Official State of Rhode Island website

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Department of , Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals , State of Rhode Island

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 1,200 employees working in four divisions. Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, Forensics, and the State Hospitals: 

  • Eleanor Slater Hospital (ESH) for medical care located on two campuses, Cranston and Burrillville
  • 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.

Photo of Barry Hall in Cranston, RI