No they were closed nationwide in a push to deinstitutionalize, lead by Californians like Szaz and others. It was felt that the civil rights of the mentally ill were being violated and that everything would be roses once the patient were on their meds in the communities. Outpatient treatment centers were to meet their medications and counseling needs and they would live independently.
This was foisted upon us by ignorant, leftist lawyers who had not a clue of what mentally ill people need or do.
Mentally ill, or just plain people with “problems.” It is hard enough to cure alcoholics. The do-gooders have this myth which has it that human beings are these rational creatures all of whose problems can be solved by having more knowledge. The old adage is, however, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
As Paul put it, more or less. I know what I ought to do but I do not do it. Or I think that what I am doing is not such a bad deal. Or “Who are You to tell Me what to do—directed to parents, teachers, bosses, cops or anyone else in authority. It goes the same for his conscience. I think it was Chesterton who said that if their is any Christian doctrine that has been shown empirically to be true, it is original sin. Cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face.