Once, Timberlawn Sanitarium was one of the most famous specialized psychiatric institutions in the United States. Within its walls, many patients found peace of mind and improved health. At the beginning of the 20th century, this psychiatric hospital had a good reputation. It was known for its progressive approach to therapy and a positive attitude toward patients. However, one hundred years later, the story of Timberlawn Sanitarium came to an end due to numerous scandals and accusations of mistreatment of individuals with mental disorders. Learn more at i-dallas.
Establishment and development of Timberlawn Sanitarium
The hospital was founded in 1917 by Dr. James J. Terrill. He transformed a regular house located on the outskirts of Dallas into a specialized psychiatric facility. The doctor chose this location for a reason. He believed that the spacious area with flower gardens and fruit orchards would contribute to comfortable healing.
Initially, Dr. Terrill himself lived in this large two-story house. The rooms on the first floor were reserved for his family, while the second floor housed fifteen of his first patients. By 1925, the institution had significantly expanded. The house was converted into the Women’s Ward, and additional buildings were constructed on the grounds, serving as the residence for Dr. Terrill, a cottage for patients and the Men’s Ward.
Timberlawn Sanitarium reached its popularity in the 1950s. More and more buildings appeared on the grounds of Dallas’s first psychiatric hospital, and the number of patients rapidly increased. Wealthy individuals from different corners of America came to receive treatment at this facility. By the 1990s, Timberlawn Sanitarium housed over 220 new buildings, including a research library, biochemical and behavioral laboratories, as well as numerous administrative offices. At that time, the hospital was regarded as the leading psychological center in the country.
The approach of doctor Terrill
The founder of Dallas’s first psychiatric hospital had his own approach to working with patients. He made every effort to depart from the strict protocols of other psychiatric hospitals that operated in the 19th century. Unlike other medical institutions, Timberlawn Sanitarium provided the most comfortable conditions for people with mental disorders so they could feel at home. Family members were also involved in the treatment process, as Dr.Terrill insisted that the whole family should participate in therapy.
The loyalty and professionalism of Dr. Terrill and his colleagues attracted not only severely ill individuals but also those who simply complained of apathy, nervousness or depression.
Timberlawn Sanitarium was very popular among the rich and other representatives of the elite, as they found not only medical assistance but also psychological support there.
What were the days Like for patients at Timberlawn Sanitarium?
When a person with a mental disorder arrived at the hospital, they underwent a mandatory complete medical examination. Initially, tests were taken, followed by an interview, and only after that did the doctors prescribe medication. Before escorting the patient to their room (which was mostly semi-private), all items that could be used in committing suicide — such as shoelaces, belts, etc.— were confiscated.
Each patient was provided with linen and clothing, so everyone looked equally simple. Their daily routine always remained unchanged: breakfast, walk, medication intake, rest, lunch, attending classes and therapy, dinner, etc. Depending on the level of the patient’s sanity, they were either allowed to be alone or not.
Those patients who had been in the hospital for a long time were quite bored. Therefore, they were allowed to watch television, communicate with each other, play board games, draw, etc. However, this could only be done with the permission of the doctors and at designated times.
To prevent the patients from getting too anxious, the lights were turned off at the same time every day. This helped them fall asleep better, stick to their routine and feel calmer.
Comments on Timberlawn Sanitarium’s activity
For a long time, the first psychiatric hospital in Dallas received only positive reviews. Thousands of former patients claimed that they found the long-awaited peace there. Their condition was understood, and they were supported with consultations and necessary medications. However, over time, that enthusiasm faded away. Most of the negative reviews about the hospital came from teenagers. They complained to their parents about the doctors and the entire medical staff in general.
A local woman named Olivia was a patient at Timberlawn Sanitarium in 2003-2004. At that time, she was one of those labeled as troubled teenagers. She was aggressive, had trouble sleeping, and was prone to conflicts. She recalls her stay in the hospital with horror. She said there was screaming every day. The patients, nurses and even security guards were noisy. However, the most terrifying things occurred at night when the entire staff fell asleep while the girls sneaked into the boys’ wards. It was clear that the chaos happening inside the rooms only caused trauma. Therefore, Olivia asserts that her time at Timberlawn Sanitarium did not improve her mental state, but worsened it.
The scandals that led to the closure of Timberlawn Sanitarium
The Timberlawn Sanitarium psychiatric hospital was acquired by Universal Health Services in 1997. Since then, numerous conflicts have reportedly surrounded the medical facility. However, many claim that it became problematic long before that.
Timberlawn Sanitarium was accused of mistreating underage patients, sexual harassment, and even rape. Once, a patient with a depressive disorder committed suicide after hospital staff violated certain safety protocols.
There were other horrific incidents at the institution. In 2016, one patient killed his psychiatrist right in the hospital. Again, this occurred due to safety violations. Additionally, Timberlawn Sanitarium repeatedly faced issues with medical records and sanitary conditions.
Over time, rumors began to circulate that even those patients who showed no signs of aggression were being forced to take psychoactive medications. It was suggested that this was necessary for the hospital staff to keep the patients quieter.
In light of all these situations, the hospital was closed in February 2018. The official reason was that Timberlawn Sanitarium could not provide adequate medical care because of unqualified medical personnel. The future of the land is unknown. The building could be demolished, but this would forever erase the history of Dallas’s first psychiatric hospital.