Psychiatric Bed Crisis: A Looming Public Health Catastrophe

In 2024, the Arizona Mad Moms successfully advocated for new legislation aimed at addressing issues related to Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in the state, growing from a small group of advocates to over 400 families. Their efforts resulted in the passage of four significant laws.

Despite claims from the governor and organizations like the ACLU regarding sufficient psychiatric bed capacity, the reality in Arizona tells a different story. The state is replete with private psychiatric facilities catering to voluntarily admitted patients. While these individuals are generally stable enough to seek help, a significant gap remains for those who are dangerously ill, representing a dire need for long-term treatment options.

Arizona’s existing facilities struggle to accommodate individuals with severe SMI who may require extended care. The Arizona State Hospital and other specialized facilities face overwhelming demands, resulting in the state having the fewest hospital beds per capita nationwide. These buildings are often overwhelmed and unable to meet the long-term needs of this population.

Adding to the crisis, state agencies focus on wait times rather than patient outcomes post-discharge. The definition of “stable” continues to shift, placing unmanageable strains on outpatient clinics and law enforcement. As a result, family members—especially mothers—often find themselves as the primary caregivers, filling a void that the healthcare system fails to address.

The hidden nature of this shortage is exacerbated by the incarceration of many SMI individuals, who remain without adequate treatment. This neglect leads to tragic incidents, highlighting the severe consequences of systemic failures in mental health care.

Recent violent events, such as the tragic murder of parents by their mentally ill children, underscore the urgency of this issue. On February 2, 2024, Jim Miller killed his parents after being released from treatment without proper ongoing care. This incident followed previous assaults, yet his clinic failed to monitor or renew necessary treatment protocols.

Similar cases continued throughout 2024, revealing the critical need for consistent support for individuals battling SMI. Lauren Levinson stabbed her parents in June when her clinic abruptly ceased services, while Alejandro Gonzalez committed a horrific act against his mother post-release from jail without adequate psychiatric intervention.

The tragic death of Joshua Fox in December 2023 after being unable to receive proper care for schizophrenia also catalyzed the founding of Arizona Mad Moms. His case epitomizes the dire consequences of inadequate mental health provisions and the repercussions faced by families.

Arizona’s psychiatric bed crisis represents a pressing public health emergency. In 2025, Arizona Mad Moms plan to testify on legislative proposals aimed at improving treatment, services, and supportive housing for those with the most severe psychiatric conditions, urging policymakers to act decisively.

Rachel Streiff, a co-founder of Arizona Mad Moms, emphasizes the urgent need for change in the state’s mental health care system.