Many towns now have behavioral health clinicians working alongside local police departments. They work to address the mental health and substance use needs of people coming into contact with law enforcement through crisis intervention and referrals to services. They also offer NARCAN training and distribution. Contact your local police department to find out who their behavioral health clinician is.

MA Behavioral Health Helpline: masshelpline.com or 833-773-2445.
Call or text 24/7 for urgent care evaluation, connection to clinical services, and mobile crisis response.

Those concerned about someone who may need support are welcome to call.

Mental Health Courts are designed to increase access to mental health treatment for court-involved people and assist them in their path away from unlawful behavior. Participation in Mental Health Courts is voluntary, and those who meet eligibility criteria must agree to participate and comply with program requirements. Learn about the referral process and participating court districts on the Massachusetts Center of Excellence for Specialty Courts website at macoe.org.

Contact the Ayer & Concord District Courts’ Mental Health Court Clinician, Margaret Johnston, LMHC, at mjohnston4@TeamCenturion.com or 774-419-2417.

“Road Map Through the Criminal Justice System”:
namimass.org/wp-content/uploads/roadmap2020.pdf

This guide is for people dealing with mental health symptoms, their families, and other supporters. It explains the essentials of the Massachusetts criminal justice system and includes information to help people with mental health conditions find a way out or treatment within. Subheadings include Hospitalization for Mental Health or Substance Use, Entering the Criminal Justice System, Pre-Trial, Trial, and Post-Trial.

NAMI MA Compass Helpline: namimass.org/nami-mass-compass-helpline

An information and referral helpline that provides resources and support to help people navigate the mental health system and problem-solve in difficult circumstances, including criminal justice concerns, Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Contact: 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085, or compass@namimass.org.

“Coming Home Directory”: cominghomedirectory.org
The Crime and Justice Institute offers this directory of reentry services available to people returning from incarceration to Greater Boston. The goal is to assist returning individuals, their families, service providers, and local agencies in helping people thrive in the community by connecting them to services that help build stability and success.