‘We Just Don’t Give Up’

When Psychiatric News asked Robert Kurtz, M.D., medical director of Chestnut Lodge, if he would be willing to comment about the hospital’s probable closing.

“It is a real calamity, a real tragedy, the closure, because Chestnut Lodge represents something very fine in mental health. We have a very dedicated staff. They have been tremendous in their devotion, and it has been all the more evident during these past few months. They have held the ship steady, containing patients’ anxieties, as well as their own about Chestnut Lodge closing. . . . In fact, people even volunteered to forego their last paychecks if that would help Chestnut Lodge survive its financial crisis.

“But I also want to say what Chestnut Lodge has been about over the years. We have worked with the severely ill generally, those who need longer-term treatment, and often when it wasn’t working out for them elsewhere, they would be referred here. I think that’s what attracted me. I came here in 1972 after I trained at Johns Hopkins and had come down for a symposium. [The symposia] were always remarkable affairs—people talked about their work with patients, it was so individualized, and really, that has continued. We celebrate individuality. I think we have the training to be able to engage patients, and we convey a belief in, and an acceptance of, them. And in doing that, it is very reassuring to them. . . . [W]e see a future for them, and they begin in time to pick up on that themselves. These are patients who really felt abandoned years ago; we have been there for them.”

Kurtz also discussed Chestnut Lodge’s approach toward medication, since the institution was once known for shunning its use. “We had been very careful about not using medications before because we had been concerned about it detracting from the relatedness. But we found out that wasn’t the case. So, there has really been an openness to different ideas in Chestnut Lodge over the decades. . . .

“Yet, if we are not able to make it—either through closing or if another outfit purchases Chestnut Lodge, but does not want to continue using our philosophy of care—there is a cadre of staff here that is considering rebuilding, coming back for another day. There is also interest around the country in what we are about. We are not so different from our patients; we are rather chronic and stubborn and idealistic. We just don’t give up!”