Call 988 in a crisis
If you need help right away or are in crisis, call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers. Trained lifeline specialists in Massachusetts will provide you with free and confidential support if you are in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. You do not need to be suicidal to call 988.
Specific services: Veterans (press 1 when you call), Spanish Line (press 2), LGBTQ+ Youth (press 3), and ASL (call 988 videophone via ASL Now).
Talk to your doctor or insurer
If you have a primary care provider, you can start by talking to them about what you’ve been experiencing. Ask for a referral to a mental health provider.
You can also contact your insurer to see what mental health services might be available to you. If you are not insured, visit the MA Health Connector.
Please note: some clinics, health centers, and mental health therapy providers have a waitlist for new patients. You may have to wait for an appointment slot. If you need urgent help or are in crisis, you should call 988.
Reach out to the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL)
Call or text (833) 773-2445 or chat with a BHHL support person at masshelpline.com. Available 24/7.
You can call the BHHL to get connected to mental health help, including therapy. This free service is for anyone in Massachusetts and is available in over 200 languages. No insurance is needed and you don’t need to meet any requirements. Even if you’re not sure what kind of help you may need, someone will guide you through options when you call.
The BHHL can help connect you with the Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) near you for crisis services, behavioral health urgent care, and other outpatient services.
Explore therapy provider directories
- The MA BHHL Treatment Connection Tool is an online directory of behavioral health providers. You can filter by location and service type based on your needs.
- Inclusive Therapists is a vetted directory of therapists, counselors or coaches that focus on serving the needs of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and LGBTQIA+ communities
- Psychology Today has a "find a therapist" directory to search for providers in your area
Connect to a peer support group
Peer support groups are another option for mental health help. These groups are made up of people with similar identities and experiences, sometimes called “lived experience.” Groups meet to talk about experiences and challenges in a safe, welcoming environment.
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (NAMI Massachusetts) has a directory of peer support groups and programs available across the state.
You can also find peer resources specific to veterans and military service members and first responders.
Find additional services in Massachusetts
Your mental wellbeing can be impacted by issues related to housing and financial insecurity, workplace challenges, violence or relationship conflict, problem gambling, substance use, and more.
Many public programs in Massachusetts offer free, trusted resources for men seeking support.
Housing and financial insecurity
- The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities provides affordable housing options, financial assistance, and other support to Massachusetts communities. They oversee different types of assistance and funding for consumers, businesses, and non-profit partners.
- The DTA Department of Transitional Assistance assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA’s services include direct economic assistance, food assistance, and workforce training opportunities.
Employment support
- Visit MassHire Career Centers for for career support and training. They can help you with personalized career guidance, informative workshops, specialized training programs, valuable job referrals, expert resume assistance, and access to a wide array of job listings.
Health insurance
- Need health insurance? The Massachusetts Health Connector offers health and dental coverage from the state’s leading insurers and provides tools that make it easier to find out what plans cost savings you and your family may be eligible for.
- MassHealth provides health benefits and help paying for them to qualifying children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities living in Massachusetts. They may offer benefits directly or help pay for all or part of your health insurance premiums.
Domestic violence services
- SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. Call (877) 785-2020.
- If you, a family member, or a loved one is struggling with issues related to sexual or domestic violence, you are not alone. Visit Domestic Violence Services in Massachusetts by County to find additional services near you.
Problem gambling
- The Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline provides referrals to licensed problem gambling treatment services and recovery support services. Call (800) 327-5050 or learn more about problem gambling at mass.gov/ProblemGambling.
Substance use
- The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is a statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment, recovery, and problem gambling services. Helpline services are free and confidential. Trained specialists can help you understand the treatment system and your options. Call (800) 327-5050.
Suicide prevention services
- Massachusetts suicide prevention service providers can help you find accessible, inclusive, and effective services.