How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility
   7575 Cockrill Bend Blvd
   Nashville, TN 37209
   Phone: (615) 350-2700

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility?

   Visiting hours at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (615) 350-2700 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Lois M De Berry Special Needs Facility, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Serving as Tennessee’s primary clinical and mental health facility, the Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility operates a comprehensive 14-bed dialysis clinic and maintains specialized medical units including an assisted living unit, medical rehabilitation unit, health center, and emergency room. The facility’s mission centers on providing quality medical and mental health care in a safe, humane environment that respects patient rights while ensuring compliance with correctional standards. Beyond its medical focus, the facility typically may offer educational programming such as GED preparation and basic literacy courses to support inmates’ academic development during their treatment and recovery process.

Mental health services form a cornerstone of the facility’s programming, likely including individual and group counseling sessions, psychiatric evaluations, and therapeutic interventions designed to address various psychological conditions. Inmates may have access to substance abuse treatment programs, anger management courses, and life skills training that complement their medical care. The facility often provides vocational training opportunities that may include maintenance skills, food service training, and other job-related programs that can help prepare inmates for successful reintegration into the community.

Support services at the facility typically encompass religious and spiritual programming, recreational activities adapted for inmates with special needs, and family visitation programs that maintain important social connections during treatment. The facility may also offer pre-release planning services and case management support to help coordinate continued care and community resources upon release. Given its role as a transit center for offender transfers, the facility often provides orientation programs and temporary housing services while maintaining its primary focus on delivering specialized medical and mental health care to Tennessee’s correctional population.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at the Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility experience a structured environment centered around specialized medical and mental health care delivery. The facility’s daily operations revolve around providing comprehensive treatment services, with inmates typically beginning their day with medication distribution and health assessments as needed. Given DSNF’s role as the state’s primary clinical facility, daily routines often include scheduled medical appointments, mental health counseling sessions, and therapeutic programming designed to address individual treatment needs. The facility’s assisted living unit, medical rehabilitation unit, and on-site health center create a hospital-like atmosphere where medical care takes precedence in structuring daily activities.

Family communication remains an important aspect of life at DSNF, with correspondence directed to the facility using zip code 37209-1056 as specified for offender mail. Visitation policies typically follow Tennessee Department of Correction standards, though specific scheduling may be adapted to accommodate the medical needs of residents. The facility’s location in Nashville at 7575 Cockrill Bend Boulevard makes it accessible for families traveling from various parts of Tennessee, particularly important given that DSNF serves inmates from across the state who require specialized care.

The comprehensive nature of DSNF as both a correctional facility and medical treatment center means daily life differs significantly from typical prison environments. With housing for minimum to maximum custody inmates requiring ongoing medical or mental health treatment, the facility maintains heightened security while emphasizing therapeutic intervention. Some residents may be temporary transfers receiving specific treatments before returning to their home facilities, while others require long-term specialized care. The facility also serves as a transit center for offender transfers throughout the state system, creating a dynamic environment where the population and daily routines may vary based on medical needs and treatment schedules.