Universal Health Services: Former Staff, Psychiatrists Tell of Chaotic Conditions at Psychiatric Institute of Washington

February 26, 2026

Former workers and two former psychiatrists at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) describe chronic understaffing, unsafe and degrading conditions, routine violence, and leadership pressure to prioritize occupancy and insurance billing over patient care.

PIW is owned by Universal Health Services, the large U.S. chain of for-profit psychiatric facilities infamous for putting $$$ before patient care and safety.

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