Norfolk Regional Center

The Norfolk Regional Center is a psychiatric hospital located in Norfolk, Nebraska. It is operated by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and is one of three regional centers in the state.

The hospital was established in 1888 as the State Hospital for the Insane. Over the years, it grew in size and at its peak, it housed over 1300 patients. In 1920, its name was changed to the Norfolk State Hospital.

The Norfolk Regional Center has a long history of providing care for individuals with mental illness. In the early years, patients were admitted for various reasons, including domestic trouble, financial issues, and even homesickness. The hospital was a self-sufficient community, with patients and staff involved in farming, dairy operations, and other tasks.

Throughout the years, the hospital expanded its facilities to accommodate the growing patient population. Treatment methods evolved, with the introduction of recreational and occupational therapy, as well as more controversial practices such as electroconvulsive therapy and insulin shock therapy.

In recent years, the Norfolk Regional Center has focused on the initial treatment of sex offenders. It currently operates as a 120-bed facility for this purpose.

The Norfolk Regional Center plays a crucial role in providing psychiatric care in Nebraska. It continues to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of the community it serves.