Overview of Bridgewater State Hospital

Bridgewater State Hospital, established in 1855, is a medium-security facility located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. It is primarily responsible for the care and evaluation of male patients, including those under civil commitment and pre-trial detainees sent for psychological assessments by the court. Despite being labeled a hospital, it operates more like a correctional facility under the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC). The facility houses individuals considered criminally insane or those undergoing competency evaluations. The hospital has been the subject of numerous reforms over the years to improve the treatment of its population, particularly following major controversies regarding the use of restraints and treatment conditions.

 

Bridgewater State Hospital

Contact Information for Bridgewater State Hospital

For inquiries regarding inmates or to schedule visits, you can contact Bridgewater State Hospital at:

  • Address: 20 Administration Road, Bridgewater, MA 02324
  • Phone: (508) 279-4500
  • Email: BSH-info@wellpath.com
  • Superintendent’s Office: (508) 279-6000 (Old Colony Correctional Center)

Visiting Information at Bridgewater State Hospital

Visitors are welcome at Bridgewater State Hospital during designated hours. However, all visitors must follow strict procedures for approval and entry.

  • Visiting Hours:
    • Sunday: 1:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    • Monday – Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Closed 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM on the first Monday of each month)
    • Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Before visiting, you must be added to the inmate’s approved visitor list. Complete a visitor application form and submit it to the facility. You will need a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, when you arrive for your visit. Be aware that security checks, including vehicle searches, are mandatory. Weapons and prohibited items are not allowed.

How to Book a Visit to Bridgewater State Hospital

To book a visit, follow these steps:

  1. Request to be added to the inmate’s visitor list.
  2. Complete and mail a visitor application form to the facility.
  3. Wait for approval, which will be communicated to you.
  4. Upon approval, schedule your visit according to the provided visiting hours.

You must bring a government-issued ID, and visitors should plan to arrive at least 10-20 minutes early to pass through security. Up to three visitors are allowed per inmate per session.

Directions and Parking Information for Bridgewater State Hospital

Bridgewater State Hospital is located at 20 Administration Road in Bridgewater, MA. The facility is accessible via local roads, and parking is available on-site. All vehicles parked on the premises must be locked and are subject to search. Handicapped parking spaces are available for those with the appropriate placard.

 

Life Inside Bridgewater State Hospital and Latest News

Bridgewater State Hospital has faced significant scrutiny over the years due to its treatment of mentally ill inmates. Notable reforms were implemented in 2017, aimed at reducing the use of solitary confinement and restraints. Governor Charlie Baker’s administration replaced most of the hospital’s staff, shifting toward a more clinical approach rather than punitive measures. Life inside the facility remains highly structured, with patients participating in various mental health programs and rehabilitation efforts. Despite these changes, the facility still deals with challenges related to overcrowding and resource limitations.

 

Famous Prisoners at Bridgewater State Hospital

Over the years, Bridgewater State Hospital has housed several infamous individuals, including Albert DeSalvo, widely known as the “Boston Strangler.” DeSalvo was a serial killer convicted of several murders in the 1960s. His time at the hospital was part of his evaluation for mental competency. Additionally, the facility gained national attention in the 1967 documentary Titicut Follies, which exposed the harsh treatment and conditions faced by patients.

 

FAQs About Bridgewater State Hospital

  • What type of facility is Bridgewater State Hospital?
    Bridgewater State Hospital is a medium-security facility specializing in mental health treatment for male inmates and pre-trial detainees undergoing psychiatric evaluations.

  • How do I contact Bridgewater State Hospital?
    You can contact the facility at (508) 279-4500 or by email at BSH-info@wellpath.com.

  • What are the visiting hours at Bridgewater State Hospital?
    Visiting hours vary by day but generally run from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekends, with more limited hours during the week.

  • What should I bring for a visit?
    Visitors must bring a valid government-issued ID, and all personal belongings are subject to security checks.

  • Can I send mail to inmates at Bridgewater State Hospital?
    Yes, mail can be sent to inmates at the following address: Inmate’s Name, ID Number, 20 Administration Road, Bridgewater, MA 02324.

  • Is there parking available at Bridgewater State Hospital?
    Yes, parking is available on-site, but vehicles are subject to search. Handicapped spaces are also available.

  • How do I apply to visit an inmate?
    Complete a visitor application form and mail it to the facility. Once approved, you can schedule a visit during the designated visiting hours.

  • What security measures are in place for visitors?
    Visitors must pass through security checks, including potential vehicle searches. Weapons and prohibited items are not allowed.

  • Who are some of the infamous inmates at Bridgewater State Hospital?
    Albert DeSalvo, the “Boston Strangler,” was one of the most notorious individuals evaluated at the hospital.

  • What reforms have been implemented at Bridgewater State Hospital?
    Major reforms were introduced in 2017, shifting the focus toward clinical care and reducing the use of solitary confinement and restraints.

Conclusion

Bridgewater State Hospital plays a critical role in Massachusetts’ mental health and correctional systems, providing care for the criminally insane and conducting psychiatric evaluations for court-ordered detainees. Despite its troubled past, significant efforts have been made to reform the facility, ensuring better care and treatment for its patients. Visitors are welcome under strict guidelines, and ongoing developments continue to shape the hospital’s future.

For more information on Bridgewater State Hospital, visit the Massachusetts Department of Correction.

Visit Brevard Correctional Facility