Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH) is a medium-security facility in Massachusetts that houses male patients in two categories: civil commitments without criminal sentences and pre-trial detainees sent for competency and criminal responsibility evaluations by the court.
The hospital has a long and controversial history, dating back to its opening in 1855. Over the years, it has faced numerous allegations of abuse and neglect of its inmates, leading to calls for reform and increased scrutiny.
Despite its troubled past, Bridgewater State Hospital remains an important institution in Massachusetts’ criminal justice system.
It is one of only two facilities in the state that offer inpatient psychiatric care to inmates, and it plays a critical role in evaluating the competency of defendants to stand trial.
However, the hospital’s treatment methods and conditions have been the subject of ongoing debate, with some critics arguing that it is inhumane and ineffective. As such, Bridgewater State Hospital continues to be a topic of public interest and concern.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 392 |
| Physical Address | 20 Administration Rd., Bridgewater, MA 02324 |
| Mailing Address | 20 Administration Rd., Bridgewater, MA 02324 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Sunday: 8:00 am-4:00 pm Monday – Tuesday: 1:00 pm-9:00 pm Friday: 1:00 pm-9:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am-4:00 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone number | (508) 279-4500 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and History
Bridgewater State Hospital is a correctional facility located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. It is situated at 20 Administration Road, Bridgewater, MA 02324. The facility is easily accessible by public transport, making it convenient for visitors to reach.
The history of Bridgewater State Hospital dates back to 1855 when it was established as a state almshouse. Over the years, the facility has undergone several changes, including being redesignated as the State Primary School in 1866 and then as a hospital for the criminally insane in 1899.
Today, Bridgewater State Hospital is a medium-security facility that serves as a treatment center for mentally ill inmates who have been convicted of crimes. The facility is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and is staffed by a team of experienced medical professionals.
The hospital has a long history of providing mental health treatment to inmates, and it is renowned for its innovative programs and services. It has also been the subject of several investigations and reports, including a 2016 report by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that highlighted the need for improved patient care and safety.
In recent years, Bridgewater State Hospital has undergone significant renovations and upgrades to improve patient care and safety. These improvements include the construction of a new treatment center, the installation of state-of-the-art security systems, and the hiring of additional staff.
Treatment and Staff
Bridgewater State Hospital provides mental health treatment to patients who are either committed by the courts or transferred from other correctional facilities.
The hospital has a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses who are responsible for providing care to the patients. The staff is trained to treat patients with serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
The hospital offers a range of treatment options to patients, including medication management, individual and group therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The treatment approach is tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.
The hospital also provides education and support to patients to help them manage their mental illness and improve their quality of life.
The hospital’s clinical approach is based on evidence-based practices and is guided by the principles of recovery-oriented care. The hospital uses a multidisciplinary team approach to treatment, which involves collaboration between psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses.
The hospital also provides training and education to staff to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest treatment approaches and best practices.
The hospital’s staff is committed to providing high-quality care to patients. They work closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that are tailored to meet their unique needs.
The staff is trained to recognize and respond to signs of distress and to provide appropriate interventions to prevent the escalation of symptoms. The hospital also has a system in place to monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
In addition to providing treatment to patients, the hospital also has a strong focus on promoting health and wellness. The hospital provides patients with access to a range of health services, including medical care, dental care, and nutrition counseling. The hospital also provides education and support to patients to help them make healthy lifestyle choices.
Inmate Population
Bridgewater State Hospital houses a diverse population of inmates, including male patients, civil commitments, criminal sentences, pretrial detainees, and those undergoing criminal responsibility evaluations. The facility has a capacity of 392 beds and is a medium-security level.
According to a report by the Massachusetts Department of Correction, as of June 2021, the prison population at Bridgewater State Hospital was 208. Of these, 196 were male inmates, and 12 were female inmates.
The majority of these inmates were civil commitments, with 142 individuals falling under this category. There were 42 criminal sentences, 14 pre-trial detainees, and 10 undergoing criminal responsibility evaluations.
The report also notes that the average age of male inmates at Bridgewater State Hospital was 43 years old, and the average age of female inmates was 37 years old. Additionally, the report shows that the population at the facility has been steadily increasing over the past few years.
It is important to note that the population at Bridgewater State Hospital is constantly changing, with inmates being admitted and released regularly. The facility also provides additional inmate information, including visitation guidelines, mail and package policies, and phone call rules, which can be found on their official website.
Contacting an Inmate and Visiting Schedules
Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH) allows family and friends to visit inmates, but all visitors must follow certain rules and regulations.
If you want to visit an inmate, you must first fill out a visitor application form. You can download the form from the Massachusetts Department of Correction website or get it from the facility. Once you complete the form, you can mail it to the address provided on the form.
If you want to contact an inmate, you can send them a letter. All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband, so make sure to follow the rules for sending mail to an inmate. You can find the rules and regulations for sending mail on the Massachusetts Department of Correction website.
If you want to send money to an inmate, you can do so by depositing money into their account. You can find more information about depositing money on the Massachusetts Department of Correction website.
Visiting schedules are subject to change, so it is best to call the facility to verify the visiting hours before you visit. You can find the phone number for BSH on the Massachusetts Department of Correction website.
Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the visiting period. All visitors must have a valid photo ID, and all visitors over the age of 16 must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility, including cell phones, purses, or bags.
Visitation hours are:
- Sunday:
8:00 am-4:00 pm - Monday – Tuesday:
1:00 pm-9:00 pm - Friday:
1:00 pm-9:00 pm - Saturday:
8:00 am-4:00 pm
BSH also has special holiday visiting schedules, which are subject to change. You can find the holiday visiting schedules on the Massachusetts Department of Correction website.
If you need to park at BSH, there is a parking lot available for visitors. Handicapped parking is also available, and visitors with a handicapped vehicle placard can park in the designated spaces.