Bridgewater State Hospital

Bridgewater State Hospital, located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, has a storied history dating back to its establishment in 1855. Originally conceived as an almshouse, the institution evolved over the years into a facility dedicated to housing individuals deemed criminally insane. This transformation mirrored broader societal attitudes toward mental health and the criminal justice system.

Today, Bridgewater State Hospital operates as a medium-security facility under the management of the Massachusetts Department of Correction. It is authorized to accommodate up to 294 inmates, focusing on individuals who require psychiatric evaluations for the criminal justice system. The facility also serves men who are either civilly committed or awaiting trial, reflecting its dual role in both correctional and mental health services.

The hospital gained notoriety in 1967 with the release of the documentary “Titicut Follies,” which depicted the harsh conditions and treatment of the inmates, sparking significant public and governmental scrutiny. Over the years, numerous reforms have been implemented to improve conditions and align the facility more closely with modern mental health care standards.

Bridgewater State Hospital maintains a structured schedule for visitation to facilitate family connections. 

Visiting hours are available on

• Sundays from 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Mondays and Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• On Saturdays, visits are permitted from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a brief closure between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.

Through its complex history and ongoing operational improvements, Bridgewater State Hospital remains a significant institution in Massachusetts. It balances the dual needs of security and psychiatric care for its residents.

For further information about the Bridgewater State Hospital, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Massachusetts Department of Correction or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Massachusetts.