Investigations unveil systemic failures and violations in Acadia Healthcare’s operations in order to increase profits by scamming insurance companies
Acadia Healthcare Under Legal Fire for Alleged Unlawful Patient Detentions
Acadia Healthcare, a prominent operator of psychiatric hospitals across the United States with many in the Midwest and 7 in Illinois, has come under intense scrutiny following a New York Times investigation that revealed the company has been detaining patients against their will, often without medical justification. The investigation, led by reporters Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Katie Thomas, uncovered disturbing practices at Acadia facilities, where patients seeking routine mental health care found themselves locked in psychiatric units involuntarily. These revelations have raised significant concerns about the company’s operations and its impact on vulnerable individuals.
Allegations of Unlawful Detentions Across Multiple States
The New York Times’ investigation, based on records from 12 of the 19 states where Acadia operates, uncovered that the company has been reported for unlawfully detaining patients in numerous instances. These reports, provided by patients, employees, and law enforcement officers, suggest that Acadia has been engaging in practices that violate state laws and patient rights. The investigation highlighted cases where individuals who sought emergency mental health care were instead transferred to Acadia facilities, where they were confined without clear medical necessity.