Why We Need to Bring Back Compassionate State Hospitals For The Mentally Ill
Nov 01, 2023, 05:00 PM
In the wake of another tragic mass shooting in the United States, an important question emerges: Are we truly equipped to keep individuals struggling with severe mental illness safe, both from themselves and society? This pressing query was the focal point of a thought-provoking discussion on the "Hidden Killers" podcast, featuring host Tony Brueski and psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott. Their conversation delved into the complexities surrounding the treatment of the mentally ill, the closure of state hospitals, and the need for comprehensive reform in mental health care.
The dialogue commenced with Tony Brueski pondering the historical context of mental health care in the United States. He questioned whether we might be better off if we revisited the concept of state hospitals in a modern, humane way. These facilities, once both notorious for inhumane treatment and celebrated for their effective care, have largely disappeared from the American landscape.
While acknowledging that some state hospitals were indeed horrifically inhumane, the discussion centered on whether a well-regulated, compassionate, and modernized system could replace them. Brueski argued that these institutions, when well-maintained, could serve as a means to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals grappling with severe mental illness.
Shavaun Scott, a psychotherapist and author with extensive experience in working with mentally ill individuals, echoed the sentiment that compassionate care for those with severe mental illness is essential. Drawing from her personal experiences, Scott emphasized that mental illness, particularly psychosis, should be recognized as a biological brain disease rather than a personal failing. She advocated for comprehensive understanding and treatment of these conditions, challenging the stigmatization and misinformation that often prevail.
The conversation turned to the closure of state hospitals in the past, attributing it to both instances of abuse within the system and a lack of funding for the envisioned community-based mental health programs. While the original plan aimed to channel individuals into smaller, well-supported community programs, the lack of funding left these initiatives unfulfilled. The result was a gap in mental health care that endures to this day.
Scott pointed out that despite the existence of county mental health departments, they are often understaffed and overwhelmed, lacking the resources needed to meet the demands of millions of individuals in need. The podcast underlined that government mandates for mental health care often lack the necessary funding and infrastructure to implement effectively.
In response to Tony Brueski's inquiry regarding potential solutions, Shavaun Scott suggested that strengthening county services for individuals who can be supervised in the community is a viable approach. This could involve creating more group homes and residential treatment community homes, all of which require the oversight of dedicated case managers and access to appropriate medications to alleviate symptoms and prevent dangerous outcomes.
However, Scott acknowledged that some individuals with severe mental illness may not be manageable in these settings and may require more intensive care. She argued that there is no reason not to establish compassionate state hospitals that provide the necessary care and support for such individuals, emphasizing that the knowledge and expertise exist to create these institutions successfully.
In conclusion, the "Hidden Killers" podcast episode invites a critical examination of the state of mental health care in the United States. The conversation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform and investment in the treatment of individuals with severe mental illness. While the closure of state hospitals in the past may have been prompted by valid concerns, it has left a void in mental health care that requires immediate attention. The challenge lies in finding a balanced approach that combines community-based care with the revival of well-regulated, compassionate state hospitals, ensuring that no one is left to fend for themselves in the shadows of society.
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The dialogue commenced with Tony Brueski pondering the historical context of mental health care in the United States. He questioned whether we might be better off if we revisited the concept of state hospitals in a modern, humane way. These facilities, once both notorious for inhumane treatment and celebrated for their effective care, have largely disappeared from the American landscape.
While acknowledging that some state hospitals were indeed horrifically inhumane, the discussion centered on whether a well-regulated, compassionate, and modernized system could replace them. Brueski argued that these institutions, when well-maintained, could serve as a means to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals grappling with severe mental illness.
Shavaun Scott, a psychotherapist and author with extensive experience in working with mentally ill individuals, echoed the sentiment that compassionate care for those with severe mental illness is essential. Drawing from her personal experiences, Scott emphasized that mental illness, particularly psychosis, should be recognized as a biological brain disease rather than a personal failing. She advocated for comprehensive understanding and treatment of these conditions, challenging the stigmatization and misinformation that often prevail.
The conversation turned to the closure of state hospitals in the past, attributing it to both instances of abuse within the system and a lack of funding for the envisioned community-based mental health programs. While the original plan aimed to channel individuals into smaller, well-supported community programs, the lack of funding left these initiatives unfulfilled. The result was a gap in mental health care that endures to this day.
Scott pointed out that despite the existence of county mental health departments, they are often understaffed and overwhelmed, lacking the resources needed to meet the demands of millions of individuals in need. The podcast underlined that government mandates for mental health care often lack the necessary funding and infrastructure to implement effectively.
In response to Tony Brueski's inquiry regarding potential solutions, Shavaun Scott suggested that strengthening county services for individuals who can be supervised in the community is a viable approach. This could involve creating more group homes and residential treatment community homes, all of which require the oversight of dedicated case managers and access to appropriate medications to alleviate symptoms and prevent dangerous outcomes.
However, Scott acknowledged that some individuals with severe mental illness may not be manageable in these settings and may require more intensive care. She argued that there is no reason not to establish compassionate state hospitals that provide the necessary care and support for such individuals, emphasizing that the knowledge and expertise exist to create these institutions successfully.
In conclusion, the "Hidden Killers" podcast episode invites a critical examination of the state of mental health care in the United States. The conversation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform and investment in the treatment of individuals with severe mental illness. While the closure of state hospitals in the past may have been prompted by valid concerns, it has left a void in mental health care that requires immediate attention. The challenge lies in finding a balanced approach that combines community-based care with the revival of well-regulated, compassionate state hospitals, ensuring that no one is left to fend for themselves in the shadows of society.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com