Foxborough State Hospital

Foxborough State Hospital, also known as Foxborough State Sanatorium, was a historic psychiatric hospital located in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Established in 1889, it was initially designed to serve as a facility for the treatment of alcoholism and opiate addiction, marking a significant development in the history of mental health treatment in the United States. Over the years, its mission expanded to include a broader range of psychiatric services, reflecting the evolving understanding of mental health and the needs of those it served.

History

The establishment of Foxborough State Hospital was part of a broader movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries aimed at improving the care and treatment of individuals with mental health issues. Prior to this period, such individuals were often placed in jails or almshouses, where the treatment was poor or non-existent. The creation of specialized institutions like Foxborough was a response to growing awareness of the need for compassionate and professional care.

In its early years, Foxborough State Hospital was at the forefront of treating alcohol and opiate dependencies, which were significant public health issues at the time. The hospital employed a variety of treatment methods, including occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and later, more advanced psychotherapeutic techniques as they were developed.

Throughout the 20th century, the hospital expanded its services to include treatment for a wide range of psychiatric conditions. This expansion reflected broader changes in the field of psychiatry and the increasing recognition of the complexity of mental health issues.

Facilities and Treatment

The hospital's facilities grew over time to accommodate its expanding mission. Buildings were added to house patients, staff, and administrative offices, as well as to provide spaces for treatment and recreation. The campus was designed to be self-sufficient, with its own farm, laundry, and power plant, which was common for institutions of its kind during this period.

Treatment at Foxborough State Hospital evolved significantly over its operational years. In its early days, the focus was on providing a structured environment and engaging patients in work and leisure activities as a form of therapy. As the field of psychiatry advanced, the hospital incorporated new treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, medication, and community-based care, reflecting the shift towards a more holistic and individualized approach to mental health treatment.

Closure and Legacy

Foxborough State Hospital was closed in the late 20th century, a decision influenced by the deinstitutionalization movement, which advocated for the treatment of mental health patients in less restrictive, community-based settings. The closure of the hospital was part of a nationwide trend towards reducing reliance on large institutional facilities for mental health care.

Today, the site of Foxborough State Hospital has been repurposed, but its legacy remains an important part of the history of psychiatric care in Massachusetts and the United States. The hospital's evolution from a facility for the treatment of addiction to a comprehensive psychiatric hospital reflects broader changes in the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions over the past century.

See Also

• History of psychiatric institutions
• Deinstitutionalization
• Mental health in the United States