Friends Hospital, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the nation's oldest private psychiatric hospital. It was established in 1813 by the Quakers. Originally named The Asylum for the Relief of Persons Deprived of the Use of Their Reason, it was later called the Frankford Asylum for the Insane.

This institution is notable as the first private mental hospital in the United States and remains the oldest facility with a continuous history of operation.

Mission and Philosophy

The hospital's original mission from 1813 was to provide suitable accommodation and tender, sympathetic attention to persons deprived of the use of their reason, aiming to facilitate recovery under divine blessing.

Today, Friends Hospital continues under this mission, integrating modern principles of wellness and recovery in psychiatric care.

Services and Treatment Approach

The hospital offers comprehensive psychiatric services for adolescents, adults, and seniors. It focuses on equipping patients with tools to understand and manage their illnesses.

Treatment starts with a thorough evaluation, followed by a comprehensive plan to stabilize acute psychiatric symptoms. This plan forms the basis for an individualized aftercare strategy supporting community reintegration.

Helping patients achieve and maintain balance and accomplishment is central to the pathway to wellness and recovery.

The guiding principles are based on original "moral treatment" tenets such as:

Non-judgmental acceptance
Individual responsibility
State-of-the-art treatment modalities
Gentle support

Location and Facilities

Situated on a 100-acre campus in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia, Friends Hospital provides a serene environment described as a rural oasis within an urban setting.

The campus, dating back to its founding, is a National Historic Landmark, highlighting its significance in mental health care history.

Additional Programs

Besides its main facility, Friends Hospital operates the Greystone Program, a long-term community residence for individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

This program offers a supportive living environment where some residents choose permanent residence while others transition to less structured settings.

Locations

Philadelphia, PA, USA - Main campus and primary location

With nearly 200 years of history, Friends Hospital remains dedicated to providing compassionate and effective psychiatric care, evolving continuously to meet diverse patient needs.

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