Mental health exploitation: how Acadia hospitals profit by unnecessarily retaining patients
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…
