---

Description

---

About The Brattleboro Retreat
The Brattleboro Retreat is a notforprofit regional specialty mental health and addictions treatment center that was founded in 1834 We provide a full range of diagnostic therapeutic and rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages and their families Nationally recognized as a leader in the field the Brattleboro Retreat offers a highquality individualized comprehensive continuum of care including

Brattleboro Retreat Mission Statement
Inspired by the courage of our patients the Brattleboro Retreat is dedicated to children adolescents and adults in their pursuit of recovery from mental illness psychological trauma and addiction We are committed to excellence in treatment advocacy educationresearch and community service We provide hope healing safety and privacy through a full continuum of medical and holistic services delivered by expert caregivers in a uniquely restorative Vermont setting

---

History

---

Brattleboro Retreat History
The Brattleboro Retreat was founded in 1834 by a 10000 bequest from Anna Hunt Marsh as attested to in her will

Born in 1769 Anna was the daughter of Jonathan Hunt one of the first settlers in the 3corner area that is now comprised of Northfield MA Hinsdale NH and Vernon VT Jonathan Hunt also served a term as Vermonts Lt Governor

The Brattleboro Retreat was the first facility for the care of the mentally ill in Vermont and one of the first ten private psychiatric hospitals in the United States Each of these institutions which included among others The McLean Asylum in Massachusetts The Hartford Retreat in Connecticut and The Friends Asylum in Pennsylvania followed the example of the York Retreat in York England which based its philosophy on the humane treatment of the mentally ill The philosophy known as moral treatment was patterned on a Quaker concept that represented a daring departure in the care for the mentally ill and was introduced in the late 1700s by William Tuke

The basis of Moral treatment was founded on treating patients with dignity and respect in a caring familylike environment that included meaningful work cultural pursuits wholesome nutrition and daily exercise In support of this philosophy and to emphasize the healthful benefits of physical and emotional well being the Retreat pioneered an impressive list of hospital firsts

first continuous patient newspaper

first attendants training course

first hospital gymnasium

camping programs swimming pools and bowling alley

first selfsufficient dairy farm