Mental Health

Published August 1, 2022 | Social Worker

Mental Health

General Mental Health Support

  • Call 988 – 988 is the new nationwide three-digit number now available for suicide and mental health crisis, available to everyone in the U.S. Compassionate, accessible care and support are available for anyone experiencing a mental health-related emergency – whether that is thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. If an individual’s physical health or safety is at immediate risk, please continue to call 911. 
  • Clinician at the Sudbury Police Department – Advocates’ JDP program has partnered with the Sudbury Police Department to provide a part-time Master’s level clinician to accompany police officers on calls that involve individuals with mental health or substance use situations. This clinician can also be contacted if residents think they might need to access emergency services and want to alert the clinician ahead of time. Clinician: Taylor Hayden at (978) 440-5653.
  • William James INTERFACE Referral Service – A mental health and wellness referral Helpline available Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at (888) 244-6843. This is a free, confidential referral service for residents of participating communities. Callers from these participating communities are matched with licensed mental health providers from an extensive database. Each referral best meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller.
  • The Living Room by Advocates – The Living Room is a 24-hour crisis alternative to emergency departments visits and hospitalization. Walk-ins are welcome. They do not administer medications or take clinical notes. Support is offered through personal connections and resource referrals. (508) 661-3333 or email TheLivingRoom@Advocates.org. 
  • Compass Helpline: Direct Support and Information to Navigate Mental Health – Staffed by people with first-hand experience navigating the mental health system. Provide support for MA residents:
    • finding peer and family support
    • accessing mental health treatment
    • insurance issues
    • housing programs
    • help with employment
    • public benefits
    • transportation
    • police and the legal system
    • inpatient and discharge rights
    • substance use and addiction
    • supports for children and teens
    • special education and transition to adulthood
  • National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) –  NAMI offers referral resources, education, advocacy, one-on-one support and leadership for individuals who are struggling with mental health issues. Support groups are also available for anyone who would like support around a mental health condition, mental health symptoms, trauma, and more. Helpline: (800) 950-6264.
  • Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) – Provides free, confidential support and services to survivors of sexual violence ages 12 and up and their families and friends. They work with survivors of all genders, and their goal is to empower survivors to heal and seek justice in ways that are meaningful to them. They meet the needs of survivors in crisis and long after, and also assist them as they navigate the health-care, criminal legal, social service, and school systems. Call (800) 841-8371 or web chat.
  • Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN) Helpline – Well-trained and supervised volunteer advocates follow up with referred clients to help them tell their story, assess their risk, develop a safety plan for themselves and their families, and connect with appropriate community resources. Confidentiality and safety are top priorities. Helpline: (888) 399-6111.
  • LGBT National Help Center – Serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning individuals by providing free and confidential peer support and local resources related to coming-out, relationships, bullying, safe sex and more. LGBT National Youth Talkline at (800) 246-7743 (M-F); LGBT National Hotline at (888) 843-4564; Sage LGBT Elder Hotline at (888) 234-7243.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)– Provides referrals for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use challenges to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. National Helpline at (877) 726-4727; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (English and Spanish).
  • Presentation: The Impact of Trauma on the Brain and Functioning

Suicide Prevention

Warmlines

Warmlines are non-crisis support lines run by and for people living with mental health conditions. Warmlines support and promote the process of recovery, empowerment, hope, and healing to people with mental health needs.

  • The Peer Support Line – Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community (MBRLC) – A compassionate community telephone service, staffed by Operators who have lived experience with mental health issues. We provide a supportive ear to callers who want to share their thoughts and feelings about life and its challenges with a person who also has lived experience. Toll Free: (877) 733-7563. Hours: Monday to Sunday, 4 PM – 7:45 PM.
  • Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line – Get support, ask about resources, connect with another person who can relate or has ‘been there’, or just talk. This peer support line is answered by a trained peer supporter who has their own first-hand experience with psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, addiction, and/or other interrupting challenges. This line does not collect personal information, perform assessment, or call crisis or the police. By phone every day: 7pm to 9pm Monday through Thursday; 7pm-10pm Friday through Sunday. Call: (888) 407-4515. Voicemails are not checked. Please keep calling until you reach someone. Online support is also available.
  • South Shore Warmline – Call (617) 689-1050 or (617) 689-1051, Monday-Friday & Sundays. For the crisis line call (800)-528-4890 or (617) 774-6036, OPEN 24 HOURS
  • Edinburg Center Warmline – Call (800) 243-5836 Monday-Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 4pm-9pm.

Pet Therapy

Multi-Service Mental Health Centers

  • Advocates – Provides residential and outreach programs, community-based counseling and psychiatry services, and peer supports. Counseling and psychiatric services accept MassHealth and most private insurance plans. Please call (508) 628-6300 to determine insurance eligibility. Call (800) 640-5432 for 24-hour crisis support.
  • Eliot Community Human Services – Provides adult mental health, counseling and psychiatry services, children, youth and family services, emergency psychiatric services, homeless services, brain imaging services, and developmental disabilities services. Counseling and psychiatric services accept MassHealth and most private insurance plans – please call organization to determine insurance eligibility. Lexington  (781) 861-0890; Concord Clinic at (978) 369-1113.Call (800) 988-1111 for Psychiatric Emergency Services and 24-hour crisis support.
  • Wayside Youth and Family Support Network – Provides counseling and family support programs and services, as well as a residential, day and educational facility to support children, youth and families. Accepts MassHealth and most private insurance plans – call (508) 879-9800 to inquire about services and determine insurance eligibility.

Specialized Mental Health Resources:

  • Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) – Provides in-home services to youth on MassHealth with significant behavioral, emotional and mental health needs. Services may include case management, in-home therapy, therapeutic mentor, and/or family partner.
  • Advocates Psychiatric Emergency Services – Provides mobile crisis intervention to assess emergency mental health needs of both children and adults at home, schools or in the community. Assesses needs and can refer to additional services. Call (800) 640-5432, 24 hours a day; 365 days a year.
  • Elder Community Care Program – Mental health services, including in-home therapy, for older adults through a collaboration of Bay Path Elder Services/Springwell and Advocates. Call (508) 573-7250.

 

Grief Resources

  • William James INTERFACE Referral Service Helpline – This is a free, confidential referral service for individuals across the lifespan living in participating communities. Callers are matched with licensed mental health providers from their extensive database. Each referral meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller. Call (888) 244-6843 Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM (ET).
  • One Step at a Time – Provides free, peer-led support group for families and friends dealing with the loss of a loved one from substance use. Call (508) 460-2002.
  • Heartplay – A free bereavement program for children, teens, and young adults who have experienced death during their lifetime; Express grief through conversation, music, movement, visual expression, writing, and storytelling. Call Jennifer Wiles at (508) 358-3001, ext. 361, Jennifer Wiles or visit the website.
  • Camp Erin Boston – A free weekend overnight camp for children and teens ages 6 through 17 who have experienced the death of someone close to them in their lifetime. Call (508) 309-5107 or visit the website.
  • Jeff’s Place Children’s Bereavement Center (Framingham) – Offers comprehensive bereavement support services ensuring that all children, teens, and families experience a healthy grieving process in a supportive environment. Fee based individual therapy on a sliding scale. Call (508) 879-2800 or email info@jeffsplacemetrowest.org.
  • The Tears Foundation – Provides emotional and financial support for parents and families grieving the loss of a child. Financial assistance available. Call (253) 200-0944 or email office@thetearsfoundation.org.
    • Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group – This is a comforting, safe space for any bereaved parent or grandparent who has experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. Groups start with a specific topic and end with time for open discussion. Support group facilitators are bereaved parents, are at least two years through their grief journey, and have completed peer companion training. 7-8:30pm on the 1st Monday of every month. Email massachusettschapter@thetearsfoundation.org to register.

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