Austin State Hospital
Encyclopedia
Austin State Hospital formerly known as the State Lunatic Asylum, is the oldest psychiatric hospital
in the state of Texas
, operated by the Texas Department of State Health Services
. Established by the Legislature
in 1856, it commenced operations in 1861 with twelve patients. The name was changed in 1925.
The Hospital is the subject of a history by Sarah C. Sitton, Life at the Texas State Lunatic Asylum 1857 - 1997, published by the Texas A&M University Press in 1999 as Number 82 in the Centennial Series.
The Austin State Hospital (ASH) mission is "partnering to find solutions toward wellness." The 299-bed facility is located in the heart of Austin, Texas. Innovative programs such as Peer Support and "SHAC at ASH" are helping bridge the gap between inpatient and outpatient treatment. By partnering with NAMI-Austin, SHAC, and other organizations that share the ASH mission, the hospital is creating new opportunities for patients to build social networks and hope for recovery.
Austin State Hospital's Volunteer Services Council (VSC) is a 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children at the hospital. The VSC conducts fundraisers, solicits donations and helps build community awareness about mental illness and the role of Austin State Hospital in the treatment of mental illness.
Psychiatric hospital
Psychiatric hospitals, also known as mental hospitals, are hospitals specializing in the treatment of serious mental disorders. Psychiatric hospitals vary widely in their size and grading. Some hospitals may specialise only in short-term or outpatient therapy for low-risk patients...
in the state of Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, operated by the Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas Department of State Health Services is a state agency of Texas. The department was created by House Bill 2292 of the 78th Texas Legislature in 2003 through the merging of four state agencies: the Texas Department of Health, Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Texas...
. Established by the Legislature
Texas Legislature
The Legislature of the state of Texas is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Texas. The legislature is a bicameral body composed of a 31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. The Legislature meets at the Capitol in Austin...
in 1856, it commenced operations in 1861 with twelve patients. The name was changed in 1925.
The Hospital is the subject of a history by Sarah C. Sitton, Life at the Texas State Lunatic Asylum 1857 - 1997, published by the Texas A&M University Press in 1999 as Number 82 in the Centennial Series.
The Austin State Hospital (ASH) mission is "partnering to find solutions toward wellness." The 299-bed facility is located in the heart of Austin, Texas. Innovative programs such as Peer Support and "SHAC at ASH" are helping bridge the gap between inpatient and outpatient treatment. By partnering with NAMI-Austin, SHAC, and other organizations that share the ASH mission, the hospital is creating new opportunities for patients to build social networks and hope for recovery.
Austin State Hospital's Volunteer Services Council (VSC) is a 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children at the hospital. The VSC conducts fundraisers, solicits donations and helps build community awareness about mental illness and the role of Austin State Hospital in the treatment of mental illness.