Call or text 988 from any phone if you need mental health help
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Services
According to the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals Community Education mental health is defined as:
“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.” Our mental health affects how we think, feel and act.
The National Institute of Mental Health lists warning signs of possible mental health issues among older adults as:
- Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
- Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
- Increased worry or feeling stressed
- Anger, irritability or aggressiveness
- Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain
- A need for alcohol or drugs
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Engaging in high-risk activities
- Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
- Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
- Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other people
A substance use disorder is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as
“Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically and functionally significant impairment, such as health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.”
According to the Addiction Center, signs of a Senior with a substance use disorder may include:
- Memory problems
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Unexplained bruises
- Irritability, sadness, depression
- Unexplained chronic pain
- Changes in eating habits
- Wanting to be alone often
- Failing to bathe or keep clean
- Losing touch with loved ones
- Lack of interest in usual activities
It is very important to see your doctor If you are experiencing any of signs or symptoms of a mental illness or substance use disorder.
Licensed Substance Abuse Agencies
Health Homes Resource Guide
Where to find help for Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
Licensed Community Mental Health Centers
Licensed Community Mental Health Centers across Rhode Island provide comprehensive behavioral health services including emergency services, outpatient treatment, substance use treatment and other services to adults with behavioral health needs.
Find a list of Licensed Community Mental Health Centers in your community by clicking here.
Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH)
The Hazard Building
41 West Rd, Cranston, RI 02920
401-462-3201
Division of Behavioral Healthcare Services (DBH) is comprised of two program areas: integrated Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Services BHDDH provides information for individuals and their families as well as a list of licensed treatment providers.
BH Link
975 Waterman Ave
East Providence, RI 02914
401-414-5465
BH Link provides a comprehensive 24/7 community based hotline and walk-in/drop-off resource center for adults who are experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis.
National Center for PTSD
1-800-2738255
PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.
988
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH)
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI
401-942-STOP
RI Department of Health provides free information regarding addictions services, opiod overdose and abuse prevention, and places to receive treatment for addictions and mental health issues.
Prevent Overdose RI
401-942-7867
401-606-5456 (RI Buprenorphine Hotline)
Provides online information for families, friends, first responders and health care providers.
Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of Rhode Island (SUMHLC)
200 Metro Center Blvd., Unit 10
Warwick, RI 02886
401-521-5759
SUMHLC ‘s mission is to “promote a collaborative coordinated system of high quality, comprehensive community-based mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services.” SUMHLC created a comprehensive list of services in Rhode Island called the Health Homes Community Resource Guide. SUMHLC regularly updated Health Home Community Resource Guide can be printed out.
Rhode Island Office of the Mental Health Advocate
John O. Pastore Campus
57 Howard Avenue, 4th floor
Cranston, RI 02920
401-462-2003
The Office of the Mental Health Advocate is an independent state agency. It’s staffed by attorneys who provide a variety of free legal, investigative, and advocacy services, regardless of age, to prevent inappropriate admissions to psychiatric facilities, to protect the rights and enhance the dignity of persons in mental health treatment and inpatient substance abuse treatment, and to reduce the stigma associated with mental disabilities and substance abuse addictions.
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Rhode Island (NAMI Rhode Island)
401-331-3060 (not a crisis line)
800-950-6234 (National Crisis Information Helpline)
NAMIRI is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI RI offers an array of education and training programs and services for consumers, family members, providers and the general public.
ANY of Providence’s 12 fire stations
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you can visit any of Providence’s 12 fire stations, speak with the trained staff on duty, and immediately get connected to treatment support and services. Providence Safe Stations is free and provides a welcoming environment for when you’re ready for recovery.
Additional resources to get help
Sobriety App: Sober Grid can be purchased on Apple store & Google Play
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous
1-800-439-8860
www.aa.org
Alcoholics Anonymous in Rhode Island
401–438–8860
E-mail: RICS@RhodeIsland-AA.org
Southern Rhode Island Intergroup
401–739–8777
E-mail: SRIIntergroup@RhodeIsland-AA.org
AA Oficina Intergupal
401–621–9698
Area 61 (Rhode Island)
401-739-8777
Narcotics Anonymous
1-818-773-9999
Meeting lists can be printed out
The Greater Providence Area of Narcotics Anonymous
1-866-624-357
Gamblers Anonymous:
1-888-GA-HELPS (1-888-424-3577)
New England Gamblers Anonymous
1-888-830-2271
PO Box 93
Revere, MA 02451
RI Problem Gambling Helpline
1-877-9-GAMBLE (1-877-942-6253)
Services are available to anyone who is experiencing a problem with their own gambling issue or that of a family member, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
Hoarding
Compulsive Hoarding
(401) 455-6484
Butler Hospital offers a treatment program for hoarding.
Rhode Island Hoarding Task Force
Email them: RIHoardingTF@gmail.com
The Rhode Island Hoarding Task Force is a coalition of concerned professionals and community members who provide education about hoarding. A list of Clinical and Mental Health resources for hoarding can be found by clicking HERE
Stop Smoking
Rhode Island Department of Health
1-800-784-8669
www.QUITNOWRI.com
Provides information on free tobacco addiction treatment including phone counseling, free nicotine replacement therapy gum, patch, and lozenges (while supplies last).
American Lung Association of RI
401-421-6487
www.lungusa.org
American Cancer Society’s Complete Guide to Quitting
1-800-ACS-2345
www.Cancer.org
Ocean and Bay Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous
401-438-1301
Family Support
REST-Resources Education and Support Together
REST supports and empowers families with a loved one with substance use disorder through education and access to training, strategies and coping skills.
Overdose grief support for families, siblings, and children
Support and crisis intervention for grieving families, training programs, community outreach.