MASS DC - Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH)

You can support your loved ones at BSH on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 508-279-4500.

The BSH stands as a correctional facility hospital situated at 20 Admin Rd in Bridgewater, MA. Operated by the Department of Corrections, these State Hospitals serve as venues for the evaluation and treatment of inmates sentenced for such purposes. Individuals undergo assessment and treatment before any new evaluation of their stability is undertaken.

Massachusetts DOC medical facilities comprise various housing levels catering to different security needs. These levels include Level I, featuring open dormitories without a secure perimeter, Level II with open dormitories and secure perimeter fences with armed coverage, and Level III offering individual cells, fenced perimeters, and armed coverage.

The medical facilities within BSH encompass a range of specialized services, including a general acute care hospital, correctional treatment center, licensed elderly care unit, in-patient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, and a hospice unit for terminally ill inmates. Additionally, the facility provides housing and treatment for inmates identified with AIDS/HIV, along with general population and other special inmate housing.

For information regarding inmates and visiting hours, individuals may contact 508-279-4500. These facilities prioritize the health and well-being of inmates while maintaining the necessary security measures dictated by their correctional context.

BSH serves as a medium-security facility catering to male patients falling into two primary categories: civil commitments without criminal sentences and pre-trial detainees awaiting competency and criminal responsibility evaluations. Admissions encompass a spectrum of offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, with strict security measures mandated for those posing potential risks to themselves or others under Massachusetts General Law.

Upon entry, each individual undergoes a court-mandated evaluation, typically spanning twenty to forty days. These assessments, conducted by skilled psychiatrists and psychologists, delve into critical areas such as competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and suitability for incarceration. Bridgewater State Hospital's reputation for delivering specialized evaluation services is widely recognized and valued by the state's judicial system.

Following the initial evaluation period, patients may receive further treatment and evaluation if deemed necessary by the court. Commitment periods, ranging from six months to one year, are determined based on court orders. The facility's multi-disciplinary treatment teams oversee assessment and treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs, which may include individual and group counseling, specialized treatment programs, and access to academic and vocational education opportunities.

Beyond treatment, BSH offers structured recreation, leisure activities, and access to general law libraries, aiming to provide a holistic approach to rehabilitation. The institution is dedicated to ensuring the well-being and rehabilitation of its patients while upholding public safety and meeting the mandates of the court system.

In summary, Bridgewater State Hospital plays a crucial role in the Massachusetts judicial system, providing essential evaluation and treatment services for individuals requiring mental health assessment and care within the criminal justice context.