Getting Started
Finding the right support can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
These three resources are great starting points. Each can connect you with a wide range of services and have knowledgeable staff who can help you find the best fit.
Behavioral Health Help Line
The free, 24/7 Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) connects individuals and families to the full range of treatment services for mental health and substance use offered in Massachusetts, including outpatient, urgent, and immediate crisis care.
Urgent Care and Community Behavioral Health Centers
Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) Centers and Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) offer a wide range of specialized services for when it’s not an emergency, but you can’t wait for help.
Substance Use Help Line
Whether you are ready for treatment, worried about a loved one, or simply want to know what your options are, the Massachusetts Substance Use Help Line can help you take that first step.
Emergency and crisis support
988 Lifeline - If you or a loved one are having emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, callor text 988 to get connected now, or chat online. No problem is too big or too small, you do not need to be suicidal to call. When you need to talk, we're here.
Veterans: press 1 | Spanish line: press 2 | ASL: call 988 videophone via ASL Now
Unsure of what's happening or what to do?
Ask your primary care provider for a Behavioral Health Wellness Exam to be screened and assessed for any behavioral health (mental health and substance use) needs. During this exam, your provider will ask you questions about your mental wellbeing, offer advice on healthy lifestyle changes that can help you feel better, and may refer you to local behavioral health resources. Primary care providers who accept MassHealth and commercial insurance plans may offer this service to both children and adults.
Support for specific groups of people
Older Adults
- Mass Options - As we age, understanding and meeting our changing behavioral health needs is important to nurturing lifelong mental health. Behavioral Health services are free for older adults aged 60+ with mental health symptoms or challenges. For more information or to connect with a program in your area, visit Mass Options or call (800) 243-4636 to find a program near you.
Young Adults
- Speaking of Hope - Offers resources, peer connections, and a directory of free Young Adult Access Centers open to all young people. No diagnosis required. Access Centers are affirming and inclusive spaces that welcome Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) young people. Visit Speaking of Hope.
Children and Families
- HandHold MA - A resource guide for parents and caregivers who want support for their child’s mental health. Curated by child psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists to give families trusted guidance. Visit HandHold MA.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
- Postpartum Support International - Perinatal Mental Health conditions are the number one complication of childbearing and affect not only the pregnant person but also other family members, including dads and partners. Learn more and find resources.
Men
MassMen - MassMen promotes wellness and empowers working-age men across MA to take action to feel better emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Learn more.
People affected by problem gambling
MA Gambling Helpline - Learn to recognize the signs of problem gambling and get help for yourself or a loved one today. Learn more.
Substance Use
Massachusetts Peer Recovery Support Centers (PRSC) are free accessible peer-led spaces that provide individuals in recovery from substance use, as well as families and loved ones affected by addiction, the opportunity to both offer and receive support in their community environment. Learn more.
What to do if you suspect an overdose.