Decades of Neglect: The Tragic History of U.S. Mental Health Systems

Wondering how a tragedy like the recent Macy’s stabbing in New York City could happen—and what it reveals about our mental health system? In this episode of Freud and Felons, I explore the history behind America’s psychiatric care and why so many vulnerable individuals end up on the streets or in jail.

Starting with Kerri Aherne, a woman with schizophrenia who was released from a long-term hospital only to become involved in a violent incident, I take a step back and dive into how JFK and Ronald Reagan shaped our current system, from the Kennedy family’s personal struggles with mental illness to Reagan’s deep federal funding cuts.

Misguided reforms, the rise of antipsychotic medications, and the closure of state hospitals left people with severe mental illness with nowhere to turn, leaving correctional facilities to become the largest providers of psychiatric care.

00:00 Mental Illness and Psychiatric Bed Shortage

05:54 Mental Illness Treatment Challenges

08:54 Kennedy's Mental Health Policy Failures

12:15 We Need Better Asylums

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Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62PGSr4vAXSfMTmc0?si=47023ab180f343e5&nd=1&dlsi=9d8f1f4502e54589

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freud-felons/id1862484242

Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes.

Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses?

Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans?

What does the word psychopath truly mean?

Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story?

Welcome to Freud and Felons.

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Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/