Western State Hospital Case Study

In the state of Washington there are two state owned hospitals that treat adults with Psychiatric problems. One is in Eastern Washington, Eastern State Hospital and serves the counties on the Eastern Washington. The other serves the Western portion of the state and is Western State Hospital (WSH). Western State Hospital is the larger of the two state hospitals. In fact it is listed on its website as being the largest psychiatric hospital west of the Mississippi River.

Western State Hospital is certified by the Federal Center’s for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It is located near the city of Tacoma in the city of Lakewood, Washington.
Western State Hospital was established in 1871. The site was a military post (Fort Steilacoom)prior

to the establishment of the hospital. The site was later abandoned and was purchased by the Washington Territory (prior to Washington becoming a state) which turned it into an asylum for the insane. It opened in 1871. Other asylums already existed in the territory so its first immates were transferred from other places within the state. Early in the history the care was contracted out to a businessman. The care was so dismal that in 1875 the management of the facilty was transferred to the newly created Medical Superintendent. In 1889 the name was changed from the “Insane Asylum of Washington Territory” to “Western State Hospital.”
Western State Hospital has grown and changed over the last approximately 150 years. When it opened it served 21 patients. A recent census reported that there were 800 patient beds and 1800 employees. Currently ii is divided into two centers: “the
Psychiatric Treatment and Recovery Center”, and “Center for Forensic Services.”

The Psychiatric Treatment and Recovery Center is divided into three areas. One area specializes in older adults. The second area treats those newly admitted and those with acute psychotic symptoms. The third area serves those adults with more chronic psychitric symptoms.

The Center for Forensic Services serves those adults who have been committed there through the Washington law (RCW) 10.77. This client population includes anyone undergoing a determination of their competency to stand trial. Restoration treatment is also provided.

Licensed Psychologists work in varied capactities at WSH including: group therapy, mileu therapy.