CVH opened in 1868 as the State’s public hospital for the treatment of persons with mental illness. Throughout its history, it has experienced the multitude of medical, social and political changes affecting such facilities. All of the services provided by CVH are designed with the concept of “Recovery to Wellness” as their operational framework.  Recovery is a process of restoring or developing a positive and meaningful sense of identity apart from one’s condition and then rebuilding one’s life in the fullest sense.  Recovery is an individualized patient-centered approach. Achieving and maintaining an optimal state of health and wellness is integrated in our recovery approach.  Individuals acquire and practice life skills that will assist them in their recovery process. Almost all of the programs offered today have a statewide constituency and most patients are admitted upon referral and evaluation for admission.