Psychiatric Hospitals Reject Urgent Care Patients, Leaving Them Vulnerable to Crisis

BREAKING NEWS Psychiatric Hospitals Turn Away Patients Who Need Urgent Care: Investigation Reveals Alarming Pattern of Neglect In a shocking exposé, ProPublica has uncovered a disturbing trend in which dozens of psychiatric hospitals are turning away patients who require immediate care, leaving them vulnerable to harm. Despite the law requiring these facilities to provide urgent treatment, they are instead discharging patients who are at risk of harming themselves or others. Timeline of Tragedy Melissa Keele's son was one such patient. In May 2023, he was found alone in Colorado's Grand Valley, naked and without his belongings. Keele rushed him to a psychiatric hospital, where he was discharged just 102 minutes later. Since then, her son has cycled through hospitals and jails, struggling with mental health issues that have left him spiraling out of control. Immediate Impact The consequences of these discharges are dire. Patients who require urgent care are being sent back into the community without support or resources, leaving them at risk of further harm. Keele's son is just one example of the devastating impact of this pattern of neglect. Background Context Psychiatric hospitals are supposed to provide a safe haven for patients in crisis. However, an investigation by ProPublica has revealed that many facilities are failing to meet even the most basic standards of care. Despite receiving millions of dollars in funding each year, these hospitals are turning away patients who need urgent attention. What Happens Next As this story continues to unfold, it is clear that immediate action is needed to address this crisis. ProPublica will continue to investigate and expose the truth about psychiatric hospital neglect. In the meantime, Keele's son remains in a desperate struggle for help, highlighting the urgent need for reform. Support and Resources If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, there are resources available. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups and hotlines that can provide immediate assistance. Consult with a healthcare professional before seeking treatment to ensure the best possible outcome. This article describes attempted suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). *This story is developing. Information compiled from Propublica reporting.*