Recovery Solutions
Bridgewater State Hospital
Bridgewater State
Hospital
Columbia Regional
Care Center
Florida Civil
Commitment Center
Kern County AES
Center
Maple Lane Competency
Restoration Program
Massachusetts Alcohol and
Substance Abuse Center (MASAC)
Montgomery County Mental
Health Treatment Facility
RISE Program at Arapahoe County Detention Center
RISE Program at Boulder County
Jail
South Carolina Sexually Violent Predator Treatment Program
South Florida Evaluation & Treatment Center
South Florida
State Hospital
Treasure Coast Forensic
Treatment Center
Address
20 Administration Road
Bridgewater, MA 02324
Phone
Beds
275
Partner Agency
Massachusetts Department of Correction
Accredited by
The Joint Commission, American Correctional Association
BSH’s Resident Handbook
Background:
Wellpath Recovery Solutions was awarded a contract through a competitive solicitation process to transform Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH) from a custody-oriented to a treatment-oriented model in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Correction. Wellpath assumed operations in March 2017.
Philosophy:
BSH embraces recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care for all persons served. The recovery model promotes persons served choice and tailors treatment to meet individual needs based on the assessments of a multi-disciplinary treatment team. Support of family, friends, or other individuals selected by the persons served are encouraged to participate.
Services:
BSH provides evidence-based, trauma-informed behavioral health services to individuals housed at BSH for pre-trial evaluations of competency to stand trial, those deemed incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity, “aid in sentencing” evaluations, and for those requiring inpatient psychiatric hospitalization who meet the criteria for strict security. Services include individualized assessment, multidisciplinary treatment planning, psychiatric services, competency restoration, integrated treatment for co-occurring psychiatric and substance disorders, court reports, court testimony, competency evaluations, psychosocial rehabilitation, discharge planning, medical care, pharmacy, food/nutrition, facility maintenance, transportation, and safety. BSH has developed processes for ensuring respect for persons served rights, prevention of abuse, neglect and exploitation, the virtual elimination of seclusion and restraint, and effective linkages to the community, legal system, state psychiatric facilities, and other agencies.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Forensic Psychology:
Along with acting as a pre-doctoral practicum and APA internship inpatient rotation site, BSH has a postdoctoral fellowship in forensic psychology for psychology graduates looking to further specialize in forensic assessment. The fellowship is designed to provide advanced training in the specialized area of forensic psychology, with an emphasis on forensic mental health assessment. The objective is to provide training in forensic psychology that is both empirically and practically relevant. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the forensic field, and its increasing expansion into other arenas of psychology, it is our philosophy that a proficient forensic psychologist not only exudes exceptional psycholegal competence but also embodies well-rounded abilities as a researcher and clinician. We believe these skills complement each other and achieve a holistic impact. With this in mind, our training model is designed to provide advanced educational, research, and practical training that will carry real-world professional benefits. Fellows will gain experience in forensic assessment in criminal and civil contexts such as competence to stand trial, criminal responsibility, violence risk assessment, and aid in sentencing. Additionally, fellows will have opportunity to provide expert testimony to courts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to complete research in an area of interest.
Click here to view the BSH Fellowship Brochure (2023-2024) for additional information about the training program, application requirements and deadlines, and faculty information. Additional questions can be directed to the program director, Dr. John Young, at Joyoung@wellpath.us.
Significant Achievements:
- Interviewed, hired, and completed comprehensive orientation for 400+ staff within 60 days
- Dramatic reduction in the use of restraint and seclusion by more than 90%
- Closed the Intensive Treatment Unit for highest risk persons served on Day One
- Implemented evidence-based programming, including cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and illness management and recovery
- Implemented ERMA, our electronic medical record to manage persons served care in the treatment program
- Collaborated with DOC on plan to renovate physical plant to provide a more therapeutic treatment environment