The COVID-19 pandemic has begun affecting behavioral health facilities across the United States, with several patients and staff members testing positive for the virus. Two patients and a staff member at a psychiatric hospital in the Seattle area, as well as a physician at a New Jersey state psychiatric hospital, have been diagnosed, highlighting the vulnerability of behavioral health settings to the coronavirus outbreak. These cases are among the first widely reported diagnoses in U.S. psychiatric facilities.
Western State Hospital Reports Positive Cases
At Western State Hospital in suburban Lakewood, Washington, one patient developed a fever on Sunday, March 15, following surgery at an acute care hospital in Pierce County. After returning to Western State Hospital, the patient tested positive for COVID-19. According to Kelly Von Holtz, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Health and Human Services, a second patient at the hospital has also tested positive. Both patients were treated at different wards within the facility.
Western State Hospital, which has 850 beds and employs 2,500 staff to serve approximately 770 patients, has implemented strict measures to prevent further spread of the virus. Employees have been instructed to stay home if they feel ill or have a fever. Additional safety protocols include daily patient screening, suspending visitation, preventing patients from leaving hospital grounds except for essential medical appointments, and requiring staff to complete health forms and temperature checks before entering the facility.
The employee who tested positive has not been at work since March 8 and has reportedly recovered. Behavioral Health Business reached out to Western State Hospital for comment, but the facility had not responded at the time of publication.
As of 1:00 pm CST on March 22, Washington state reported 1,996 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 95 deaths, the highest number of coronavirus fatalities in any U.S. state at that time.
New Jersey Psychiatric Hospital Reports Physician Case
Meanwhile, New Jersey health officials confirmed that a physician at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Parsippany tested positive for COVID-19. The hospital houses 450 beds within its main building, as well as an additional 60 beds in cottages on its grounds. According to Deborah Hartel, the deputy commissioner of Integrated Health Services for New Jersey, the doctor was asymptomatic while at work and is currently not hospitalized. Patients and staff at Greystone Park are being monitored closely, though no additional symptoms have been reported.
As of 11:30 am CST on March 23, New Jersey had confirmed 2,844 cases of COVID-19 and 27 deaths, showing a rapid increase in cases statewide.
Risks in Behavioral Health Settings
Behavioral health facilities face unique challenges in controlling infectious diseases. Patients often live in close quarters, interact frequently with staff and peers, and may have underlying health conditions that increase their susceptibility to COVID-19. Psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers, in particular, must balance the need for therapeutic interaction with the necessity of infection control.
Staff members are at high risk due to their direct contact with patients and the intensive nature of care delivery. Any lapse in infection control measures can quickly lead to the spread of the virus among both patients and employees. Daily screenings, limiting visitor access, and isolating symptomatic individuals are critical strategies to minimize transmission.
Measures to Protect Patients and Staff
Hospitals across the behavioral health sector are adopting enhanced safety protocols to protect patients and staff. These measures include:
- Daily temperature checks and symptom screening for all employees and patients
- Limiting or suspending visitation to reduce exposure risk
- Restricting patient movement off hospital grounds except for essential medical needs
- Enforcing strict hygiene practices, including handwashing and sanitization
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with patients
- Implementing telehealth where possible for assessments, therapy sessions, and consultations
In addition to these steps, facilities are training staff to recognize early signs of COVID-19 and respond swiftly to potential cases. Communication with local and state public health authorities ensures that hospitals receive guidance on the latest protocols and reporting requirements.
The Role of Telehealth
Telehealth has become a vital tool for behavioral health providers during the pandemic. By offering virtual consultations, therapy, and psychiatric assessments, hospitals can reduce in-person interactions and minimize the risk of spreading the virus. Telehealth also allows facilities to continue providing essential services to patients who may be isolated due to quarantine or infection control measures.
Broader Implications for the Behavioral Health Industry
The reported cases at Western State Hospital and Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital underscore the importance of preparedness in behavioral health settings. With COVID-19 spreading rapidly across the country, facilities must implement robust infection control measures to protect patients, staff, and the broader community.
These incidents also highlight the need for increased resources and support for behavioral health facilities, including access to testing, PPE, and guidance from public health authorities. As the pandemic evolves, behavioral health providers may face increased demand for services while simultaneously contending with staff shortages due to illness or quarantine.
Recommendations for Behavioral Health Facilities
Experts recommend several strategies to help behavioral health hospitals manage the risks associated with COVID-19:
- Establish a dedicated infection control team to monitor and respond to emerging cases
- Implement comprehensive staff training on infection prevention and safety protocols
- Ensure access to adequate PPE and sanitization supplies
- Develop contingency plans for staff shortages, including cross-training and flexible scheduling
- Use telehealth and remote monitoring to maintain patient care while minimizing contact
- Communicate clearly with patients, families, and staff about new policies and safety measures
Looking Forward
As COVID-19 continues to impact communities nationwide, behavioral health hospitals must remain vigilant. Early detection, strict adherence to safety protocols, and innovative use of technology are essential to mitigating the spread of the virus within these facilities. By taking proactive measures, hospitals can continue to provide critical care to patients while protecting the health of staff and the community at large.
The cases at Western State Hospital and Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital serve as a reminder that behavioral health settings are not immune to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Ongoing vigilance, resource allocation, and adaptation of care practices will be crucial in safeguarding both patients and staff during the pandemic and beyond.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 diagnoses at U.S. psychiatric hospitals highlight the unique risks faced by behavioral health facilities. With close patient contact and communal living arrangements, these hospitals are particularly vulnerable to viral outbreaks. Strict infection control measures, proactive staff training, telehealth implementation, and clear communication are essential to minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in these settings. As the pandemic unfolds, behavioral health providers will need to continue adapting to protect patients, staff, and the broader public, ensuring the continuity of essential mental health services during this unprecedented health crisis.
