robbins psychiatric hospital

Robbins Psychiatric Hospital opened its doors to its first patient in 1880 in order to alleviate local county almshouses, which were overflowing with the mentally ill. Within a few short months, over 500 patients called the asylum home. Robbins was the first hospital of its respective state constructed using the “Cottage” plan, multiple buildings for different uses instead of one massive building housing everything under one roof. Tunnels underground provided ways to transport patients and for workers to move from building to building without needing to emerge into the weather above ground.

The hospital generally frowned on use of physical restraints and instead focused on a method of treatment known as “moral therapy” during this time. Basically a patient was allowed as much freedom and priviledge as his or her condition would permit. Patients would work at various jobs within the asylum, and enjoyed amusement activities. By the year 1897 Robbins Psychiatric Hospital had more than 2000 patients.

The 1930s and 40s brought new treatment options- shock therapy, lobotomies, and coma therapy. Medications were introduced in the early 1950s, when the patient population had surpassed 4000. This was the height of the hospital’s usage as the new medications allowed for patients to be once again placed back into the community. By 1973 only 1700 patients remained. The hospital remains open to this day, with abandoned structures dotting the campus.