Montana State Hospital

Montana State Hospital
Montana State Hospital, historic hospital building
Map
Geography
LocationWarm Springs, Montana, United States
Coordinates46°10′51″N 112°47′28″W / 46.18083°N 112.79111°W / 46.18083; -112.79111
Organization
FundingPublic hospital
TypePsychiatric hospital
History
Opened1877
Links
Websitemsh.mt.gov
ListsHospitals in Montana

Montana State Hospital is located in Warm Springs, Montana, just off of I-90 near Anaconda, Montana.

The hospital is the only publicly operated psychiatric hospital in the state. It was founded by the territorial government in 1877. The hospital was once Montana's largest unincorporated community. Its peak census was in 1954 when the facility housed 1,964 patients.

Montana State Hospital, modern facilities

Today the census averages under 200 patients, primarily placed by civil court commitment action. The facility also includes a forensic unit for individuals who have either been found mentally ill or are undergoing evaluation while unfit to proceed. Exceptionally violent patients may also reside on the forensic unit regardless of criminal charges. The hospital is no longer licensed by the State of Montana and certified for participation in the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, due to issues with State inspections.

The hospital grounds include a large cemetery, home to at least 3260 graves. The hospital severely restricts access so these graves have not been photographed nor completely listed.

References