Acadia Healthcare, one of the largest chains of psychiatric hospitals in the United States, has seen its revenues and stock price skyrocket in recent years. But a New York Times investigation reveals a disturbing truth: Part of that success comes from the exploitation of vulnerable patients.
Retaining patients for profit, not to cure them
The investigation found evidence that Acadia pressured patients to stay in their facilities, even when they were not medically necessary, to maximize insurance payouts. This practice violates involuntary detention laws, which are designed to protect those who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Examples of unethical practices
In 12 states, dozens of patients, staff, and law enforcement personnel have reported witnessing Acadia detain individuals against their will. Here are some troubling examples:
- A social worker seeking changes to his drug regimen spent six days locked up in a facility in Acadia, Florida.
- A woman seeking therapy was held captive for a week in an Indiana hospital after arriving at an Acadia facility.
- Police raided a hospital in Acadia, Georgia, where 16 patients reported being held “without excuse or valid reason.”
Questionable Tactics to Justify Extended Stays
While most healthcare professionals agree that involuntary suspensions are appropriate for patients in crisis, Acadia appears to prioritize financial gain over patient well-being. Here are some tactics the company uses:
- Exaggerating the symptoms in patients' medical records to convince insurers to allow longer stays.
- Changing drug dosages and using it as justification for extended stays due to “adaptation needs”.
- Denial of release for trivial reasons like unfinished meals.
Consequences for patients
These practices come at a high cost to patients. Many are held captive until their insurance expires, which leads to:
- Lost jobs due to prolonged absences.
- Fear of seeking help in the future due to traumatic experiences.
- Negligence and abuse in some facilities, according to health inspections.
A corrupt system with deep roots
The rise of for-profit health care has created a troubling trend in the mental health industry. Acadia is at the forefront of this shift, replacing nonprofit and government-run facilities that are withdrawing from mental health care.
A call to action
Federal and state authorities have cracked down on similar practices by Acadia and its competitors in the past. However, the problem persists. This investigation highlights the need for stronger regulation and oversight to ensure the well-being of vulnerable patients and prevent such exploitation within the mental health care system.
