NAICS 6222

Psychiatric & Substance Abuse Hospitals

Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals provide inpatient treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. NAICS 6222 industry overview and market analysis.

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 6222 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
232K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
751
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$16.1B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$69,194
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$29.1B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, classified under NAICS 6222, are specialized inpatient facilities dedicated to treating patients with mental health disorders, psychiatric conditions, and substance use disorders. These establishments provide 24-hour care including diagnostic evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, group therapy, and medical detoxification services in a controlled residential environment. This industry segment represents a critical component of the mental health care delivery system, serving patients who require intensive, structured treatment that cannot be adequately provided in outpatient settings or general hospital psychiatric units. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals operate under strict regulatory frameworks including state licensing requirements, The Joint Commission accreditation standards, and Medicare/Medicaid certification, ensuring quality care and patient safety standards are maintained throughout treatment programs.

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Industry Trends

01

Increased integration of psychiatric hospitals within larger health systems and community mental health networks, reflecting a shift toward coordinated care models and reduced fragmentation in behavioral health delivery.

02

Growing adoption of telepsychiatry and digital mental health tools to expand clinical capacity, improve access to specialist psychiatrists, and support remote therapy sessions alongside inpatient care.

03

Rising focus on dual diagnosis treatment programs addressing the co-occurrence of mental illness and substance use disorders, driven by the ongoing opioid crisis and recognition of high comorbidity rates.

04

Expansion of specialized treatment tracks for adolescents and geriatric populations, addressing specific age-related behavioral health needs and demographic shifts in demand patterns.

05

Increasing emphasis on discharge planning, peer support services, and stepped care protocols to reduce readmission rates and transition patients to appropriate lower-level care settings.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 6222? ▾
NAICS 6222 encompasses psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, which are establishments primarily engaged in providing inpatient diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and care services to individuals with psychiatric and substance use disorders. These facilities operate as distinct specialty hospitals or distinct units within general hospitals, providing intensive behavioral health services under medical supervision. They are distinguished from outpatient mental health clinics and general acute care hospitals by their focus on inpatient psychiatric care and their specialized treatment environment.
What types of treatment programs do psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals typically offer? ▾
These facilities commonly offer acute psychiatric inpatient programs for depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder; substance abuse detoxification and rehabilitation programs; dual diagnosis treatment addressing co-occurring mental illness and substance use; crisis stabilization units for acutely suicidal or psychotic patients; and specialized programs for adolescents, geriatric patients, or specific disorders such as eating disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder. Most programs include medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and discharge planning services.
How do psychiatric hospitals generate revenue and what are major payers? ▾
Revenue derives primarily from patient services billed to Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, and self-paying patients. Medicare represents a substantial portion of revenue, particularly for geriatric patients, while Medicaid varies significantly by state and covers a substantial percentage of psychiatric hospitalizations. Private insurance coverage varies by plan, and uninsured/underinsured patients often present significant revenue collection challenges for these facilities.
What regulatory requirements govern psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals? ▾
Facilities must comply with state mental health licensing standards, Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs), state substance abuse treatment regulations, and accreditation standards from bodies such as The Joint Commission. They must maintain required physician staffing including medical directors, comply with involuntary commitment laws, follow documented treatment planning procedures, and adhere to strict patient safety and quality reporting requirements including adverse event reporting.
How is the psychiatric hospital industry impacted by mental health workforce shortages? ▾
The industry faces significant challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and experienced behavioral health clinicians due to competitive pressures from other healthcare sectors, higher compensation in outpatient settings, and emotional demands of inpatient psychiatric care. This shortage directly impacts capacity, increases operational costs through premium staffing agencies, and may affect treatment quality and patient safety outcomes.

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