Nellie Bly uncovered significant issues with the admission and release processes at the asylum, highlighting the lack of proper oversight and the arbitrary nature of these procedures. One major problem she identified was the ease with which individuals could be committed to the asylum; often, it relied on vague or baseless claims rather than thorough assessments of their mental health. For instance, Bly noted that a person could be admitted simply based on an accusation from a family member or a friend without sufficient evidence or evaluation.
Additionally, Bly indicated complications in the release process, where patients could be retained indefinitely without a clear path to discharge or rehabilitation. This lack of accountability led to many individuals being trapped in the asylum, reflecting an overall disregard for their rights and well-being. Her investigative reporting aimed to bring attention to these systemic failures, advocating for reforms to ensure fair treatment of those with mental health issues.