The recent article about Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health shed a light on the dangers of inpatient facilities. Having worked at an inpatient hospital, I have the unique experience of knowing they are not all bad. The article written by Buzzfeed depicts Shadow Mountain as an unethical and unsafe place for patients. I agree that the methods appear detrimental to the patients mentioned. I have also witnessed success stories from inpatient admissions. The pros and cons listed below have been simplified. The realities are much more complex. Numerous psychiatric facilities are guilty of being understaffed and engaging in unethical admissions. The common factor seems to be actions motivated by money. Until corporations like UHS are willing to redistribute their wealth and put patient care ahead of income, I do not see any significant improvements in the future.
Pros:
- Keep people from being a danger to themselves.
- Keep people from being a danger to others.
- Provide intensive treatment not otherwise available.
Cons:
- Potentially dangerous restraints.
- Undertrained staff in dangerous situations.
- Suicidal patients exposed to violent patients.
