Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center

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Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center (CTPHC) is a secure forensic psychiatric hospital in Jessup, Maryland. It holds about 289 beds and provides maximum, medium, and minimum security units for people involved with the legal system.

History and purpose
The hospital was created by Maryland law on May 5, 1959, with construction costing about $3 million. It opened on January 12, 1960. It was originally called The Maximum Security Hospital and was renamed Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center to honor Dr. Clifton T. Perkins, Maryland’s first Commissioner of Mental Health. Dr. Jacob F. Morgenstern was the first superintendent. The hospital’s job is to diagnose, evaluate, and treat court-committed, penal, and transferred patients, focusing on forensic psychiatric care and a gradual path back to the community.

Who it helps
CTPHC serves people connected to the legal system, including those accused of crimes who raise Not Criminally Responsible defenses or whose Competency to Stand Trial is in question. It also treats individuals adjudicated NCR or Incompetent to Stand Trial and accepts inmates from other facilities who need involuntary commitment or who exhibit violent behavior.

Recent events and leadership
In 2024, a Washington Post report highlighted serious internal issues at the hospital, including abuse allegations, a riot, a murder, and a rape. Maryland’s Secretary of Health said she had been misled during investigations. In 2025, new leadership under CEO Dr. Aliya Jones introduced a Strategic Plan with five core pillars: Restore Safety, Stability, & Trust; Strengthen Workforce Engagement & Development; Modernize Operations & Infrastructure; Elevate Clinical Excellence & Recovery-Oriented Care; and Rebuild Public Confidence & Transparency.

What the hospital aims for
The hospital is part of Maryland’s Department of Health and is known as Maryland’s maximum-security forensic psychiatric hospital. Its long-term goal is to become a nationally recognized center for safe, high-quality forensic mental-health care, with a Just Culture, strong transparency, and ongoing engagement with patients, staff, and the community. A notable fact: in 2010, Maryland’s population center was reported to be in the hospital’s northern parking lot.