Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)

About Us

The RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH) is the second largest department in the state with more than 1,100 employees working in three divisions: Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and the state hospitals: Eleanor Slater Hospital (ESH) for medical care located on two campuses, Cranston and Burrillville, or the Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital (RISPH) in Cranston.

BHDDH provides services to approximately 50,000 Rhode Islanders, and their loved ones, who are living with mental illness and/or substance use conditions, have developmental disabilities, or need Long Term Acute Care in one of the state hospitals. In addition, BHDDH administers funds which support a statewide network of prevention and mental health promotion initiatives.

Mission

BHDDH ensures equitable access to high-quality, person-centered, and safe services for individuals who have differing intellectual/developmental abilities, mental health/substance use disorders, or are in the care of our state facilities. 

Vision

BHDDH envisions a future where all Rhode Islanders with behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities live and thrive inclusively in supportive communities and have access to quality rehabilitative outpatient and hospital levels of care when necessary.

Values

BHDDH remains true to a set of core values which are embodied in the state’s motto: Hope. Promoting and inspiring hope for good health, a safe home, a supportive community, and living a purposeful life. These four pillars support the department's foundational values of dignity, respect, person-centered choice, and accountability.