Mission Statement
As written by the Hospital's founders in 1813

To provide for the suitable accommodation of persons who are or may be deprived of the use of their reason, and the maintenance of an asylum for their reception, which is intended to furnish, besides requisite medical aid, such tender, sympathetic attention as may soothe their agitated minds, and under the Divine Blessing, facilitate their recovery. 

An Environment of Healing

History & Mission:  For 190 years, Friends Hospital has followed the same mission...to provide help to persons who are experiencing mental or emotional health problems.  The word "Friends" refers to the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, with which Friends Hospital is still affiliated. Founded in 1813, as the "The Asylum for Persons Deprived of the Use of Their Reason," the Hospital was the first free standing private institution in the country with the specific mission of caring for people with behavioral health problems. It was also the first institution in the United States to be based on the concept of "moral treatment," emphasizing acceptance and occupation as keys to recovery. (More on Friends History)

Today Friends Hospital still adheres to the principles of the Religious Society of Friends and moral treatment, combining them with a modern medical approach to the treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. Friends Behavioral Health System treats thousands of people each year through its individualized and diversified programs and services for children, adolescents, adults and older adults. The Hospital staff is skilled at treating virtually all psychiatric diagnoses.

Statistics: Friends Hospital continues to provide leadership in treatment for the mentally ill. Friends Hospital today is a behavioral health system which treats more than five thousand inpatients each year through its inpatient programs and seven thousand patients through its Crisis and Admissions Center. Through our various programs we serve children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. The youngest patients currently treated as inpatients at Friends Hospital are 5 years old. There is no upper age limit. The hospital has 192 beds.

Patient Services:

• Children and Adolescent Services, a range of inpatient hospital services for children and adolescents suffering from behavioral and emotional problems.
• Adult Services, an inpatient program for adults ages 18 to 65.  
• Older Adult Services, the first program in the Delaware Valley specifically designed for elderly with a mental illness. 
• The Greystone Program, a long-term residential facility on the main campus in Northeast Philadelphia.
• The Eating Disorders Program for adults and adolescents, both male and female.
• 24-hour nursing care in all units.
• Arrangement with nearby facilities for specialized laboratory tests and x-rays.
• Psychological testing for diagnostic assessment and assistance in treatment.
• Individual and group therapy.
• Expressive therapies including art, movement, music, horticulture and pet therapy.
• Thorough discharge planning provided by social services staff.

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 Copyright © 2000 Friends Hospital. All rights reserved.
Revised: July 19, 2007