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Mental health and crisis support 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for free, confidential support during emotional distress or a mental health crisis, 24/7. You do not need to be suicidal to reach out.

988 Lifeline · Massachusetts information

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Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line

Call or text 833-773-2445 or use online chat to find mental health and substance use services, including urgent care and crisis support. Free, available 24/7, and no insurance is required.

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Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs)

For families who need urgent behavioral health evaluation or treatment without waiting for a routine appointment. Contact the Behavioral Health Help Line to find an appropriate center.

Find Massachusetts crisis and urgent care resources

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Resources for parents and caregivers

HandHold MA

A particularly useful resource for parents of children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns. Offers accessible information and guidance about understanding symptoms, finding treatment, and supporting children at home.

Visit HandHold MA

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NAMI Massachusetts

Education, support, and guidance for families affected by mental health conditions. Includes resources specifically for parents, children, teens, and siblings.

Family and youth resources

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Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH)

Information and advocacy to help individuals and families navigate mental health services and public support systems.

Visit MAMH

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ADHD, autism, learning differences, and neurodiversity

Autism Resource Center — Advocates

A Central Massachusetts resource for autism-related information, family support, referrals, and opportunities to connect with other families.

Phone: 508-835-4278

Autism Resource Center

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AANE — Association for Autism and Neurodiversity

Education, peer connection, and support for autistic and other neurodivergent individuals and their families, including adults and young adults.

Visit AANE

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CHADD — ADHD Resources

Educational information about ADHD, executive functioning, school challenges, treatment options, and family support.

Visit CHADD

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School support and educational advocacy

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans: Families can contact their child's school guidance counselor, special education team, or school psychologist to discuss evaluations, accommodations, and support.

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  • Federation for Children with Special Needs: Parent education, information, and advocacy related to special education and disability services in Massachusetts. fcsn.org

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  • Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Information about special education eligibility, evaluations, and parent rights. Special education resources

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These resources can be helpful when anxiety, ADHD, mood symptoms, school avoidance, or learning differences interfere with a child's educational functioning.

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Therapy and finding additional services

  • Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line: A good first step when families are unsure what type of service they need. Staff can help identify options for therapy, urgent evaluation, and other behavioral health services. Masshelpline.com

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  • Psychology Today Therapist Directory: Search for therapists by location, specialty, insurance, and treatment approach. Find a therapist

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  • William James INTERFACE Referral Service: A referral resource for mental health providers in participating Massachusetts communities. Availability depends on the community served. Learn more through NAMI Massachusetts

    NAMI Massachusetts

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Families should verify current availability, eligibility, insurance coverage, and age requirements directly with each provider.

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Teen and young adult support

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  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate emotional support, including for teens and young adults.

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  • Speaking of Hope: Massachusetts resources and peer connections for young adults, including access centers. Explore Massachusetts resources

    Massachusetts Government

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  • Active Minds: Mental health education, stigma reduction, and resources for young adults and college students. activeminds.org

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Substance use and family support

  • Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: Call 800-327-5050 for information and referrals for substance use treatment and recovery support. Massachusetts substance use resources

    Massachusetts Government

     

  • Partnership to End Addiction: Guidance for parents concerned about a child's substance use, including communication strategies and family support. drugfree.org

  • SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential treatment referral and information for substance use and mental health concerns. Find help

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