Help in a Crisis
Access the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. For life threatening emergencies, please call 911.
For help with mental health or substance use call or text 833-773-2445 anytime to reach the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline for urgent evaluation and connection to clinical services, or visit masshelpline.com.
Resources
Crisis Help and Information
This list provides options for connecting with behavioral health care specialists and/or trained peers during a mental health or substance use crisis.
Locating Mental Health Care Providers
Finding an available therapist can be challenging. This list outlines some free services that help make the search easier. The area’s Department of Mental Health partners that offer fee for service support, including MassHealth coverage, are also noted.
Adult Peer Support
This list includes options for adults living with mental health conditions to find support groups, peer-staffed warm lines, day programs, recovery courses, and a 24/7 peer-based crisis care alternative, all available at no charge to participants.
Family Support
Support groups and courses for family members and supporters of people living with mental health conditions are offered free of charge by multiple organizations.
Child, Youth & Family Support
Parents and caregivers of minors facing emotional and behavioral health challenges can find free support group options and an educational course designed for parents. The area’s Department of Mental Health partners that offer fee for service support to children, including MassHealth coverage, are noted.
Substance Use Support
This list offers a link to the state database resource that helps locate substance use treatment and recovery services. It also outlines no-fee support group opportunities for those living with substance use challenges and their family members and supporters. Also included is contact information for Department of Mental Health sponsored jail diversion coordinators who offer Narcan training and distribution in some local communities.
Criminal Justice
This list includes links to guides for people with mental health symptoms and their supporters dealing with the criminal justice system. The guides explain the essentials of the Massachusetts criminal justice system, information about finding treatment within, and a directory of reentry services available to those exiting the system. This list also includes contact information for Department of Mental Health sponsored jail diversion coordinators available in some local communities.
Veterans Resources
There are multiple supports designed just for veterans. Options include a 24/7 crisis line, a walk in mental health clinic at the VA Hospital in Bedford, and the Home Base clinical program associated with Mass General Hospital. Clear Path for Veterans of New England is a wellness-based community center in Devens, Mass., that helps reconnect veterans to their communities.
New Parents
This list offers local and virtual support group options for perinatal and postpartum parents. Other supports are included to provide guidance during this unique time in life.
The above lists offer information and tools for navigating the Massachusetts behavioral health care system provided by non-profit organizations and Department of Mental Health partners. The lists were developed in cooperation with Emerson Hospital Behavioral Health Care staff and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Central Middlesex.
Additional Local Resources
Visit emersonhealth.findhelp.com or use the search box below to find local resources for a wide variety of needs — including food, housing, mental health, childcare, senior care, transportation, and more.
