The Availability and Effectiveness of Residential Treatment for Persistent Mental Illness

We surveyed residential treatment centers (RTCs) providing 24-hour supervision for people with mental illnesses or substance abuse and estimate that there are approximately 4.75 beds per 100,000 people in the United States-a number that is significantly lower than that found in some European countries. We also identified 42 private RTCs specifically designed for the rehabilitation of young adults with persistent mental illnesses, and the characteristics of these programs are summarized in this article. Furthermore, we estimate that the number of beds in the United States available for 24-hour supervised care, whether in public or private hospitals or in residential centers, is approximately 34.8 per 100,000, which is significantly below some estimates of the need for these services. Although the literature on this subject is sparse, we also provide a brief review on the efficacy of residential treatment and describe experience with an initial cohort treated at Clearview Communities, a residential rehabilitation center in Maryland for adults with various mental disorders.