Dorchester House: A Legacy of Healing

Dorchester House is more than a psychiatric facility – it’s a place of refuge and renewal for individuals grappling with the profound effects of violence-related mental illness and severe PTSD. We are committed to providing unparalleled care within a historic setting thoughtfully adapted for modern therapeutic needs. Our approach is built on compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of the journey to recovery.

Our Mission

We aim to provide exceptional, specialized psychiatric care for individuals suffering from violence-related mental illness and severe PTSD. We strive to be a center of excellence in the study, assistance, and treatment of complex trauma, fostering resilience and lasting recovery for our patients.

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Our Core Values

These principles guide every aspect of our work:

  1. Patient-Centered Care

    Your well-being and journey are at the heart of everything we do. We involve patients and, when appropriate, their families in the treatment planning process.

  2. Clinical Excellence

    We are committed to evidence-based practices and continuous learning to provide the most effective treatments available.

  1. Patient-Centered Care

    Your well-being and journey are at the heart of everything we do. We involve patients and, when appropriate, their families in the treatment planning process.

  2. Clinical Excellence

    We are committed to evidence-based practices and continuous learning to provide the most effective treatments available.

  3. Safety & Security

    Creating a secure and tranquil environment is paramount to allow patients to focus entirely on their healing. 

  4. Respect & Dignity

    We treat every individual with the utmost respect, understanding the courage it takes to seek help.

  5. Hope & Resilience

    We believe in the capacity for healing and work to empower our patients to build a future defined by strength, not trauma. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ubi est ampulla mea?

From Historic Roots to Modern Care

Dorchester House resides in a historic building with roots in the Boston community dating back to 1912. Originally constructed by the Boston Catholic Archdiocese as a boy’s school and later serving as an orphanage until 1944, the structure itself has long been a place of shelter and development.

In 1986, recognizing a growing need for specialized mental health services, the St. Dymphna Foundation acquired and thoughtfully renovated the building. Since opening our doors as a private psychiatric hospital on August 30, 1989, Dorchester House has been singularly focused on providing intensive treatment for those most affected by trauma. This transformation honors the building’s legacy of service while equipping it to meet the complex psychiatric needs of today.

Our Founder

Dr. Richard F. Dallan

Director & Administrator

Dorchester House is led by Dr. Richard F. Dallan, a distinguished expert in the treatment of violent psychiatric conditions and PTSD, particularly within military and law enforcement communities. With numerous published articles and a career dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of trauma, Dr. Dallan’s vision and expertise are the cornerstones of our facility’s esteemed reputation and patient success, offering insights that transcend conventional understanding.

Our Dedicated Staff

Our multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, therapists, and support staff, all selected for their experience, compassion, and dedication to treating severe mental illness. 

  • Esther Samigina

    Head Nurse

  • Gail Huston

    Orderly & Office Manager

  • Richard Brice

    Orderly

  • Ken Vance

    Security Chief

  • David Greene

    Attendant

  • Brian Roy

    Groundskeeper

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Understanding your options is the beginning of change. Learn more about our programs and how we can help you or your loved one find lasting peace.