Western State Hospital, psychiatric hospital in Lakewood, Washington, United States
Western State Hospital is a large psychiatric hospital in Lakewood, Washington, with over 800 beds serving patients with serious mental illnesses. The facility is organized into four specialized units: one for adults admitted voluntarily or through court order, one for older adults, one for patients with criminal justice involvement, and one for children under 18.
The hospital was founded in 1871 as Fort Steilacoom Asylum on the grounds of a former US Army post. Original buildings were removed in 1886 and replaced in 1887 with a larger psychiatric facility that expanded continuously over the following decades.
The hospital is located in Lakewood and is easily accessible from nearby cities, making it convenient for patients, families, and professionals. The grounds are expansive with marked walkways, but public access is limited since this is a secure medical facility.
Actress Frances Farmer, a well-known film performer from early Hollywood, was one of the facility's most famous patients and is often cited as an example of harsh mental health treatment in the past. Her story remains widely discussed today and helps illustrate how psychiatric care has changed.
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