A Dramatic Shift in Psychiatric Care

A new study from Columbia University and Johns Hopkins reveals a startling trend in inpatient psychiatric care: large for-profit chains are taking over, while public hospital beds are dwindling. From 2011 to 2023, the overall number of psychiatric beds has remained static, but the landscape of who owns those beds has transformed significantly.

The Statistics Speak Volumes

The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found that the share of beds in standalone psychiatric facilities—those dedicated solely to mental health care—rose from 65% to 74%. Alarmingly, the ownership of these facilities has shifted dramatically. In 2011, only 11% of standalone psychiatric beds were associated with large for-profit chains. Fast forward to 2023, and that number has skyrocketed to 27%. Meanwhile, beds owned by government facilities have plunged from 64% to 48%.

Expert Opinions on the Change

Adam Sacarny, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia Mailman School, highlights the implications of this shift: "Psychiatric beds are increasingly located in hospitals focused solely on mental health—and those providers are now predominantly for-profit." Karen Shen, Ph.D., the study's lead author from Johns Hopkins, notes potential benefits but warns of emerging safety and quality concerns associated with these larger chains.

A Closer Look at the Data

To arrive at these findings, researchers scrutinized data from 2011 to 2023, using the Healthcare Cost Report Information System (HCRIS) to identify and categorize freestanding psychiatric hospitals. This analysis underscores that the rise of for-profit chains isn't merely a reaction to policies like the Affordable Care Act but signifies a fundamental change in psychiatric care delivery.

What's Next for Psychiatric Care?

The research invites urgent questions about the future of psychiatric care in America. As for-profit facilities expand, will the quality and accessibility of care diminish, or can specialized hospitals provide better services for the mentally ill? This ongoing transformation warrants close examination to ensure that mental health services are delivered safely and effectively.