Division of Developmental Disabilities
Barriers for individuals living with a disability is discrimination.
Remember, disability is not inability and it's not a weakness; it's a sign of a unique strength.
Every day, people with disabilities navigate a world full of barriers—some visible, some invisible—and in doing so, they show resilience, creativity, and courage that inspires us all. Their strength isn’t measured by conforming to society’s standards, but by the ability to adapt, persevere, and shine in their own way.
Inclusion doesn't just mean access—it’s about recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths each person brings. When we shift our perspective, we see disability not as a limitation, rather a reminder that strength comes in many forms. Celebrate everyone's individual strength.
Hospital News
Eleanor Slater Hospital
ESH is dedicated to understanding and addressing the most pressing health and wellness concerns for the communities we serve. ESH undertook a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for its service area. The goal of the CHNA is to monitor the health of community members and to identify common and unique challenges across the region. The CHNA informs the development of a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to address identified priority needs and align community investments with the highest needs. Read it here.
RI State Psychiatric Hospital
Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital (RISPH) is led by Dr. Irina Beyder and 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 Unit
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
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 25th from 10am - 2:00pm. This is a safe, convenient, and responsible way of disposing prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Click here for a listing of locations you can safely dispose of your prescriptions and over the counter drugs.
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.
Looking for Help?
Many Rhode Islanders are hurting following the tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. Gov McKee has launched a statewide virtual support hub offering mental health services, domestic violence resources, and additional guidance for those in need. Visit: Governor.RI.gov/SupportHub
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.
