Mental Health Resources
Emergency Mental Health Assistance
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis. Counselors are available to provide supportive resources to individuals experiencing emotional distress.
Advocates provides support, safety assessments and local referrals and resources for emergency mental health needs in Waltham and surrounding towns.
675 Main Street Waltham, MA 02451
(781)-893-5110 (toll free)
https://www.advocates.org/services/mental-health-services
Samaritans Talk Support Text Line 24/7
Samaritans is a suicide prevention program that offers help to those individuals that are feeling suicidal or depressed or have lost a loved one to suicide.
877-870-4673(HOPE)
https://samaritanshope.org/get-help/
Mental Health Counseling - Local Providers
Children’s Charter is a Specialty out-patient mental health clinic for survivors of sexual, physical, emotional, and interfamilial/multigenerational trauma.
MassHealth Standard. State funding available for Spanish speaking clients who have MassHealth Limited or no insurance.
77 Rumford Ave, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 894-4307
https://www.key.org/programs/childrens-charter
The Baker Center For Children at Waltham
The Baker Center provides specialty treatment to children, young adults, college students, families, and caregivers struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, school and behavior problems, high functioning autism spectrum disorders, PTSD, and other behavioral health challenges.
746 South St 2nd Floor, Waltham, MA 02453
(617) 278-5300
Art Relief Therapeutic Center
Art Relief specializes in expressive arts therapy, community mental health and wellness, training and education. Individual and group therapy offered.
Insurance Accepted: Masshealth- MBHP, Steward Healthcare Choice, Community Care Cooperative, Partners HealthCare Choice, Tufts Health Together, Tufts Health Direct, Wellforce, Fallon, BMC, CCA
151 Newton Street, Waltham Massachusetts 02453
617-924-1285
Boston Neurobehavioral Associates
Boston Neurobehavioral Associates providers offer care for a broad range of mental disorders and emotional difficulties.Patients can expect an accurate diagnosis, followed by an integrative treatment plan that is tailored for their unique needs. The practice regularly cares for patients who are dealing with depression, bipolar, anxiety, insomnia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and OCD, among other conditions.
Insurance Accepted: MassHealth Accepted
20 Hope Ave, Suite 204, Waltham, MA 02453
(508) 979-5557
https://www.advocates.org/services/mental-health-services
Charles River Community Health
Children’s Charter is a Specialty out-patient mental health clinic for survivors of sexual, physical, emotional, and interfamilial/multigenerational trauma. The clinic was founded in 1985 and is located in Waltham.
Insurance Accepted: MassHealth Standard and MassHealth Limited
43 Foundary Ave, Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 698-3800
https://www.key.org/programs/childrens-charter
The focus of Riverside is serving young people who are struggling with a variety of mental or behavioral health issues. Riverside offers a variety of counseling for children and their families. Offers outpatient care and counseling for children and families.
Insurance Accepted: MassHealth Standard and MassHealth Limited
64 Eldredge Street, Newton, MA 02458
(617)-969-4925
https://www.riversidecc.org/child-family-services/outpatient-counseling-medication/
Family ACCESS Counseling and Consultation Services provides comprehensive clinical services and social-emotional support to parents and their young children (0-5 years of age), with the goal of strengthening family relationships and reaching individuals’ full potential.
492 Waltham St, Newton, MA 02465
(617)-969-5906
https://familyaccess.org/cchild-and-family-counseling/
Wayside Youth and Family Support Network
Wayside offers mental health support to youth and families. Services include help with in-patient care, outpatient care, assessment, and a rape crisis hotline among many others.
Insurance Accepted: MassHealth Standard. Accepts Masshealth Limited for limited number of sessions only
1 Frederick Abbott Way, Framingham, MA 01701
508-879-9800
Aspire Health Alliance has been building hope and changing lives for children with developmental disabilities, and children, teens and adults living with mental illness. We provide child and family services in the home, school, child care center, group residence and other community settings. Aspire Health Alliance was selected as a Community Partner for MassHealth Accountable Care Organization program and is working to integrate and improve member health outcomes of MassHealth members with complex long term medical and/or behavioral health needs.
500 Victory Road, Quincy, MA 02171
617-847-1950
https://www.aspirehealthalliance.org/
Free Referral Services- For Help Finding A Therapist/Counselor
Through the Helpline that operates Monday-Friday from 9 AM- 5 PM, callers from subscribing communities will work with a Resource and Referral Counselor who will help them navigate the challenges of finding mental health services. Each caller from a subscribing community will be assigned a lead counselor who will provide matches to services, as well as provide information and resources about mental health and wellness.
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
One Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459
888-244-6843
https://interface.williamjames.edu/about
Through the Helpline that operates Monday-Friday from 9 AM- 5 PM, callers from subscribing communities work with a Resource and Referral Counselor who will help them in navigating the challenges of finding mental health services.
888-244-6843
617-332-3666 (Waltham)
https://interface.williamjames.edu/community/waltham
Mental Health Connect provides supportive resources for individuals struggling with emotional and mental health concerns. Our counselors offer short-term and long-term support during life transitions or challenging situations.
1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451
(781)-647-5327
https://www.jfcsboston.org/Our-Services/Mental-Health-Support
Disability Resource Network at JF&CS
The JF&CS Disability Resource Network (DRN) is a free information, referral, and consultation service. JF&CS serve individuals with disabilities and mental illness, their families, and community agencies. Counselors provide professional assistance in identifying resources related to education, vocational training, housing, finances, religious life, recreation, and other aspects of community living.
781-693-5640
email: drn@jfcsboston.org.
https://www.jfcsboston.org/Our-Services/CHAI-Disability-Services/Disability-Resource-Network-DRN
UMASS Child Trauma Center Kid-link
We have developed a large network of providers across the state who have been trained in trauma-focused EBTs. The primary goal of LINK-KID is to help youth receive quality treatment for trauma as soon as possible, and decrease wait times while providing support. LINK-KID maintains an active database of providers across the state trained in trauma-focused EBTs, including information about waitlists, language capacity, and insurances accepted.
774-455-4127
email: jessica.griffin@umassmed.edu
https://www.umassmed.edu/cttc/cttc-services/link-kid
NASW MA Chapter referral service
If you’re in need of a qualified therapist, let us know. We offer callers a free telephone referral service that is user-friendly and confidential. Our network of licensed therapists provide services to most Massachusetts areas. We do not disclose personal information to any outside parties.
800-242-9794
email: info@therapymatcher.org
Substance Abuse Resources
24/7 Hotline: MYLife MyQuit: Call/Text 855-891-9989
Adolescent Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) at Waltham: 617-355-2727
Narcotics Anonymous - Find a Meeting
Alcoholics Anonymous - Find a Meeting
The SMART program provides effective recovery methods to help overcome addiction behaviors. Smart Recovery offers in-person and online support meetings.
Online support meetings, Thursdays at 11am on zoom. Information on how to join on their website.
https://www.smartrecovery.org/
Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community
MBRLC is an umbrella organization of peer support centers in the Boston area for mental health and substance abuse support.
Additional Resources: Substance Abuse Treatment
Support for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence survivors
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center offers free confidential support to survivors of sexual violence. Survivors of all genders are welcomed. We work with middle & high schools, colleges, businesses, community groups & organizations.
Eligibility: age 12+
New clients: submit a request online or call 617-492-8306. English and Spanish services are available.
Hotline: 24/7 1-800-841-8371, and online 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
REACH Beyond Domestic Violence
Operating remotely. Click here for an online chat line for survivors looking for help with domestic violence. REACH provides shelter and safety for survivors of domestic violence.
24/7 Hotline: 800-899-4000.
Updated Online Chat Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm & Thursday 1pm-8pm.
Email: info@reachma.org
Senior Citizen Support
Jewish Family and Children's Services
Resources for any need related to older adults. Resources for individuals, families and caregivers living with dementia. Virtual support groups for family members and online/telephone memory cafes.
Beth Soltzberg bsoltzberg@jfcsboston.org
1-800-980-1982
info@CJPSeniorDirect.org
Resources for people with Parkinson’s disease and family members: support groups and online programs.
amuskopf@jfcsboston.org
Bereavement support groups:
Barbara Sternfield at bsternfield@jfcsboston.org
Newton Wellesley Hospital Elder Care Services Council
We offer programs at the Newton-Wellesley Community Collaborative that are supported by strategic councils funded through the generous support of our community. Providing support and resource options for those struggling with supporting elderly family members
617-243-6000
https://www.nwh.org/classes-and-resources/community-education/our-councils
Other Mental Health Resources
Community Health Network Area 17 (CHNA 17)
CHNA 17 is focused on supporting efforts around mental health, and racial equity by providing resources and funding.
Waltham Public School Counseling Department
The Waltham Public Schools Counseling Department provides a comprehensive list of counseling resources and support for students and families.
https://www.walthampublicschools.org/page/office-of-pupil-services
Waltham Partnership for Youth works to ensure that the wealth of resources in and around Waltham are available for youth and families who need them most. We facilitate high-impact community partnerships that support health and wellness, leadership development, and economic opportunity for Waltham youth
617 Lexington Street Waltham, MA 02452
(781)-314-3367
https://walthampartnershipforyouth.org/listen-talk-listen.html
Developmental Disabilities Services
Only for clients with major mental illness or developmental disabilities who have been found eligible by DMH (Department of Mental Health) or DDS (Department of Developmental Services). Offers mental health support as well as assistance to those with co-occurring substance abuse problems or developmental disabilities. Services include community support, day treatment, outpatient treatment, intervention services, peer support and advocacy, and family support and advocacy. In Waltham, the Potter Place Clubhouse offers pre-vocational, vocational, and social opportunities.
205 Burlington Road
Bedford, MA 01730
781-862-3600
https://www.edinburgcenter.org/
The Lurie Center for Autism is a multidisciplinary clinical, research, training and advocacy program dedicated to treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders across the lifespan.
1 Maguire Road
Lexington, MA 02421
781-860-1700 or 781-860-1766
luriecenter@partners.org
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
https://www.massgeneral.org/children/autism/lurie-center
Mental Illness Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)- Massachusetts
Offers support and advocacy to those with mental illness and their families.
Helpline: 800-370- 9085
The Schrafft's Center
529 Main St, Suite 1M17, Boston, MA, 02129
617-580-8541
Clubhouse provides pre-vocational, vocational and social experiences for individuals who have a mental health condition.
Judith Kellam, Director
781-894-5302
jkellam@edinburgcenter.org
https://www.edinburgcenter.org/charles-webster-potter-place/
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
Wayside works with families under significant stress due to mental illness, behavioral problems, addiction issues and other challenges. We also support youth who have experienced abuse, neglect and trauma.
617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085
1 Frederick Abbott Way, Framingham, MA 01701
https://www.waysideyouth.org/aboutus/ourservicesoverview/
Mental Health Screening
Behavioral health – which includes mental health, substance use, and more – is a key part of your overall well-being. Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional.
Text HOME to 741741to connect with a Crisis Counselor
https://www.crisistextline.org
MHA Screening is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all. Our work is driven by our commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all, early identification, intervention for those at risk, integrated care, services, support for those who need it and with recovery as the goal.
(866) 927-6327 (toll free)
https://screening.mhanational.org/
Mental Health Videos
How to relax, 8 relaxation tips for your mental health
Exploring relaxation can help you look after your wellbeing when you’re feeling stressed or busy. This video will inform you about how to relax in your own home.
Box breathing relaxation technique:how to calm feelings of anxiety
In stressful times you can use the power of your breath to help calm feelings of stress or anxiety.
Box breathing is a simple relaxation technique that can help you ‘reset your breath’ and return it to its normal rhythm.This video demonstrates box breathing and highlights its benefits. It involves: Imagining breathing around a box then inhaling as you visualize going up one side of the box, pausing and then exhaling as you picture going down the other side of the box. In moments of stress and anxiety, box breathing is an easy way to slow down and help calm your body and mind.
In this practice video Adriene guides you through breath and body practices that serve you when you feel bad. Learn breathing techniques and spinal work that will assist you in moments of stress. Find release, create space and process.
The Five Ways to boost mental wellbeing
The Five Ways to Wellbeing - researched and developed by the New Economics Foundation for the Department of Health and Social Care - are five simple things we can implement in our daily lives to improve our mental and physical wellbeing.
Link to Health Insurance Resources