Mental Health Resources
Our Mental Health Resources page connects community members with trusted services for crisis support, counseling, substance use recovery, advocacy, and more—helping ensure accessible care for all.
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.
Address: 675 Main Street Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: (781)-893-5110 (Toll free)
Phone: (800)-640-5432 (Crisis helpline)
https://www.advocates.org/services/mental-health-services
This brand-new Help Line is the Commonwealth’s “front door” for behavioral health needs. It connects callers to the full range of treatment services for mental health and addiction support through the Commonwealth. It can help in real time with immediate crisis intervention, urgent, and routine needs. The Help Line is available 24/7/365 in 200+ languages.
Phone: Call or text (833)-773-2445
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.
Phone: 877-870-4673(HOPE)
Website: https://samaritanshope.org/get-help/
Crisis text line for age 13-25
In a crisis?
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.
Website: https://www.crisistextline.org
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.
Address: 77 Rumford Ave, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02453
Phone: (781) 894-4307
Website: 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.
Address: 746 South St 2nd Floor, Waltham, MA 02453
(617) 278-5300
Website: https://www.bakercenter.org/
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
Address: 151 Newton Street, Waltham Massachusetts 02453
Phone: (617)-924-1285
Website: https://www.artrelief.info/
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
Address: 20 Hope Ave, Suite 204, Waltham, MA 02453
Phone: (508) 979-5557
Website: https://www.advocates.org/services/mental-health-services
Charles River Community Health
If you or someone in your family is struggling with mental health, substance abuse issues, or adjustment to chronic health issues, our counselors are here to help. We offer individual and family therapy for all ages. We speak your language. Interpretation services available.
Address: 43 Foundary Ave, Waltham, MA 02453
Phone: (781) 693-3800
Website: https://www.charlesriverhealth.org/care-services/mental-health-counseling/
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
Address: 64 Eldredge Street, Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617)-969-4925
Website: 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.
Address: 492 Waltham St, Newton, MA 02465
Phone: (617)-969-5906
Website: https://familyaccess.org/child-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
Address: 1 Frederick Abbott Way, Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: (508)-879-9800
Website: https://www.waysideyouth.org/
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.
Address: 500 Victory Road, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone: (617)-847-1950
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.
Open:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Address: One Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 888-244-6843 (Toll free)
Phone: (617)-332-3666 (Local)
https://interface.williamjames.edu/about
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.
Address: 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: (781)-693-5562
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.
Phone: (781)-693-5640
Email: drn@jfcsboston.org.
Website: 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.
Phone: 1-855-LINK-KID (1-855-546-5543) to speak to one of our clinical referral coordinators.
Phone: (774)-455-4127
Email: jessica.griffin@umassmed.edu
Website: 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.
Phone: 800-242-9794
Email: info@therapymatcher.org
Website: https://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 11 AM on Zoom. Information on how to join on their website.
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.
Website: https://www.mbrlc.org
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 AM – 11:00 PM
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 10 AM -8 PM & Thursday 1 PM -8 PM
Email: info@reachma.org
Website: https://reachma.org/
RESPOND partners with individuals, families and communities to end the serious public health issue of domestic violence. RESPOND strives to achieve its mission through prevention, intervention and education services that promote safe, healthy relationships.
RESPOND, INC.
PO Box 555
Somerville, MA 02143
Email: info@respondinc.org
Phone: (617) 623-5900 Support Line (9AM-5PM, M-F)
Phone: (617) 625-5996 Administration
Fax: (617) 623-4377
The Second Step partners with survivors to address the aftermath of abuse and build brighter futures for themselves and their children.
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
Email: bsoltzberg@jfcsboston.org
Phone: 1-800-980-1982
Email: info@CJPSeniorDirect.org
Website: https://www.jfcsboston.org/
Resources for people with Parkinson’s disease and family members: Support groups and online programs.
Email: amuskopf@jfcsboston.org
Bereavement support groups:
Email: 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
Phone: (617)-243-6000
Website: https://www.nwh.org/classes-and-resources/community-education/our-councils
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
Address: 331 Montvale Avenue, 2nd floor, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (617)-580-8541
Website: https://namimass.org/
List of special statewide Family Support Groups.
https://namimass.org/nami-family-support-groups/#statewide
Compass Helpline
The Compass Helpline at NAMI Massachusetts provides free information, ideas, resources, and support to help people across the state navigate the complex mental health system and related systems of care. Compass is staffed by people with first-hand experience navigating the mental health system for themselves or a family member.
Phone: (617)-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085
Open: Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Email: compass@namimass.org
Clubhouse provides pre-vocational, vocational and social experiences for individuals who have a mental health condition.
Patricia Vella, Director
Office: 781-894-5302
Cell: 978-625-2942
pvella@edinburgcenter.org
Website
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.
Phone: (508)-879-9800 or 1-800-370-9085
Address: 1 Frederick Abbott Way, Framingham, MA 01701
Website: https://www.waysideyouth.org/services-support/
Wayside Tempo Young Adult Resource Center
One stop resource center for Young Adults ages 17-24. Tempo is a drop-in center with hours Monday-Saturday. Focus on achievement, employment, schooling, healthy relationships, and practical skills to reach future goals.
Open:
- Monday - Tuesday and Thursdays: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM– 6 PM
To set up an appointment or have questions about services, please call (508)-879-1424.
If you are a young adult who is struggling with mental health issues and would like to speak to a clinician, please call (508)-469-3241. Leave a brief message with your name and number and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
The Edinburg Center offers an array of innovative services which promote personal growth and independence, foster hope and enhance the quality of life of people with mental health conditions, co-occurring substance use conditions and/or developmental disabilities or brain injuries.
Address: 205 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: (781)-862-3600
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.
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.
Phone: (800)-969-6642 (toll free)
Website: https://screening.mhanational.org/
Tips to navigate a mental health crisis
NAMI tip sheet
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
More Mental Health Resources
Coalition of Racial Equity in Mental Health (Core Mental Health)
The Coalition of Racial Equity in Mental Health is a non-profit coalition bringing racial equity to mental health supports for people of color through innovative community collaborations.
Waltham Public School Counseling Department
The Waltham Public Schools Counseling Department provides a comprehensive list of counseling resources and support for students and families.
Website: 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
Address: 617 Lexington Street Waltham, MA 02452
Phone: (781)-314-3367
Website: https://walthampartnershipforyouth.org/
Families for Depression Awareness
Families for Depression Awareness is the premier mental health organization specializing in educating and supporting family caregivers of people living with depression or bipolar disorder.
Address: 391 Totten Pond Road, #101, Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: (781)-890-0220