Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center

Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC) is a psychiatric hospital located in Anoka, Minnesota, United States. It is operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The center provides comprehensive mental health services to adults who have complex needs, including those who have been civilly committed by the court as a danger to themselves or others.

History

The Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center was established in 1940 as the Anoka State Hospital. It was one of seven state hospitals created to provide care for the mentally ill. The hospital was designed to be a self-sufficient community, with its own farm, power plant, and staff housing. Over the years, the hospital has undergone several changes in its structure and services, reflecting the evolution of mental health care in the United States.

Services

The Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center provides a range of services to meet the diverse needs of its patients. These include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and recreational therapy. The center also offers specialized programs for individuals with co-occurring disorders, such as mental illness and substance use disorders.

Admission

Admission to the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center is typically through a civil commitment process. This involves a court order that requires an individual to receive treatment for a mental illness. The center also accepts voluntary admissions, although these are less common.

Staff

The staff at the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and recreational therapists. The center also employs support staff such as administrative assistants, housekeeping staff, and food service workers.

Controversies

The Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center has faced several controversies over the years, including allegations of patient abuse and neglect, staffing shortages, and inadequate care. These issues have led to investigations by the Minnesota Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Justice.

See also

• List of hospitals in Minnesota
• Mental health in the United States