History of Friends Hospital
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A Journey Through Time
Located on a beautiful 100-acre campus, Friends Hospital, the nation’s oldest private psychiatric hospital, continues to offer a quiet refuge where healing has taken place for nearly two centuries. Friends Hospital offers a continuum of care including level of care assessments; specially designed inpatient units for adolescents, adult and older adults; and a private residential rehabilitation program.
Founded by Quakers
Friends Hospital founded by the Quakers and originally called “The Asylum for Persons Deprived of the Use of Their Reason.
Pet Therapy
As a forerunner to pet therapy, small animals such as rabbits and lambs are introduced into patients’ exercise areas as testing had shown that such animals are familiar and comforting.
First Greenhouse
Friends Hospital builds its first greenhouse to enhance its commitment to the art and science of horticulture.
First Female Physician
Anna Broomall, M.D., joins the staff as a consulting doctor, making Friends Hospital among the first to accept women psychiatric physicians.
First Institutional Gym
Friends Hospital opens the nation’s first institutional gymnasium.
First Two-Year Training School
One of the first two-year training schools for nurses who wished to specialize in mental health opened on the Friends Hospital campus. It was unique for including certifications in both general and psychiatric nursing. The first class of two men and four women graduated in 1896.
Hygeia Building
The Hygeia Building (named for the Greek goddess of health) is built specifically to offer hydrotherapy as a treatment alternative. Hygeia also housed a natural science museum, photography room and nurses’ quarters.
Bonsall and Tuke
Bonsall and Tuke Buildings are completed, allowing the hospital to provide care for 192 individuals.
Friends Accredited by APA
Friends Hospital becomes accredited as a training site by the American Psychological Association.
Greystone Program
The Greystone Program, a residential treatment program for adults, opens on hospital grounds.
National Historic Landmark
Friends Hospital is designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Recovery-Oriented Inpatient Unit
Friends Hospital designs and opens Philadelphia’s first recovery-oriented inpatient unit.
FIRST at Friends
The FIRST at Friends clinical model is implemented.
200-year Anniversary
Friends Hospital kicks off its 200-year anniversary celebration.
Help is a phone call away.
We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide a confidential mental health assessment for you or your loved one. Call us at 800-889-0548, visit our facility, or message us to get started. In the case of a medical emergency or crisis, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.