Collin Gosselin claims his mother, Kate Gosselin, sent him to a behavioral facility in 2016 to prevent him from discussing alleged abuse and because he refused to participate in her reality television series. Kate Gosselin disputes these claims, stating the placement was a medical necessity for the safety of the family due to her son’s “unpredictable behavior and violent tendencies.”
Why does Collin Gosselin believe he was institutionalized?
According to a September 2025 interview with the US Sun, Collin Gosselin believes his mother’s decision to send him to a behavioral facility was motivated by his refusal to appear on camera. He stated that his “rebellion” involved questioning his mother and declining to be a part of her “circus,” referring to the reality show Kate Plus 8.
Collin suggested that his mother may have been attempting to protect her reputation or simplify the process of obtaining work permits for her other children. “I don’t know what reason it was, whether it was her reputation she was saving… or whether it was the fact that maybe it’s easier to sign a work permit for seven children that are voluntary, instead of seven children that are voluntary and one that’s involuntary,” he told the US Sun.
He also alleged that the institutionalization was a tactic to silence him. Speaking to Dark Side of the 2000s in 2023, Collin claimed he was starting to tell people about what was happening in his home when his mother “caught wind of that” and placed him in a facility to prevent him from sharing secrets.
Collin is one of eight children. The family includes sextuplets Collin, Alexis, Aaden, Leah, Joel, and Hannah, as well as twins Cara and Madelyn.
What is Kate Gosselin’s defense against these claims?
Kate Gosselin has consistently denied Collin’s allegations, attributing his actions to mental health struggles. In a 2023 statement, she noted that her son has “received multiple psychiatric diagnoses over the years.”
She maintained that the decision to place him in a facility followed years of outpatient treatment that proved insufficient. According to her statement, the move was made “for the safety of myself, his brothers and sisters, and for his own well-being.”
Kate has also addressed the claims on social media. In a recent TikTok comment, she stated that “only parents who have a mentally ill child understand,” responding to a follower’s comments regarding the ongoing dispute. She has also declined to participate in a challenge by her son to take a lie detector test regarding allegations that she once locked him in a basement.
How do the two accounts compare?
The conflict between mother and son presents two fundamentally different narratives regarding the events of 2016. While Collin views the period as a targeted effort to control his behavior and silence his testimony, Kate views it as a necessary medical intervention.
| Point of Contention | Collin’s Allegation | Kate’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Reason | To avoid camera issues and silence abuse claims. | To manage unpredictable and violent behavior. |
| Nature of Placement | A way to hide “secrets” from the public. | A necessary step after outpatient treatment failed. |
| Family Impact | Kate blamed him for “breaking” the family during a visit. | Placement was required to protect siblings. |
Legal representative Richard Puleo told the US Sun that he did not believe Kate engaged in any actions intended to “intentionally harm” Collin. Puleo stated that she acted to protect herself and her family from what he described as “troubled behavior.”
How has the institutionalization affected Collin’s life?
Collin spent nearly two years in the facility before his father, Jon Gosselin, obtained sole custody of him in 2018. Collin has claimed that his time in the institution had long-term professional consequences.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Collin alleged that he was discharged from the Marines specifically because of his history with the behavioral facility. “Being in an institution, that’s good enough… to discharge me,” he said.
He is currently preparing to release a memoir titled In the Shadow of Eight through Grand Central Publishing. The book is expected to provide further details regarding his childhood and his allegations against his mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of Collin Gosselin’s memoir?
His upcoming memoir is titled In the Shadow of Eight.
When was Collin Gosselin sent to a behavioral facility?
He was sent to the facility in 2016.
Who has custody of Collin Gosselin?
His father, Jon Gosselin, obtained sole custody in 2018.
What was Kate Gosselin’s reason for the placement?
She stated it was necessary for the safety of the family due to his “unpredictable behavior and violent tendencies.”
If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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