Governor's Council On Behavioral Health

The Rhode Island Governor's Council on Behavioral Health is the State's behavioral health planning council. It was established by both federal and State law to review and evaluate the needs and problems associated with Rhode Island's services for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

In addition, the Council stimulates and monitors the development, coordination, and integration of these State-wide services. The Council also serves in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the General Assembly. The Governor's Council has 22 Public Members. These members may be behavioral healthcare service providers, consumers of these services, their family members, individuals in recovery from mental illness or substance use disorders, behavioral healthcare advocates or other interested parties. More than half of the members must be consumers of behavioral healthcare services, their family members, advocates or others.

Representatives from State departments are also members, but do not vote. Council meetings are held monthly and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to participate, although they may not vote.