When you or someone in your family is unwell, the world can seem off-kilter. Any diagnosis can be difficult but when the concerns are emotional in nature, you may find that you have more questions than answers and are not sure where to turn.
When faced with changes in mental or behavioral health, either in yourself or a loved one, the whole family is affected. Many people describe feeling fear, anger, grief, sadness, guilt and/or shame. Sometimes people isolate themselves from their friends and their community, not sure how to talk about the profound changes and challenges they are dealing with. It can be a scary and lonely time.
Throughout the course of learning to manage mental illness or other health challenges, you will need the support of your providers, friends, family, and community. As you start to find your way through this difficult time, HBT wants to be here to help and offer what we can: a community of caring friends, a shoulder to lean on, and a hand ready to reach out to you.
Whether it is spiritual support from our clergy, understanding and tips from other members who have “been there,” or a place of peace surrounded by your community, HBT is here for you.
While no one guide can answer all your questions, we have put together a summary of information you may find helpful to discover resources and support for you and your family.
DISCLAIMER
The information in this Resource Guide is offered to members of HBT as a reference tool and is intended solely for informational purposes only. The information is of a general nature and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual(s) or as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis or treatment by qualified mental health professionals or other health care providers. Should you have any health, medical or disability questions or concerns, please consult a physician or other health care professional. While this Resource Guide has been compiled with care from sources reasonably believed to be trustworthy, HBT does not warrant or make any representations as to the accuracy, completeness or validity of the information contained herein: this Resource Guide is provided without warranties of any kind. Further, the inclusion of any facility, provider, organization, or agency in this Resource Guide does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by HBT. The links to third party websites included in this Resource Guide are provided as a convenience only. HBT is not responsible for the content or privacy and data collection policies of any linked sites, and it makes no representations and assumes no responsibility regarding the accuracy of materials on such linked sites.
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Table of Contents
Suicide and Crisis Hotline number is 988
ONGOING HELP FOR NON-URGENT CARE
TYPES OF MENTAL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
MENTAL HEALTHCARE TYPES, LEVELS AND TREATMENT
AGENCIES FOR COMMON DIAGNOSES AND LIFE STRESSORS
Chronic and Persistent Mental Illness including Bipolar and Borderline Personality
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) or ME/CFS
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Vision: Vocational/Social Rehabilitation Services
IMMEDIATE OR ACUTE CRISIS
Suicide and Crisis Hotline number is 988
Website: https://988lifeline.org/
SOMETIMES SITUATIONS ARISE IN WHICH YOU DO NOT NEED TO CALL 911, BUT YOU NEED HELP MORE URGENTLY OR FEEL YOU MAY BE IN CRISIS.
If you are worried about someone and have not been able to reach that person, you can always call your local police department and ask them to do a “wellness check.” Most police departments have been trained in how to do this.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital Emergency Department: 617-243-6000
Massachusetts General Hospital Boston Acute Psychiatric Service (APS)
APS is a Mental Health Emergency Service: 617-726-2994. (They always have a child psychiatrist on staff, unlike other hospitals that often only have an adult psychiatrist).
Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital Emergency Room
Call: 617-983-7000. They have Outpatient and Inpatient Acute Care: 617-732-5148
Boston Children’s Hospital Inpatient Psychiatry Department
Call: 617-355-7721.
Fenway Health Center (LGBT Specialty)
Call: 617-267-0900
ONGOING HELP FOR NON-URGENT CARE
Sometimes situations develop in which you do not need Urgent Care.
Your PCP or Pediatrician
Always remember to talk to your primary care provider or your child’s pediatrician.
School Guidance Counselor
You can also talk to a school guidance counselor.
Employee Assistance Program
Check to see if your place of employment offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Medical Insurance Info and Tips
Medical insurance can be very confusing. If you have medical insurance that you wish to use, to access appropriate care you should first call your insurance company and find out what your coverage provides for mental health care. Your insurance company can provide you with the names of clinicians who are approved providers for your specific plan and other information that you need to know. Most insurance companies also have a website where providers are listed by geographical location, type of provider, and specialty. You may find that a group practice is more likely to accept a wider range of health insurance.
MassHealth
Call: 877-382-1609 https://www.masspartnership.com/member/ESP.aspx
Some Local Agencies
Riverside Community Care (RCC)
Call: 617-969-4925 or 888-851-2451
A nonprofit agency offering a wide range of behavioral health services for children and adults, including emergency response, urgent care, and outpatient services. Serves people from designated communities only.
Jewish Family and Children’s Services
Call: 781-647-5327 www.jfcsboston.org
Services included: Disability Resource Network, Disability Advocacy, Adult Family Care, Autism, Clinical Services, Day Programs and Employment Services, Services for the Elderly including Planning, Support for People Facing Illness, loss, or isolation, Suicide Prevention and Alzheimer’s/Related Disorders Family Support
TYPES OF MENTAL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Types of Mental Health Professionals
There are different types of mental health professionals: psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, licensed mental health clinicians, certified alcohol and drug abuse counselors, and marital and family therapists.
It can be confusing to know what type of mental health professional to call. It is not simply that each discipline has its own training and licensing requirements (which they do), but even WITHIN disciplines, different providers may do different types of therapy (whether it by individual, couples, family, or child) with different approaches (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, internal family systems, etc.).
Differences in Training
Psychiatrists have an MD. In addition to providing therapy, they can prescribe medications. Depending on their specific training, they can offer a range of psychotherapy modalities and approaches.
Psychologists have a doctorate (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.). In addition to providing therapy, some psychologists conduct psychological testing. Depending on their specific training, they can offer a range of psychotherapy modalities and approaches.
Clinical social workers have a master’s in social work (MSW) and, in Massachusetts, are licensed as an LICSW (licensed independent clinical social worker). Depending on their specific training, they can offer a range of psychotherapy modalities and approaches.
Licensed mental health clinicians have a master’s in psychology or counseling (MA) and are licensed as a LMHC. Depending on their specific training, they can offer a range of psychotherapy modalities and approaches.
A psychiatric clinical nurse specialist/nurse practitioner is a master’s-prepared nurse who has a specialty in psychiatry. Depending on their specific training, they can offer a range of psychotherapy modalities and approaches and may prescribe medication.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs) in MA have specific training in substance abuse and often offer groups in addition to individual sessions.
Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFTs) have specific training to work with families and couples.
MENTAL HEALTHCARE TYPES, LEVELS AND TREATMENT
There are several different options when choosing the intensity of services needed. A mental health provider will help you choose which option is best suited given individual needs and the severity of symptoms.
Outpatient
The least intensive form of treatment, outpatient services can be offered in a wide variety of settings including offices, schools, hospitals, and community mental health centers. It can be used as the primary form of care, or as a follow-up to more intensive care.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Often affiliated with hospitals, IOPs offer more intensive outpatient services, usually emphasizing group treatment. Many are offered in the evenings, to allow patients to continue work or school. Goals are often focused on building coping skills and support networks.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)/Day Programs
Outpatient programs typically run 6-8 hours/day, often 5 days a week. An alternative for individuals needing intensive care but wishing to continue living at home. PHPs can also be used after inpatient hospitalizations. They are often affiliated with hospitals.
Residential/Inpatient Hospitalization
The most intensive form of care, residential or inpatient, is typically used if someone is actively suicidal or experiencing psychotic symptoms. Hospitalization usually focuses on stabilization, both emotionally and medically, with the goal of transitioning as quickly as possible to some form of outpatient care.
Some Ways to Find a Mental Health Clinician
Your Medical Insurance Provider’s Website
Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/, search under Find a Therapist
Social Work Therapy Referral Service
Call: 617-720-2828
www.naswma.org and www.therapymatcher.org
Massachusetts Psychological Association
Massachusetts Psychiatric Society
http://psychiatry-mps.org/contact-us
MPS may not offer a referral service, but may still be a helpful general resource.
The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division of Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Call: 617-243-6328
Offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management for children who live in Needham, Newton, Natick, Wellesley, Weston, or Waltham
Project Interface
Call: 617-332-3666 or 1-888-244-6843 x 1411 (Helpline: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm)
https://www.interfaceproject.org/
Interface Community Resource and Referral Helpline can assist in finding mental health services for children, families, and adults for residents of those municipalities that subscribe to this service: Dedham, Natick, Needham, Newton, and Waltham. The website contains over 30 online resource guides and references in three categories: Starting Places, General Guides, and Resource Lists, all available to the public.
Note: The process of finding a therapist can be very frustrating. Sometimes providers will not call back, some may not take new patients, or you may not find a match with a provider. To find the right mental health provider for you, you might consider interviewing a few different providers in person or over the phone. People often worry that interviewing a few different providers might be awkward or offend a provider. Providers know that finding the right fit is an important goal, and they expect some people to meet with other providers before deciding. Even if you do not plan to work with them, you can always ask providers for other names.
RESOURCES FOR BASIC NEEDS
Behavioral Health Help Line (Massachusetts) BHHL
For you – or someone you care about – struggling with mental health or substance use.
Call, text or chat: 833-773-2445 24/7 in English and five other languages. If you are deaf or hearing-impaired, use Mass Relay 711.
In a crisis they will connect you within two hours to their crisis team. BHHL has 27 established community health centers. They can refer you to a provider within 24 hours and will also follow up 48 hours later once a healthcare provider is found. No fee for this service. Tell the service if you have Mass Health or are uninsured.
Boston Bar Association’s The Parents’ How-to Guide to Children’s Mental Health Services
Provides a great deal of helpful information about diagnoses and accessing and paying for treatment as well as resources.
https://www.bostonbar.org/docs/default-document-library/bbaguide_2011update_2.pdf
Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) Warmline
Call: 800-257-9500
· Emergency financial assistance
· Help accessing food, utilities, and home fuel assistance
· Career counseling and job search support
· Public benefits navigator
NAMI MASS Compass
Call: 617-704-NAMI (6264)
NAMI MASS Compass is operated by peers and family members. Navigators are available to answer a wide range of questions and refer to NAMI support and education programs as well as other community resources. Compass online resource guide provides information in more than 20 categories of services.
Newton Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health (Newton Cares)
Provides helpful information about suicide prevention and portals to several services online at:
http://newtonma.gov/gov/health/youth/suicide_prevention_n_mental_health.asp
AGENCIES FOR COMMON DIAGNOSES AND LIFE STRESSORS
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
The Alzheimer’s Associate MA/NH Chapter
Anxiety
Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorder - Massachusetts General Hospital
Call: 1-800-44-WORRY https://www.massgeneral.org/psychiatry/treatments-and-services/center-for-anxiety-and-traumatic-stress-disorders
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University
Call: Bonnie Brown, nurse administrator, 617-353-9610 Email: bonnieb@bu.edu
The Child Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
Call: 617-643-9898. Offers clinical care for youth 3-24 years. Services available only to patients that are already affiliated with a MGH primary care doctor.
InStride Health
Call: 855-438-8331
A virtual care group that works with children with Anxiety and/or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. They are happy to work with current doctors of patients by referral, but have trained professionals: social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurologists to help determine the best type of therapeutic plan to use for each person.
Autism
Autism Speaks
Call: 1-866-366-3361
ASPIRE Program
Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) in Watertown, MA
Call: General Inquiries: 617-393-3824
Call: Child & Teen Services: 617-393-3824 x 17
Email: childandteenservice@aane.org
The Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington, MA
Call: 781-860-1700
Bereavement
Also look below under Substance Abuse
Mount Auburn Hospital Bereavement Support Groups, Cambridge
Call Beth Loomis 617-575-8606 Email: eloomis@mah.harvard.edu
Wellness Room (Newtonville)
Call: 617-552-5116 www.thewellnessroomnewton.com
The Compassionate Friends of Boston – Supporting family after a child dies
Call: 617-539-6424
Email: tcfofboston@gmail.com
www.meetup.com Lists many types of local support groups, including bereavement groups
Bullying and Cyber Bullying
Boston Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnership (BCHNP)
Call: 617-919-3226
Email: BCHNP@childrens.harvard.edu
Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention and Advocacy Collaborative (BACPAC)
Call: 617-355-6388
Cancer Support
Jewish Breast and Ovarian Cancer Community
Call: 866-474-2774
Chronic and Persistent Mental Illness including Bipolar and Borderline Personality
The First Episode and Early Psychosis Program (FEPP) at MGH
Call: 617-724-7792
Evaluates and treats people who: Are experiencing psychosis for the first time, are between the ages of 14 and 40, and are residents of Greater Boston.
MA Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP)
Eastern MA team: 1-844-636-2727
Children’s Hospital
Call: 617-355-6611
McLean Hospital
Call: 1-877-626-8140
Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center
Call: 617-636-5731
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) or ME/CFS
Centers for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/index.html
Depression
Families for Depression Awareness
Call: 781-890-0220 www.familyaware.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Boston
Call: 617-855-2795 www.dbsaboston.org
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Portraits of Resilience – MIT project that destigmatizes depression
https://arts.mit.edu/artists/portraits-of-resilience/#about-the-project
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
Call: 617-492-8306 (office)
Call 1-800-841-8371 for 24-hour hotline
Journey to Safety (JF&CS)
Call: 781-647-JFCS (5327) www.jfcsboston.org
Eating Disorders
Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association (MEDA)
Call: 617-558-1881 www.medainc.org
The Eating Disorders Clinic at MGH
Call: Ani at 617-726-8470
Can provide one-time evaluations and make treatment recommendations, regardless of where the person’s primary care physician is located.
Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
Elder Services
Council on Aging
www.ncoa.org and www.MassOptions.org
This is in addition to your own town’s Council on Aging, which most towns have.
Aging Care (formerly known as Geriatric Care Managers Assoc)
Gambling Addiction
Call: 800-426-1234
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling
www.masscompulsivegambling.org
Hoarding and Clutter
Mass. Housing Authority
https://www.masshousingrental.com/portal/server.pt/document/11093/hoarding_resource_directory_pdf
Infertility Support
Resolve New England
www.resolvenewengland.org/support/
Boston IVF Mind/Body Program
www.bostonivf.com/wellness-center/mind-body-program-for-fertility/
LGBTQIA+
BAGLY (Boston Alliance for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth, Boston, MA)
Call: 617-227-4313 email: info@bagly.org www.bagly.org
GEMS (Gender Management Service at Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA)
Call: 617-355-4367
Fenway Health Center (Boston, MA)
Call: 617-927-6178
Keshet for LGBTQ equality in Jewish life
BRYT (“Bright”) Program in Brookline – bridge for resilient youth in transition
https://www.brooklinecenter.org/centers/bryt/
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
InStride Health
Call: 855-438-8331
A virtual care group that works with children with Anxiety and/or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. They are happy to work with current doctors of patients by referral, but have trained professionals: social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurologists to help determine the best type of therapeutic plan to use for each individual.
OCD Massachusetts
Call: 617-855-8263 www.ocdmassachusetts.org
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Support International Massachusetts
Call: 1-866-472-1897
Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Moms (MCPAP)
Call: 1-855-MOM- MCPAP www.Mcpapformoms.org
Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JF&CS Waltham, MA)
CERS-The Center for Early Relationship Support
Call: 781-647-5327
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute (JRI, Brookline, MA)- Youth with Trauma
Call: 617-232-1303
Special Needs
Independent Educational Consultants Association
Help with finding an educational consultant. www.iecaonline.com
Federation of Children with Special Needs
Help with finding an educational advocate. www.fcsn.org
Substance Abuse
Grief Recovery After a Substance Abuse Passing (GRASP)
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA Central Service Committee of Eastern MA (includes search engine for area meetings)
Massachusetts Al-Anon and Alateen
http://ma-al-anon-alateen.org/ (includes search engine for area meetings)
Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons, and Significant Others (JACS)
Learn to Cope (for opioid abuse and other drugs)
Call: 508-738-5148
Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline (including opioid abuse)
Call: 1-800-327-5050 http://helpline-online.com/
Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR)
Suicide
Suicide and Crisis Hotline – Call 988
Samaritans
Call/text Hotline: 1-800-870-HOPE (4673)
Crisis Text Hotline
https://www.crisistextline.org/ text: 741741
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Association of America – MA Chapter
Call: 1-888-4-Touret
https://www.tourette.org/chapter/MA/
Vision: Vocational/Social Rehabilitation Services
Mass Eye and Ear Vision Rehabilitation, Boston
Call: 617-573-4177
New England College of Optometry (NECO) – Low Vision Rehabilitation Service, Boston
Call: 617-262-2020
Vocational Guidance
Massachusetts One Stop Career Centers
http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment-services/career-services/career-center-Services/
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Find a career center near you: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/find-a-career-center-near-you
Jewish Vocational Services Career Solution
Call: 617-399-3100