The University of Washington opened a behavioral health hospital last May, with a price tag of almost 250 million dollars. 

It was built for the long-term care of patients who’ve been involuntarily committed due to struggles with mental health, and expectations for the hospital were high. 

But a shortage of public defense attorneys has kept the 150 beds mostly empty. And the patients the hospital is hoping to take in are often being sent back home.

Seattle Times mental health reporter Jayati Ramakrishnan explains why. 

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Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.

The University of Washington opened a behavioral health hospital last May, with a price tag of almost 250 million dollars.&nbsp;
It was built for the long-term care of patients who&rsquo;ve been involuntarily committed due to struggles with mental health, and expectations for the hospital were high.&nbsp;
But a shortage of public defense attorneys has kept the 150 beds mostly empty. And the patients the hospital is hoping to take in are often being sent back home.
Seattle Times mental health reporter Jayati Ramakrishnan explains why.&nbsp;
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. <a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow" data-stringify-link="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Tap here</a>&nbsp;to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org" data-stringify-link="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-haspopup="menu">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at&nbsp;<a href="tel:2066166746" data-stringify-link="tel:2066166746" data-sk="tooltip_parent">(206) 616-6746</a>&nbsp;or<a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback" data-stringify-link="https://www.kuow.org/feedback" data-sk="tooltip_parent">&nbsp;leave us feedback online</a>.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

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