Behavioral Health
The Division of Behavioral Healthcare at the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) ensures access to safe, person-centered care for Rhode Islanders living with mental health and substance use conditions. We oversee a comprehensive, community-based network of care designed to help everyone thrive.
Our Mission & Values
Our mission is to guarantee high-quality, coordinated healthcare services that support recovery, wellness, and full community inclusion. Grounded in the state's motto, Hope, we are driven by the core values of dignity, respect, and person-centered choice.
What We Do
BHDDH serves as the State Mental Health Authority and the Single State Agency for Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Prevention. Our key responsibilities include:
- Licensing & Compliance: Overseeing standards for mental health facilities and substance use disorder treatment programs across the state.
- Community-Based Supports: Funding statewide prevention, outpatient, and recovery initiatives.
- Crisis Intervention Services: Maintaining BH Link, a 24/7 behavioral health facility & triage center, as well as the 988 crisis line.
- Care Navigation:
- Connecting Rhode Islanders to:
- A network of six private, nonprofit licensed Community Mental Health Centers, known as CMHCs, or
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) that offer expanded, accessible outpatient care.
- Connecting Rhode Islanders to:
- Public Resources: Tracking statewide residential and recovery house bed availability electronically through the RI Behavioral Health Open Beds System.