A behavioral hospital for kids in Youngstown celebrated a much-needed expansion Thursday.

Belmont Pines Hospital held an open house for its new 20-bed "Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit."

The unit provides mental health treatment for children ages 5 to 18.

The hospital's CEO, Lisa Cocca, says the expansion was needed because there are not enough places that offer inpatient treatment for local kids and adolescents.

"UNFORTUNATELY OR FORTUNATELY, WE HAD TO ADD ON TO MANAGE THE NUMBER OF KIDS THAT COME SEEK SERVICES EVEN IN THE SURROUNDING STATES WE SERVICE KIDS FROM 80 OF THE 88 COUNTIES IN OHIO, 20-SOME COUNTIES IN WESTERN PA AND MULTIPLE COUNTIES IN WEST VIRGINIA," said Cocca.

Cocca says the facility has serviced multiple kids over the years and they're proud of the work they do at Belmont Pines.