Mental Health Services

For information about either telemedicine or counseling, phone NAMI BI Case Manager, Tracy Fredericks [CSP certified] at 207 229 6349. All calls and appointments are treated confidentially. Appointments with a Clinical Psychologist or advice about any service, can also be made through The Block Island Medical Center, 401-466-2974. See also BI Medical Center, or make online contact with the Case Manager.

Note: NAMI BI does not provide any mental health services, nor can it advise or endorse. The services below are listed for your information concerning what is available locally.

Telemedicine

The telemedicine program provides residents of Block Island access to high-quality mental health care without having to commute off-island to receive it. [The program uses innovative software combined with high-density webcams to enable patients and doctors to see and talk to each other clearly.] The service is provided by psychiatrist resident doctors from Butler Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Half-hour appointments are available on each Wednesday morning, and accommodated in the Medical Center. First appointments are for one hour. This is a free service.

Appointments are coordinated by Tracy, who also assists with the use of the telemedicine software. Repeat: You are welcome to phone with about telemedicine or counseling, for yourself or as an inquiry for another. Calls are confidential.

Clinical psychology

Peter M. Oppenheimer, Ph.D, Clinical Psychologist, visits the island every two weeks.
[Child, Adolescent, Adult and Family Services, Psychological Assessment, Psychotherapy and Consultation]. Call BI Medical Center 401-466-2974 for information and appointment. Referrals concerning children can also be made through BI School.
or, make contact online.

Licensed Counseling and Psychotherapy

NAMI BI cannot endorse services (we are neither a licensing nor qualifying professional body). Should you access them we hope they are helpful to you, but this is your own responsibility.

On island services re Behavioral Health are listed in the Block Island Times. The Rhode Island branch of NAMI, NAMI RI,- to whom we are affiliated – is also a resource for information.

Marisa Etting MA. LCMHC. is Clinical Director and psychotherapist at ME Psychotherapy LLC, 194, Waterman Street Providence. This group offers Counseling for Individuals and Families, specializing in Life Transitions, Adolescent Stressors, College Adjustment, Pregnancy and Postpartum issues. They offer both office and telehealth consultations. Click here to make contact online or phone 401-633-2929.

Edward J. McGuirl LCDP, CCJP, SAP is now available to come to the island, at flexible times that can be negotiated. He works with Bridgemark Inc., a licensed behavioral health facility offering substance abuse and mental health treatment. Bridgemark’s comprehensive services include family and couples counseling, familiarity with ADD/ADHD and PTSD issues and can also help significant others affected by a partner or family member’s issues including domestic abuse. Ed is very familiar with the island and has been a frequent visitor for many years. Contact Ed directly with any questions concerning assessment, treatment, fees and insurance matters, time on-island for an initial meeting. Click here to make contact online or phone 401-781-2700.

Paul J. Boorom, Jr., M.A. CAGS, LMHC, Mental Health Counselor and Consulting Services, East Greenwich, North Smithfield, and on-island at St. Andrew’s Parish House, Spring Street. (401) 447-2227

Kerri Gaffett, LMHC, LCDP, M.A. , therapy for individuals, couples and families. Kerri has a practice base on Block Island and at 23 Brown Street, North Kingstown, RI, 02852, phone (401) 752-9504 or Click here to contact Kerri

Susan Littlefield, M.A., LMHC, Holistic Mind/Body Counseling. Expressive Arts Therapy. Parenting Coach. IFS (Internal Family Systems). Couples, Individuals and groups. 500 hr. Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor ( 20 years).
Practiced 10 years on Block Island now located at 110 Main St suite 304 East Greenwich , RI 02818. Click here to contact Sue

Family Support group

Members of NAMI BI have trained to offer a Family Support Group. This meets on the first Saturday each month at the Island Free Library, room C, 10 – 11.30 am. All are welcome who have family or friends of family suffering a mental illness. Also, should anyone wish to become a facilitator, the [free] training from NAMI Rhode Island can be arranged.

Other Services

Energy Healing

Eileen Miller has 25 years experience as a practitioner of Energy Healing. She is a graduate of 2 4-year healing schools: Brennan School of Healing and Integrated Kabbalistic Healing. Energy Healing is a complementary and non- invasive treatment for balancing the body, mind, spirit to relieve symptoms and support wellness. 401-466-9725

On Island Resources

School Social Worker: Marguerite Donaldson, call school (401) 466 5600

Block Island Medical Center (401) 466 2974 – see Other Services [medical] and Health and Wellness Programs

Alcoholics Anonymous: (401) 474 0624 All meetings are held at the Harbor Church. Check the Block Island Times calendar for meeting dates and times.

Al-anon: (401) 466 5933

Police Department (401) 466 3220

Online Resources

Below is a list of websites where information about a variety of resources is available and/or phone contact can be made. NAMI BI is not responsible for the content of these sites, nor for contacts made through them. We hope the list may help.

Alcoholics Anonymous 401 438 8860

Counseling for Substance Abuse (CODAC) 401 942 1450

Narcotics Anonymous 877 758 5672

Samariteen Confidential Crisis Listening Line 1 800 365 4044

R.I.Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1 800 494 8100

South Shore Mental Health 401 364 7705

Suicide Hotline 1 800 273 8255

Teen Hotline 401 272 4044

Addiction Center 877 655 5116

If the problem is related to substance abuse or addiction you may also find help from the Block Island Wellness Coalition or Helplines