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Jan 1, 1300
St. Mary of Bethlehem
The world's first and oldest institution to specialize in the mentally ill and well known for its notorious cruelty and inhumane treatment of it residents. In that day mental illness was contributed to evil possessions. Religion not science played the main role in treating the mental ill. -
Care for the mentally ill in America
The Quakers in Philadelphia were the first in America to make an organized effort to care for the mentally ill. The newly-opened Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia provided rooms in the basement complete with shackles attached to the walls to house a small number of mentally ill patients. -
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Rush, is known as the father of American Psychiatry, Rush believed that mental diseases were caused by irritation of the blood vessels in the brain. His treatment methods included bleeding, purging, hot and cold baths, and mercury, and he invented a tranquilizer chair and a gyrator for psychiatric patients. -
Philippe Pinel
Pinel was the chief physician and director of the Bicêtre asylum; there he observed the abuses that plagued the patients. Pinel was able to put into practice better treatment for the mentally ill, who were commonly kept chained in dungeons. Pinel petitioned that their chains be removed and allow the patients to exercise in open air. When these steps proved to be effective, he was able to change the conditions and treatment and slow down additional illnesses. -
The Eastern Lunatic Asylum
The Eastern Lunatic Asylum was opened in Lexington, Kentucky, as the first mental institution west of the Appalachian Mountains. It still operates today under the name, Eastern State Hospital. -
Dorothea Lynde Dix
Dorothea's views about the treatment of the mentally ill were radical at the time. The popular belief was that the insane would never be cured and living within their dreadful conditions was enough for them.Dorothea Dix has been described as "the most effective advocate of humanitarian reform in American mental institutions during the nineteenth century. -
Friedrich Nietzsche
A German philosopher of the late 19th century who challenged the foundations of Christianity and traditional morality. He was interested in the enhancement of individual and cultural health, and believed in life, creativity, power, and the realities of the world we live in, rather than those situated in a world beyond. -
Clifford Beers
After spending time in a Connecticut asylum and expeiencing horrific abuses a young Clifford enter a lifelong battle to improve the mental health care system. Due to his efforts to end the stigma and inhuman treatment associate with mental illness, Mr. Beers is considered the founder of the modern mental health movement. -
Mental Health America
Mental Health America facilitated the creation of more than 100 child guidance clinics in the United States aimed at prevention, early intervention and treatment. Founded in 1909 by Clifford W. Beers,
“Cast from shackles which bound them, this bell shall ring out, hope for the mentally ill and victory over mental illness” -
The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996
The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 was a great victory, barring insurance companies and large self-insured employers from placing annual or lifetime dollar limits on mental health coverage. -
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History of Psychology
