Facility profile Texas

San Marcos Treatment Center

Formerly The Brown Schools at San Marcos (1940 to 2005), Brown Psychiatric Hospitalsource

Open San Marcos, Texas

San Marcos Treatment Center is a residential treatment center in San Marcos, Texas, operated by Universal Health Services (UHS). It has operated since 2005.

About San Marcos Treatment Center

All units merged in 1974 to become San Marcos Treatment Center.source First of the Brown Schools, which purchased CEDU Schools in 1998.source It was run by Brown Schools.source It was run by Psychiatric Solutions Inc.source

It cost about $26,000 per month.source Stays lasted 6 to 12 months.source 65-acre campus with 13 living units.source Brown Hall Unit opened 1953.source Hillview Unit constructed 1960.source

Also drawn on: Psychiatric Solutions 10-K FY2009, properties table, 2010.

Survivor testimony

What people who lived or worked here say happened. Survivors' own words are published with their permission; forum accounts are what was posted publicly and are reported as claims, not findings.

Reported on survivor forums

Timeline

From the records: who ran it and the deals that moved it, its names, and the deaths, incidents, inspection findings, lawsuits and news stories on file. Point at an event, or tap "More about this", for the details.

20052008201020122021202220242025202620052026

  1. 2005

    1. Opened

      Opened in San Marcos, Texas

  2. 2008

    1. IncidentSeptember 2008

      Injury

      In September 2008 a resident was reportedly thrown onto a bed twice while play-fighting with a staff member and another resident, broke his neck and was paralyzed.

      Injury September 2008

      source

  3. 2010

    1. OwnershipNovember 15, 2010

      Universal Health Services (UHS): Bought Psychiatric Solutions, adding its 94 behavioral health facilities

      Psychiatric Solutions Inc and Universal Health Services ran San Marcos Treatment Center on either side of the deal.

      Universal Health Services (UHS): Bought Psychiatric Solutions, adding its 94 behavioral health facilities November 15, 2010

      UHS announced the deal on May 17, 2010, paying $2 billion in cash and taking on $1.1 billion of PSI debt. It completed the acquisition on November 15, 2010. After closing UHS ran 25 acute care hospitals and 102 behavioral health facilities and schools, and PSI brought 94 facilities. ProPublica reported that the combined company would be the largest US operator of inpatient psychiatric care.

      source 1, source 2

  4. 2012

    1. IncidentJune 23, 2012

      Arrest

      On June 23, 2012 patients broke windows and threatened staff and a police officer; six were identified as inciting the riot and arrested on riot charges.

      Arrest June 23, 2012

      source

    2. IncidentJune 23, 2012

      Runaway

      On June 23, 2012 a teenage boy tried to run away and was found nearby by a staff member.

      Runaway June 23, 2012

      source

  5. 2021

    1. Inspections

      State inspectors recorded a serious finding

      Self-harm.

      State inspectors recorded a serious finding

      Oct 11, 2021: Hand sanitizer was left accessible to a child in care who then ingested the hand sanitizer.

      Read the findings

  6. 2022

    1. Inspections

      State inspectors recorded 3 serious findings

      Restraint or seclusion causing injury, physical abuse or assault, medical neglect.

      State inspectors recorded 3 serious findings

      Mar 8, 2022: A staff member’s actions were noted to have presented a genuine threat of substantial harm from physical injury to the child when the staff member placed the child in an inappropriate restraint.

      Mar 8, 2022: A staff member’s actions were noted to have escalated a situation, which ultimately resulted in at least one child in care being inappropriately restrained.

      Jan 12, 2022: A child in care did not receive medical care as needed for an injury when the child had an incident on 1/8/22 of punching walls and did not have an X ray of his hand until 1/11/22, where it was discovered the child had a fractured finger.

      Read the findings

  7. 2024

    1. Inspections

      State inspectors recorded a serious finding

      Physical abuse or assault.

      State inspectors recorded a serious finding

      Jul 4, 2024: During the review of this investigation, interviews reported that a staff member slapped a child in care during a restraint.

      Read the findings

  8. 2025

    1. Inspections

      State inspectors recorded a serious finding

      Self-harm.

      State inspectors recorded a serious finding

      Sep 17, 2025: This allowed the child to be exposed to contraband and swallowed 2 magnets while off unit.

      Read the findings

  9. 2026

    1. Inspections

      State inspectors recorded a serious finding

      Physical abuse or assault.

      State inspectors recorded a serious finding

      Jul 31, 2026: One staff member admitted to pushing a child in a playful way and also using profanity as they talked to a child about their behaviors and another staff member admitted to tossing a shoe at a child to wake them up.

      Read the findings

As The Brown Schools at San Marcos

1940 to 2005 | The Brown Schools

Nothing on record is dated to these years yet.

As San Marcos Treatment Center

from 2005 | Universal Health Services (UHS)

Serious violations

Physical abuse or assault Inspected Jul 4, 2024

During the review of this investigation, interviews reported that a staff member slapped a child in care during a restraint.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: High

Restraint or seclusion causing injury Inspected Mar 8, 2022

A staff member’s actions were noted to have presented a genuine threat of substantial harm from physical injury to the child when the staff member placed the child in an inappropriate restraint.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: High

Physical abuse or assault Inspected Jul 31, 2026

One staff member admitted to pushing a child in a playful way and also using profanity as they talked to a child about their behaviors and another staff member admitted to tossing a shoe at a child to wake them up.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: Medium High

Physical abuse or assault Inspected Mar 8, 2022

A staff member’s actions were noted to have escalated a situation, which ultimately resulted in at least one child in care being inappropriately restrained.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: Medium High

Self-harm Inspected Sep 17, 2025

This allowed the child to be exposed to contraband and swallowed 2 magnets while off unit.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: Medium High

Self-harm Inspected Oct 11, 2021

Hand sanitizer was left accessible to a child in care who then ingested the hand sanitizer.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: Medium High

Medical neglect Inspected Jan 12, 2022

A child in care did not receive medical care as needed for an injury when the child had an incident on 1/8/22 of punching walls and did not have an X ray of his hand until 1/11/22, where it was discovered the child had a fractured finger.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: High

Incidents on record

  1. September 2008 Injury

    In September 2008 a resident was reportedly thrown onto a bed twice while play-fighting with a staff member and another resident, broke his neck and was paralyzed.source

  2. Lawsuit

    The paralyzed resident's parents sued San Marcos and parent company Psychiatric Solutions Inc. in Alaska Superior Court; the case moved to federal court seeking at least $100,000 compensatory damages plus punitive damages.source

  3. June 23, 2012 Arrest

    On June 23, 2012 patients broke windows and threatened staff and a police officer; six were identified as inciting the riot and arrested on riot charges.source

  4. June 23, 2012 Runaway

    On June 23, 2012 a teenage boy tried to run away and was found nearby by a staff member.source

Staff

Notable staff

Incidents on record

  1. Abuse

    Survivors report physical, sexual and emotional abuse, violent restraints, solitary confinement, forced manual labor, communication restrictions and food deprivation.source

  2. Investigation

    The Citizens Commission on Human Rights International filed several complaints against the program calling for its closure, without success.source

Videos

Abuse At The Treatment Center at San Marcos, Texas Watch on YouTube

Staff

Administration

  • Lorine Brown

    Foundersource

  • Robert Rodriguez

    Child Care Administrator and Behavioral Analystsource

Notable staff

Licensing and inspections

Licensed as
San Marcos Treatment Center; Greater San Marcos Youth Council
License category
General Residential Operation
Licensed capacity
265
License expires
2003-04-01
Licensing action
Full Permit
Phone on file
(512) 396-8500
Licensed addresses
120 Bert Brown St, San Marcos, TX 78666; 1406 N I 35, San Marcos, TX 78666

54 inspection reports on file. Search all Texas reports

The newest 25 reports, by date: 25 findings in 25 reports
  1. Jul 31, 2026 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks

      One staff member admitted to pushing a child in a playful way and also using profanity as they talked to a child about their behaviors and another staff member admitted to tossing a shoe at a child to wake them up.

  2. May 28, 2026 748.1335 - Initial Service Plan-Complete the initial service plan within 45 days after admission
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium Low : 748.1335 - Initial Service Plan-Complete the initial service plan within 45 days after admission

      It was determined that 2 children's initial service plans were completed 126 days late.

  3. Feb 27, 2026 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being

      A child was able to enter the restroom and shower with another child. The staff did not see or know two children were in the shower together for duration of 12 minutes which is when checks are to be conducted by staff. One child admitted to seeing and touching of their private parts while in the shower.

  4. Feb 12, 2026 748.151(3) - Operational responsibilities - Maintain current, true, accurate, and complete records
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.151(3) - Operational responsibilities - Maintain current, true, accurate, and complete records

      During the review of the documents provided in this investigation there were several documents that were not filled out completely.

  5. Jan 11, 2026 748.1005 - Child/caregiver ratio-Each group must have enough caregivers for that group who are not caring for other children or doing administrative work
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.1005 - Child/caregiver ratio-Each group must have enough caregivers for that group who are not caring for other children or doing administrative work

      It was observed during the walk through of the Unit One staff with 7 children and another staff with 3 children.

  6. Jan 10, 2026 748.1005 - Child/caregiver ratio-Each group must have enough caregivers for that group who are not caring for other children or doing administrative work
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.1005 - Child/caregiver ratio-Each group must have enough caregivers for that group who are not caring for other children or doing administrative work

      It was observed during the walk through of the Unit One staff with 7 children and another staff with 3 children.

  7. Oct 27, 2025 748.2151(c)(6) - Medication record - must include name & signature of person who administered each medication
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.2151(c)(6) - Medication record - must include name & signature of person who administered each medication

      During the inspection three medication logs were reviewed and two of the logs were missing signatures next to the over the counter medication.

  8. Oct 23, 2025 748.930(b)(2) - Annual Training- Caregivers must have 2 hrs trauma informed care.
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.930(b)(2) - Annual Training- Caregivers must have 2 hrs trauma informed care.

      While reviewing staff files it was found that staff are only taking 1 hour of Trauma Informed Care annually.

  9. Sep 17, 2025 748.685(c)(1) - Caregiver responsibility - be aware of children's habits, interests, and any special needs including supervision
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.685(c)(1) - Caregiver responsibility - be aware of children's habits, interests, and any special needs including supervision

      A child in care was allowed to attend school and be off unit due to a miscommunication from nursing staff to Direct Care staff regarding the child's Safety Plan. This allowed the child to be exposed to contraband and swallowed 2 magnets while off unit.

  10. Aug 11, 2025 748.303(a)(11)(A) - Serious Incident-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after awareness that a child contracts reportable communicable disease
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.303(a)(11)(A) - Serious Incident-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after awareness that a child contracts reportable communicable disease

      A child in care tested positive for a communicable disease and it was not reported to the hotline until after the required timeframe.

  11. Mar 6, 2025 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks

      In interviews with 4 staff and 3 children, it was determined that a staff member would curse at and threaten children in care.

  12. Mar 6, 2025 748.2303(a) - Corporal Punishment-May not use/threaten corporal punishment, such as hitting/spanking, forced exercise, holding physical position, unproductive work.
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 748.2303(a) - Corporal Punishment-May not use/threaten corporal punishment, such as hitting/spanking, forced exercise, holding physical position, unproductive work.

      It was determined through interviews with 4 staff and 3 children that a staff would threaten children with restraints and corporal punishment.

  13. Feb 19, 2025 748.1003(a) - Child/caregiver ratio-Caregiver may care for 5 children if any require tx svcs, 8 children if not; children under 5 yrs old count as 2 children
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.1003(a) - Child/caregiver ratio-Caregiver may care for 5 children if any require tx svcs, 8 children if not; children under 5 yrs old count as 2 children

      Through interviews it was found that a staff member was left to supervise 11 residents for an hour during awake hours.

  14. Dec 31, 2024 748.126(b) - All employees and caregivers must be aware of and follow your policies and procedures
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.126(b) - All employees and caregivers must be aware of and follow your policies and procedures

      During an investigation it was determined a staff member failed to review each hygiene box to assure all hygiene items are accounted for, and verify the absence of contraband. Due to this oversight a child was able to use a toothbrush to make a weapon.

  15. Dec 6, 2024 745.4151(c)(5)(D) - Drug testing procedures-Preserve the privacy and rights of the person tested
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 745.4151(c)(5)(D) - Drug testing procedures-Preserve the privacy and rights of the person tested

      The operation does not have the drug test results for hired employees as this is only documented on a log, actual results are not located in staff file.

  16. Dec 6, 2024 745.4151(c)(5)(B) - Drug testing procedures-Drug testing will use one of these drug-testing methods: certified lab, appropriate testing kit or other comparable method
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 745.4151(c)(5)(B) - Drug testing procedures-Drug testing will use one of these drug-testing methods: certified lab, appropriate testing kit or other comparable method

      Drug testing kit was expired, and drug kit manual does not have proven rates that false positive results are below 2 percent, and false negative results are below 8 percent as required by policy.

  17. Sep 30, 2024 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being

      It was determined a child was on 5 minute checks and staff did not check on the child timely allowing the child to self harm.

  18. Aug 22, 2024 748.935(a)(2) - Annual Training Timeline-Each person must complete the required annual training during each subsequent 12-month period
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.935(a)(2) - Annual Training Timeline-Each person must complete the required annual training during each subsequent 12-month period

      When reviewing training records, 5 out of 10 files reviewed did not have normalcy training completed annually and trauma informed training was missing 1/2 an hour annually.

  19. Jul 4, 2024 748.2303(a) - Corporal Punishment-May not use/threaten corporal punishment, such as hitting/spanking, forced exercise, holding physical position, unproductive work.
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 748.2303(a) - Corporal Punishment-May not use/threaten corporal punishment, such as hitting/spanking, forced exercise, holding physical position, unproductive work.

      During the review of this investigation, interviews reported that a staff member slapped a child in care during a restraint.

  20. Mar 5, 2024 748.453(c) - Unauthorized Absence - Annual summary logs should be available to Licensing for review and reproduction, upon request.
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.453(c) - Unauthorized Absence - Annual summary logs should be available to Licensing for review and reproduction, upon request.

      The operation had not been completing an annual summary log of unauthorized absences as required by standards prior to this incident.

  21. Dec 7, 2023 748.2203(c) - Medication Error-Operation must meet documentation requirements within 24 hrs
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.2203(c) - Medication Error-Operation must meet documentation requirements within 24 hrs

      5 medication errors were not documented as required within the 24 hour period.

  22. Oct 11, 2023 748.303(a)(2)(A) - AP Serious Incdt-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after injury/illness that warrants treatment by a medical professional or hospitalization
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.303(a)(2)(A) - AP Serious Incdt-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after injury/illness that warrants treatment by a medical professional or hospitalization

      An x-ray concluded that a child in care had a fractured finger, and the injury was not reported to the hotline until after the required timeframe.

  23. Aug 21, 2023 748.1003(a) - Child/caregiver ratio-Caregiver may care for 5 children if any require tx svcs, 8 children if not; children under 5 yrs old count as 2 children
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.1003(a) - Child/caregiver ratio-Caregiver may care for 5 children if any require tx svcs, 8 children if not; children under 5 yrs old count as 2 children

      After the review of video footage, it was observed in the common room that there were 12 children to 2 staff members.

  24. Mar 30, 2023 748.685(c)(1) - Caregiver responsibility - be aware of children's habits, interests, and any special needs including supervision
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.685(c)(1) - Caregiver responsibility - be aware of children's habits, interests, and any special needs including supervision

      Staff was not properly informed of supervision levels regarding children in care.

  25. Nov 8, 2022 748.685(a)(5) - Caregiver responsibility - being able to intervene when necessary to ensure child's safety
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 748.685(a)(5) - Caregiver responsibility - being able to intervene when necessary to ensure child's safety

      During the course the investigation, it was determined a caregiver failed to intervene timely during an altercation which resulted in minor injuries to a child in care.

Connections on the network map

The companies, people and programs our research map ties to this program. Open it on the network map.

Documents

Documents on file (1)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (1)

Research that mentions this program

The whole research library

From the Unsilenced archive

327 documents about San Marcos Treatment Center that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their whole folder: San Marcos Treatment Center.

Documents (327)

Wiki entries

Materials and links

External links

Government records

Survivor posts and discussion

Other links

Record updated . Generated from the Kids Over Profits facility database. Suggest a correction