List of defunct Massachusetts State Mental Facilities

List of Defunct Massachusetts State Mental Facilities

Massachusetts has a long history of establishing state mental facilities, many of which have been closed or repurposed over the years. This article provides a comprehensive list of defunct mental health facilities that once operated within the state. These institutions were established with the intent of providing care and treatment for individuals with mental illnesses, but changes in mental health care philosophy, advancements in treatment, and shifts in public policy have led to their closure.

History

The history of mental health care in Massachusetts reflects broader trends in the treatment of mental illness in the United States. The 19th century saw the establishment of the first state mental facilities, inspired by the moral treatment movement, which advocated for compassionate care and the belief that mental illness could be cured. Over time, the state expanded its network of facilities to accommodate a growing population of patients. However, by the mid-20th century, the deinstitutionalization movement, coupled with advances in psychiatric medication, led to a significant reduction in the patient population at these facilities. Many were eventually closed as part of a shift towards community-based care.

List of Defunct Facilities

• Danvers State Hospital - Opened in 1878 and closed in 1992, it was known for its Gothic architecture and its role in the development of psychiatric treatment.
• Northampton State Hospital - Established in 1858 and closed in 1993, this facility was part of the moral treatment movement, emphasizing humane treatment and rehabilitation.
• Westborough State Hospital - Opened in 1886 as the Westborough Insane Hospital and closed in 2010, it was one of the last state mental health facilities to cease operations.
• Worcester State Hospital - Founded in 1833, it was the first state mental hospital in Massachusetts and among the first in the United States. The original buildings were demolished after the hospital was closed in 1991, though some services continue in new facilities.
• Taunton State Hospital - Opened in 1854 and partially closed in 2014, with some buildings still in use for other purposes. It was known for its Kirkbride Plan architecture.
• Foxborough State Hospital - Established in 1889 and closed in 1976, it later became the site of a correctional facility.
• Metropolitan State Hospital - Opened in 1930 and closed in 1992, it was later redeveloped for mixed-use, including residential housing.
• Medfield State Hospital - Opened in 1896 and officially closed in 2003, the property has been used for film locations and is under consideration for redevelopment.

Impact and Legacy

The closure of these facilities has had a profound impact on mental health care in Massachusetts. While the move towards community-based treatment has been beneficial for many, it has also presented challenges, including the need for adequate funding and resources to support outpatient services and community integration. The legacy of these defunct facilities continues to influence discussions on mental health care policy and practice in the state.

See Also

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

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