Division of Developmental Disabilities
July was Disability Pride Month and we were fortunate to celebrate the talents of the Access Point RI community at their Disability Pride Month Art Show & Concert. The art & music were both wonderful - every participant displayed their talents. We truly enjoyed the event & thank Access Point for a memorable celebration. It was truly wonderful!
Hospital News
Eleanor Slater Hospital
Eleanor Slater Hospital (ESH) is a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH), which specializes in the treatment of patients with serious medical conditions. Services include:
- Physical, Occupational, Recreational, Speech and Respiratory Therapies
- Ventilator Care
- Acute Brain Injury Care
- Comprehensive Psychiatric Services
RI State Psychiatric Hospital
Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital (RISPH) is licensed for 53 beds with implemented systems that ensure a high standard of treatment and safety. RISPH is led by Dr. Irina Beyder and is fully accredited by The Joint Commission, which reflects the high quality of services provided by our dedicated and professional staff. The average length of stay at the Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital has been reduced from two years to five months, expanding statewide access and reducing per-patient costs.
BHDDH Forensic Division
The Forensic Division is led by BHDDH Deputy Director Dr. Louis Cerbo. BHDDH established a Forensic Division in 2025. This division oversees court-ordered competency evaluations and coordinates treatment for individuals who have been deemed by the court system as not competent to stand trial.
This structure has expanded community-based treatment options for justice-involved individuals, successfully diverting many from costly state hospitalization, resulting in a more accessible, cost-effective, and community-focused model of care.
Division of Behavioral Health
International Overdose Awareness Day 2026
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) will be observed on Monday, August 31, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of this global campaign to end overdose.
The day honors the lives of those lost to overdose, supports families and communities affected by overdose, and raises awareness of evidence-based prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies while working to reduce stigma. Across RI, community events, vigils, and outreach activities are planned.
Check here for more information for ways you can recognize IOAD.
Certified Community Health Center Info
A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) is an outpatient clinic that is certified by the State of Rhode Island to offer expanded behavioral health services, like mental health support, substance use services, and 24/7 mobile crisis response. CCBHC's serve anyone who walks through the door, regardless of age, diagnosis, or insurance status.
You can also call 988 (available 24/7) to help you during a difficult time.
Who We Are
BHDDH is Rhode Island’s second largest state department, with more than 1,200 employees, touching the lives of more than 50,000 Rhode Islanders.
What We Do
We license and oversee a large network of providers that offer services for MH, SUD, DD. We operate the only LTACH Hospital in the state, and the state’s Psychiatric hospital.
Get Help
If you are in a non-emergency crisis, call/text 988. BH Link also offers confidential behavioral health services.
BH LINK- For confidential support and to get connected to care:
Visit their 24-hour/7-day Triage Center:
975 Waterman Ave., East Providence, RI
Licensing / Report Suspected Abuse
Join our team - BHDDH is Hiring!
We’re seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. If you or someone you know is looking for an opportunity to make an impact, check out our open positions by scanning the QR code.
