Bridgewater State Hospital - Inmate Guide
Overview of the Facility
Bridgewater State Hospital is a medium-security facility located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. It is a state psychiatric hospital that provides mental health services to male inmates who require specialized care. The facility is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction.
Contact Information
Address: 20 Administration Road, Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone: (508) 279-4500
Website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/bridgewater-state-hospital
Locating an Inmate
To locate an inmate at Bridgewater State Hospital, you can use the Massachusetts Department of Correction's Inmate Lookup Service available on their website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-an-inmate
Visitation Information
Visitation at Bridgewater State Hospital is subject to specific rules and regulations. Due to the nature of the facility, visitation may be more restricted compared to other correctional institutions. It is recommended to contact the facility directly for the most up-to-date visitation information and to schedule a visit.
Sending Money
To send money to an inmate at Bridgewater State Hospital, you can use the following methods:
- Online: Access Corrections
- By Phone: 1-866-345-1884
- By Mail: Send a money order to the inmate's name and ID number to the facility address
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates at Bridgewater State Hospital may have access to phone calls, subject to facility rules and regulations. For specific information about phone services and any available video visitation options, please contact the facility directly.
Inmate Services and Programs
Bridgewater State Hospital provides various mental health services and treatment programs for inmates. These may include:
- Psychiatric evaluations and treatment
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- Medication management
- Substance abuse treatment
- Vocational and educational programs
History of the Facility
Bridgewater State Hospital was established in 1855 as the Massachusetts State Farm. It later became a facility for the criminally insane in 1895. Over the years, the hospital has undergone various reforms and changes in management to improve patient care and treatment methods.
Security and Management Information
As a medium-security facility, Bridgewater State Hospital employs various security measures to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. The facility is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Correction in collaboration with mental health professionals.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates at Bridgewater State Hospital have certain legal rights, including the right to appropriate mental health treatment and the right to communicate with their legal representatives. Visitation rights may be subject to specific regulations due to the nature of the facility.
Booking and Release Process
The booking and release process at Bridgewater State Hospital may differ from standard correctional facilities due to its focus on mental health treatment. Admissions are typically court-ordered, and releases are subject to thorough psychiatric evaluations and court approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bridgewater State Hospital a prison or a hospital?
Bridgewater State Hospital is a state psychiatric hospital that provides mental health services to male inmates who require specialized care. It functions as both a correctional facility and a mental health treatment center.
Who can be admitted to Bridgewater State Hospital?
Admissions to Bridgewater State Hospital are typically court-ordered for male inmates who require psychiatric evaluation or treatment. This may include individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity or those deemed incompetent to stand trial.
What types of treatment are available at Bridgewater State Hospital?
Bridgewater State Hospital offers various mental health treatments, including psychiatric evaluations, individual and group therapy sessions, medication management, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Famous Prisoners
Several notable individuals have been held at Bridgewater State Hospital over the years, including:
- Albert DeSalvo - Confessed to being the "Boston Strangler," though his claims were later disputed.
- Kenneth Seguin - A patient whose case led to significant reforms in the treatment of mentally ill inmates.
- Frederick Abernathy - His case brought attention to the use of restraints in psychiatric hospitals.
