Eastern State Hospital (Virginia)

Eastern State Hospital is a psychiatric hospital located in Williamsburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1773 with a well-intentioned emphasis on community-focused mental health care. This hospital represents the beginning of what we now understand as the modern day community mental health movement.

History

The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation on June 4, 1770, to establish the Eastern State Hospital. The hospital was originally known as the Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds. It was the first of its kind in the United States to be built solely for the care and treatment of the mentally ill, making it a significant milestone in the history of psychiatry.

Facilities

The hospital's facilities have changed significantly over the centuries. The original building was replaced in 1845 by a more modern and spacious one. The hospital now provides a range of services, including inpatient care, outpatient care, and day treatment programs. It also offers specialized programs for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues.

Treatment Philosophy

Eastern State Hospital operates under the philosophy that mental health conditions should be treated with the same level of attention and care as physical health conditions. The hospital's approach to treatment is based on the biopsychosocial model, which considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and treating mental health conditions.

Notable Patients

Over the years, Eastern State Hospital has been home to several notable patients. These include Edgar Allan Poe's sister Rosalie Mackenzie Poe and American Revolutionary War soldier Peter Francisco.

See Also

• Psychiatric hospital
• Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
• History of psychiatric institutions