MINNEAPOLIS — A new study shows many patients in Minnesota’s psychiatric hospital units don’t need to be there.

The research performed by the Wilder Foundation shows that roughly one in five psychiatric patients should be moved out. The study found that hospitals could make room for new patients if there were more room available at other facilities like community hospitals or long-term treatment centers.

High demand and a shortage of beds for psychiatric services has been a major problem for years in Minnesota. The study was commissioned by the Minnesota Hospital Association.

Dr. Rahul Koranne, the association’s chief medical officer, tells KSTP-TV (http://bit.ly/2b3P8OD) that mental and behavioral health is the state’s biggest crisis. Department of Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper says the study will help a task force studying mental health.