Camarillo State Mental Hospital

Camarillo State Mental Hospital was a psychiatric hospital for both mentally ill and developmentally disabled patients in Camarillo, California. The hospital was built in 1932 and was in operation until 1997.

History

The Camarillo State Mental Hospital was established by the California State Legislature in 1932 as a state-run mental hospital. The hospital was built on a 1,760-acre site, which was originally a land grant to Juan Camarillo in the 19th century. The hospital was designed to accommodate over 7,000 patients, and it was one of the largest mental hospitals in the world at the time.

Facilities

The hospital was divided into several sections, each designed to cater to a specific type of patient. These included the psychiatric ward, the neurological ward, the geriatric ward, and the ward for children and adolescents. Each ward was equipped with its own treatment facilities, including therapy rooms, recreation areas, and dining halls.

Treatment

The treatment at Camarillo State Mental Hospital was based on the biopsychosocial model of mental illness. This model considers biological, psychological, and social factors in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. The hospital employed a variety of treatment methods, including psychotherapy, drug therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy.

Closure

The hospital was closed in 1997 due to budget cuts and changes in the treatment of mental illness. The site is now home to the California State University, Channel Islands.

Legacy

The Camarillo State Mental Hospital has been the subject of numerous films, television shows, and songs. It is also rumored to be haunted, with several reported sightings of ghosts and other paranormal activity.