Our Organization
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) sets the standards for the operation of mental health facilities and community residential programs and provides clinical, rehabilitative and supportive services for adults with serious mental illness, and children and adolescents with serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance. The aim of service delivery is to integrate public and private services and resources to provide optimal community-based care and opportunities. As the State Mental Health Authority, DMH also is mandated by statute to "take cognizance of all matters affecting the mental health of citizens of the Commonwealth."
Through an Interagency Service Agreement between DMH and the Division of Medical Assistance (DMA), most emergency and acute hospitalization services are provided through DMA's mental health and substance abuse vendor - the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership. Extended stay inpatient services and community-based services are provided by DMH, either directly or through contracted vendors.
Accessing DMH Services
Pursuant to DMH regulations, children, adolescents and adults who meet both clinical and service need criteria are eligible for DMH community-based services. Anyone may submit an application for services. Individuals who meet established criteria for transfer may be referred to a DMH extended stay inpatient facility or intensive residential treatment program. Generally, a request for transfer is made directly by an acute care hospital. For more information, click here for complete transfer protocols.In addition to its extended stay adult inpatient facilities, and its latency age and adolescent inpatient and intensive residential treatment facilities, the array of community services includes:
- residential options for children and adults
- case management
- in-home treatment for children and adolescents
- flexible supports for adults and children in the community
- outpatient services
- dual diagnosis treatment
- clubhouses (DMH eligibility not required)
- day treatment
- skills training
- supported employment
Eligibility for DMH Community-Based Services
Adults with serious mental illness and children and adolescents with serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance must meet the clinical criteria for receiving DMH services and not have access to services elsewhere. Services will be provided to eligible individuals, subject to availability and determination of the priority of a person's need for services.
Eligibility and Personal Finances
There is no financial requirement associated with eligibility determination. However, an individual will be asked to provide DMH with information concerning their insurance or entitlements. Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance covers the cost of most mental health services, including outpatient, crisis/emergency and acute inpatient care. No one will be denied services because of an inability to pay.
Appealing an Eligibility Decision
If a decision is made that a person is not eligible for community-based services because he/she does not meet clinical criteria, is not in need of services or the services are available elsewhere, the person may appeal. Individuals will be informed of decisions, the right to appeal, and if appropriate, where other community services that will meet clinical needs are available.
Applying for DMH Community-Based Services
To apply for services, a person fills out an application and sends it to the DMH Site Office that has responsibility for the community where an adult resides or to the DMH Area Office that includes the community where a child or adolescent or his or her legally authorized representative resides.
Click here for the complete service planning regulations (104 CMR 29.00)
This information is provided by the Department of Mental Health