This report identifies and quantifies the multiple manifest and latent
functions of the state mental hospital, using data collected by the
National Institute of Mental Health. The data reveal a complex institution
providing over 500,000 episodes of care for acute and chronic, voluntarily
and involuntarily admitted inpatients and 300,000 episodes of care for the
most seriously disturbed and disadvantaged outpatients. In addition, state
hospitals employ over 200,000 individuals and train over 3,300
professionals each year. The diversity and significance of these functions,
as well as the failure of other institutions to supplant them, account for
the endurance of the state mental hospital.Abstract Teaser