Metropolitan State Hospital (Massachusetts)

Metropolitan State Hospital Admin Building

Metropolitan State Hospital
Geography
Location	Waltham, Massachusetts, Massachusetts, United States
Organization
Funding	Public hospital
Type	Psychiatric hospital
History
Opened	1930
Closed	1992

Metropolitan State Hospital was a psychiatric hospital located in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was established in 1930 and served the mental health needs of the region until its closure in 1992. The hospital was part of a broader trend in the early 20th century to create large, state-run psychiatric facilities.

History

The hospital was constructed as part of a movement to provide more humane and effective treatment for individuals with mental illness. It was designed to be a self-sufficient community, with its own farms, power plant, and other facilities. The hospital's design and operation were influenced by the Kirkbride Plan, which emphasized the importance of a therapeutic environment. During its operation, Metropolitan State Hospital was known for its progressive treatment methods, including the use of occupational therapy and recreational therapy. However, like many psychiatric hospitals of its time, it also faced challenges such as overcrowding and underfunding.

Closure

In the late 20th century, there was a shift towards deinstitutionalization, which aimed to provide community-based care for individuals with mental illness. This shift, along with budget cuts and changing attitudes towards mental health care, led to the closure of many state psychiatric hospitals, including Metropolitan State Hospital. The hospital officially closed its doors in 1992.

Current Status

After its closure, the hospital's buildings and grounds were left largely abandoned. In recent years, parts of the property have been redeveloped for other uses, including residential housing and commercial space. Some of the original hospital buildings have been preserved and repurposed, while others have been demolished.

Legacy

Metropolitan State Hospital is remembered as a significant part of the history of mental health care in Massachusetts. Its legacy includes both the advancements in treatment that were made there and the challenges that it faced. The hospital's history is a reminder of the evolving nature of mental health care and the ongoing need for effective and compassionate treatment for individuals with mental illness.

See also

• List of hospitals in Massachusetts
• Deinstitutionalization
• Kirkbride Plan
• Occupational therapy
• Recreational therapy