The particular site in Provo was some eight blocks from the nearest residence and was separated from the city by swampland and the city dump. The message this reveals about the prevailing attitudes regarding mental illness is unmistakable. From its origin the purpose of the Hospital was to treat the mentally ill and to return them to a normal level of functioning.
In spite of their best efforts, however, in its early days the facility was little more than a human warehouse. In fact, by the population at the hospital was over 1, patients. Over the years, tremendous advances in psychiatric medicine have changed the role of the Hospital to one of very active and successful treatment and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, the Hospital is no longer the primary deliverer of mental health services in Utah; this role changed with the creation in , of community mental health centers. Now residents throughout Utah can receive mental health services in their own community. The Hospital has changed its role from the only mental health treatment facility into a supporting role for the community mental health centers.
Treatment is provided to patients ranging from age six years to geriatric age. Specialized programs are offered for children, adolescents, forensic and adult residents.
Since the Hospital has received full accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, certifying the high quality of the Hospitals environment and treatment programs. Our History. Difficult Times From its origin the purpose of the Hospital was to treat the mentally ill and to return them to a normal level of functioning. Today, it is truly a Hospital in every sense of the word.
