The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Line is a free confidential resource provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that connects residents to a wide range of treatment services for mental health and substance use. The Help Line is staffed by clinicians and certified peer specialists who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call or Text 833-773-2445 for yourself or a loved one.
To learn more visit their website or check out their Frequently Asked Questions below.
FAQs
Community Behavioral Health Centers
With approximately 25 Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs), this statewide network provides expanded access to behavioral health evaluation and treatment for Massachusetts residents of all ages. This includes 24/7 mobile crisis services for mental health emergencies as well as individual and group therapy appointments, behavioral health urgent care and more. See below for a list of services provided and hours of operation. To search for your nearest CBHC by zip code, click here.
Hours
All Community Behavioral Health Centers are open daily for walk-ins, routine appointments, and behavioral health urgent care. The mobile crisis services offered by CBHCs are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year (including holidays). The hours at all CBHCs are as follows:
Routine Services
Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 8 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Mobile Crisis Services
24/7, 365 Days a year
1-877-382-1609
Services
CBHCs provide the following services, in person and via telehealth:
Same-day evaluation and access to treatment, with timely follow-up appointments
Evening and weekend hours
Behavioral health urgent care
Evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions and substance use disorders, including clinical services and peer support services
24/7 community-based locations for crisis intervention, and mobile crisis teams
Crisis stabilization beds
The number one risk factor for fatal overdose is using alone. Staff at the Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Hotline connect people who are using drugs with a trained operator who can call for help in case of an overdose. They are committed to safety and confidentiality and provide this service to anyone who is at risk of overdosing. Volunteer operators will ask you for your exact location and the phone number you are calling from before you use. If during the course of the call you stop responding, they will get you help either through a predetermined responder or by notifying your local Emergency Medical Services. This is a 24/7 service: 1-800-972-0590
How to use an overdose prevention helpline
*This is not a recovery or treatment helpline
Hey Sam!
Hey Sam is a free dedicated peer-to-peer texting service for people up to 24 years old. Designed for and staffed by young people this free and confidential service is nonjudgmental and available to all. Text: 439-726 | Hours: 9AM-12AM (Midnight) ET
How it Works
Text Hey Sam at 439-726 when you need to talk.
You will get an automated response right away while they connect you with one of their trained team members.
They will ask for your name and why you are reaching out, but only share what you are comfortable sharing.
Their team member will listen to you. They will not give advice or try to “fix” anything. They simply want to support you in whatever you are experiencing.
BHJI is a statewide initiative to connect individuals who are criminally justice involved with behavioral health services and social supports in the community. Specifically, people leaving jail or prison within 6 months, people who have recently left jail or prison within a year, people on parole, and people on probation who have health, mental health, substance use, and social needs. Individuals work with navigators to find health care services and social supports best suited for their needs. To learn more about the program watch the short video posted here or visit the website: MassHealth Behavioral Health Supports for Justice Involved Individuals.
Advocates BHJI Referral Form (Middlesex & Essex)
All other referral Forms to be considered for the program can be found here
The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Established in1989, the VA’s office is committed to providing care for those who have served, their families ,caregivers, and survivors. With the largest integrated healthcare network in the US, the VA provides lifelong medical services to eligible veterans. They also help service members transition out of military service, and assist with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Be sure to visit their website for more information: https://department.va.gov/
To find your local office click here: Find VA Locations
Statewide Advocacy for Veterans’ Empowerment Program (S.A.V.E)
S.A.V.E is a peer outreach program that advocates for veterans and connects them with peers to help them access benefits, services, and supports for their overall mental health. By identifying issues facing returning veterans, the program’s primary mission is to prevent suicide and mental health distress and increase the chances for a positive transition back to civilian life. S.A.V.E is a liaison between veterans and their families and other agencies within the federal and state governments including the Massachusetts National Guard. Information for the Contact Offices is below.
Boston Office:
Executive Office of Veterans’ Services
600 Washington St., 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
617-210-5743
save@massmail.state.ma.us
Chelsea Office:
Chelsea Veterans’ Home
91 Crest Avenue, Building D
Chelsea, MA 02150
617-210-5743
Holyoke Office:
Holyoke Veterans’ Home
110 Cherry Street, Office 065
Holyoke, MA 01040
617-210-5743
Blue Envelope Program
The Blue Envelope Program is a Massachusetts Statewide collaborative initiative aimed at fostering a safer and more understanding environment for drivers with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops. It involves a specially designed envelope that holds a driver's essential documents—license, registration, and a contact card. The envelope features critical communication guidelines on its exterior, specifically tailored to assist law enforcement officers in recognizing and adapting their approach when interacting with a driver who has autism. The initiative addresses several key objectives including: enhancing understanding, reducing anxiety, streamlining communication, and encouraging preparedness.
This program emerged from a partnership between the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Massachusetts State Police, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, and The Arc of Massachusetts, alongside input from individuals with autism and their families. To learn more about it visit: Blue Envelope Program
24/7 Support Lines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 English and Spanish phone or text: 988 or 1-800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Line for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends, including Veterans not registered with the VA. Dial 988 or 800.273.8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone, or text 838255
Massachusetts 211 hotline with real-time COVID-19 information, resources, and referrals in multiple languages. Dial 211, Callers press 2-6 for coronavirus. Residents can also reach 2-1-1 through a live chat option on the Massachusetts 2-1-1 website.
Local Resources
Bay Cove Human Services
Bay Cove Human Services, a leading non-profit organization, founded on the principle that every human being has potential and deserves to live a life achieving their dreams and goals, partners with individuals and offers more than 175 individualized and compassionate services to people facing challenges associated with developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness throughout Greater Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts.
Cambridge and Somerville Programs for Addiction Recovery (CASPAR)
CASPAR, a part of Bay Cove Human Services offers a comprehensive array of services that provide access to people wherever they are on the substance use recovery continuum. From street outreach to aftercare housing, CASPAR is widely recognized for its person-centered treatment, proactive programmatic response to emerging populations, trends in substance use disorders, and evidence-based research for high-risk populations.
First Step Outreach
First Step Outreach, a program of CASPAR offers life-saving alternatives to unsheltered homeless men and women who are affected by substance use disorders, mental illness and medical complications associated with life on the streets. First Step staff engage homeless people where they are in the community, and build trusting relationships. Their goal is to promote human dignity and connect people with the services they need.
To contact a member of the First Step team, please call 617-592-6895 (M-F; 8-12 : Sun/Sat; 1-9)
CASPAR Emergency Services & Shelter (ESC)
CASPAR Emergency Services Center is a shelter that accepts homeless men and women who are actively using drugs and alcohol. Individuals are able to receive medical and mental health care, nutritious meals, personal hygiene supplies, clean clothes, counseling and case management, as well as access to employment, housing, and treatment referrals at the shelter.
ESC Shelter Location: 240 Albany St., Cambridge. Phone: 617-661-0600.
Transitional Wellness Center Location: Spaulding Hospital, 1575 Cambridge St, Cambridge. Phone: (617) 401-4444.
Somerville Homeless Coalition
Created by the local community’s grassroots response, the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) aims to provide homeless and nearly homeless individuals and families with individualized supportive services and tailored housing solutions with a goal of obtaining and maintaining affordable housing. SHC provides services, support, resources and housing to well over 8,000 individuals and households. Their emergency response programs include Adult Shelter, Food Program and supportive services.
The Community Outreach, Help & Recovery Unit continue their outreach efforts and are actively maintaining contact with clients via telephone and email. Please feel free to contact Patty Contente at 617-625-6600 ext. 7281 or pcontente@police.somerville.ma.us
Useful Handouts
The following documents are examples of how to compile both State and Local resources into a convenient handout for Community Members. They can also be used as point of reference for Officers during calls for services. For more information on how to create your own Resource Card or template please contact Sabrina Ozit at sozit@police.somerville.ma.us.
Additional Resources
Mental Health Resources
NAMI Mass continues to provide telephone support and will have family support groups on line. Contact Rae at 617-984-0527
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers online support groups for these living with depression and bipolar disorder. These groups are peer-led and are available for young adults, friends, and family members.
Turn 2 Me hosts free online support groups for anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, stress management, and general mental health issues
Live Another Day provides an extensive list of culturally competent Mental Illness and Addiction resources
Substance Use Resources
Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery Sheet (MOAR)
Massachusetts Help Line 800.327.5050 (Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 10 PM; Saturday & Sunday 8 AM - 6PM)
Mabhaccess.com (to locate openings in detox facilities)
How to manage when a loved one has addiction: alliesinrecovery.net
North Suffolk Mental Health Association 24/7 Recovery Support Hotline 1-844-NSPEERS (Call or Text)
Veterans
Disabled American Veterans is dedicated to empowering veterans and service members to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity
Veterans Guide provides comprehensive educational materials and direct access to expert counselors and legal professionals to help Veterans achieve an accurate compensation for any service related disability
Wounded Warrior Project offers a wide variety of programs and services to assist veterans: mental wellness, physical well, independence, & counseling
Suicide Prevention & Intervention Articles & Resources
HeartMath
HeartMath is science based technology proven to help reduce stress and anxiety by increasing your inner balance and security. They have made their HeartMath experience available to everyone for free!
“Experience a magnificent intelligence you have that is intuitive, gives rise to regenerative emotional qualities, and provides the self-security needed to live a more rewarding life with less stress. An inspiring experiential course that offers new insights and practical techniques to help you respond to day-to-day challenges with more ease and composure.” Visit heartmath.com to learn more about the science and benefits behind HeartMath.
Practicing Mindfulness techniques is another great way to positively and actively manage the many emotions that you’re experiencing during these complex times. Mindfulness is an evidenced based intervention proven to build resilience and capacity to improve optimal performance and stress management. Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) Center For Mindfulness and Compassion is offering FREE Online Meditation Drop-Ins every Monday from 6 PM - 7 PM. Click on the zoom link to join: https://zoom.us/j/179935105
Mindfulness Handouts
NAMI Mass Compass is operated by peers and family members who have dealt with mental health first hand. They are available to answer questions and provide references to additional supports
NAMI is an advocacy group representing people who are affected by Mental Illness across the country. They can be reached Monday through Friday 9 AM - 5 PM at 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and why you called. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Check out helpful links from the Massachusetts Chapter below.
GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation
G.A.I.N.S. is an acronym for Gather, Assess, Integrate, Network, and Stimulate: The Center works with individuals in the criminal justice system and organizations at all levels (local, state, regional, and national). They provide information and skills training to assist in implementing effective, integrated programming that will transform the criminal justice and behavioral health systems.
The Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative (PAARI) provides support and resources to help law enforcement agencies nationwide create non-arrest pathways to treatment and recovery.
Additional Resources
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative
This Justice Reform Initiative works to reduce detention rates of low-risk youth, identify opportunity to reduce lengths of stay in Detention through Case Processing Reforms, reduce racial and ethnic disparities and finally replicate JDAI with fidelity at the local level.
Problem Oriented Policing: Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy
An idea that stemmed from Herman Goldstein in 1979 and was later refined by Eck and Spelman’s SARA model, Problem-Oriented Policing is an approach that encourages law enforcement to examine the underlying problems rather than focusing on individual incidents. With the realization that police are dealing with not only criminal calls but also having regular interaction with individuals impacted by behavioral health, a shift in strategy was required. Problem Oriented Policing is a five step model that accommodates the changing population police are encountering: identify and prioritize recurring problems, analyze problems using a variety of data sources, design response strategies based on what was learned from analyzing the problem, implement response strategies, and asses the success of response strategies.