Carmel College on Auckland's North Shore is being praised for its attitude towards a new mental health facility, which is opening next door.

The $25 million dollar is replacing services currently being delivered from an old maternity unit at North Shore Hospital - a building described as unfit for modern psychiatric care.

Both buildings are right next door to Carmel College, an all-girls secondary school.

Waitemata DHB chair Dr Lester Levy says the facility isn't dangerous, and the college has been a fantastic neighbour.

"And it just goes to show that if you have dialogue, and if you're transparent, you can actually work together and build a relationship rather than break it."

Lester Levy notes the facility is not for forensic mental health, which would have a different level of security.