Division of Behavioral Healthcare Overview

BHDDH is recognized by the federal and state governments as the State Mental Health Authority, the Single State Agency for Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Prevention and the State Opioid Treatment Authority. The program objectives of the Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) are to support the grantees in carrying out plans for providing comprehensive community mental health services. The MHBG program is authorized by section 1911 of Title XIX, Part B, Subpart I and III of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (PDF | 253 KB).

The program objectives of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPTBG) are to help plan, implement, and evaluate activities that prevent and treat substance abuse. The SAPTBG is authorized by section 1921 of Title XIX, Part B, Subpart II and III of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (PDF | 253 KB). The Public Health Service (PHS) Act required the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create regulations as a precondition to making funds available to the states and other grantees under the SAPTBG. 

Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 96 was published on March 31, 1993, and The Tobacco Regulations for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant; Final Rule, 61 Federal Register 1492 (PDF |259 KB) was published on January 19, 1996 

BHDDH is the State Opioid Treatment Authority required by the federal government in 42 CFR Part 8 – 8.2. 

Bill Signing Celebrates Behavioral Health Investments

BHDDH Director Richard Charest looks on as Governor Dan McKee signs legislation and highlights a budget that strengthens our state’s behavioral health care system. These investments will improve care and save lives. Thanks also to all the legislative sponsors and advocates who helped make this happen. Read more at Governor McKee Highlights New Budget, Legislative Investments in Rhode Island’s Behavioral Health Care System | Governor's Office, State of Rhode Island (ri.gov).