visitation must be approved by the patient's treatment team and may be limited to the secured visitation area in the MSU Security building where there is no physical contact allowed. Contact visits must be pre-approved by the patient's physician and treatment team. Visitors must agree to a search, pass through a metal detector and be interviewed by staff before a visit. Visits are limited to one hour unless longer times are arranged in a advance. The patient's social worker should be contacted for detailed issues regarding visitation.
Adolescent Forensic Program (Vernon)
Preferred visiting hours are 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. By arrangement, visits between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. may be arranged on weekdays. All visits should be coordinated through the patient's social worker
Adult Programs (Wichita Falls)
Generally 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Children under age 14 are not allowed to visit on the hall, but visitation of children is encouraged in the Family Living Center. Visitation is limited to those individuals the patient and the treatment team deem appropriate.
Visitation hours in the Child and Adolescent Program (Wichita Falls)
Weekdays, 10:00 a.m.-noon, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. On weekends, hours are: Saturday 10:00 a.m.-12 noon and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. for adolescents. For children, hours are Saturday 1:00-3:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-noon. Other times may be scheduled through the patient's social worker. Most visits will take place in the Family Living Center, rather than on the patient's residential unit. Visitation by minors is usually allowed, if accompanied by an adult.
North Texas State Hospital Tours
Limited tours are available by contacting the Community Relations Office at 940-689-5418 (Wichita Falls) or (940) 552-4154 (Vernon). Tours must be arranged at least 72 hours in advance and approved by the Superintendent. In general, tours of the Wichita Falls campus are available during normal work hours (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F). However, tours of the Vernon campus adult and adolescent programs are very limited due to the secure nature of the programs. Questions or requests may be emailed to sandra.ross@mhmr.state.tx.us.
Family Day
Once every three months, a special Saturday Family Day is held on campus. It offers an opportunity for families to visit patients, meet with treatment staff and ask questions related to the hospital. Often special events are scheduled, including family therapy, special programs, etc. Contact the Patient-Family Education Coordinator for more information
The Family Living Center
The Helen Farabee Family Living Center at North Texas State Hospital's Wichita Falls campus offers rooms available for friends and families visiting residents of the Vernon and Wichita Falls campuses. There is no charge, but they must be reserved and are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
Information regarding visitation and Family Living Center
For questions regarding visitation at North Texas State Hospital, please contact Kathy Millsap, Patient/Family Education Coordinator at (940) 689-5390.