The establishment of America's first insane asylum, the Pennsylvania Hospital, in Philadelphia, represented a transformative moment in the treatment of individuals with mental illness. While the hospital originally opened in 1751, it was in 1773 that the specific wing dedicated to psychiatric care was fully operational, focusing on the humane treatment of the mentally ill. Dr. Benjamin Rush, who later became an influential figure in American psychiatry and a key proponent of reform in mental health treatment, played a critical role in the development of the asylum. He argued for medical intervention and moral support rather than confinement and punishment, which was common at the time.

The asylum was designed to create a safe environment for those suffering from mental disorders, where they would receive compassionate care and treatment. Facilities catered not only to the physical but also the psychological needs of patients. In a significant departure from earlier approaches that often included brutality, isolation, or incarceration, this institution intended to provide a semblance of normalcy and respect to individuals deemed 'insane' by society. The work of Dr. Rush and his contemporaries began to lay a foundation for future psychiatric practices.

This opening highlighted the evolving attitudes toward mental health in the 18th century, as it began to be recognized that mental illness was an issue requiring proper care rather than shameful concealment. The institution also contributed to a growing body of psychiatric literature and research, designed to understand and treat mental illnesses scientifically. Over the subsequent decades, the principles established by Pennsylvania Hospital would influence the founding of other asylums throughout the United States and shape mental health policies.