Behavioral Health Resources

Free Supports for New Parents

Parenting a new baby can be rewarding and challenging. These free support groups, helplines, and resources can help parents connect with others, find support, and access information when needed.

Local Support Groups

First Connections
Virtual meetings with monthly in-person gatherings.

Register for meeting links and in-person dates through First Connections.

Parents with babies ages 0–12 months can join this supportive, nonjudgmental, confidential group to share experiences, learn from one another, and receive evidence-based information about emotional well-being, feeding and sleep challenges, and infant development.

The group is facilitated by Emily Fiorini, MA, LMHC, an infant-parent mental health counselor, along with guest speakers on designated dates.

Emily Fiorini is also available for one-on-one consultations and can help connect families with therapists who specialize in postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. Contact: efiorini@jri.org

Virtual Support Groups

  • Apoyo Perinatal – Spanish-language support group for new mothers
  • Desi Chaat – Support group for South Asian mothers
  • Black Mamas Matter – Black Moms Connect
  • New Dad – Monthly support group for new fathers
  • Military Moms – Support group for military spouses, active-duty personnel, and veteran mothers
  • Single Perinatal Parent Support Group – Support group for single parents
  • Queer and Trans Parent Support Group – Support group for members of the LGBTQ+ community

Postpartum Support International
www.postpartum.net/psi-online-support-meetings

Other Support Options

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Mental health support for new and expecting parents
1-833-852-6262 (TLC-MAMA)

Parental Stress Line
Supportive and confidential helpline
1-800-632-8188
www.parentshelpingparents.org/parental-stress-line

Postpartum Support International
www.postpartum.net
Support Line: 1-800-944-4773
Offers perinatal and postnatal mental health education and additional support resources.

Talk With Your Child’s Pediatrician or Your OB-GYN Provider

Your pediatrician or OB-GYN provider may be able to connect you with additional resources and support. They want to know how you are doing. A parent’s mental well-being is an important part of a family’s overall health.

Free Crisis Help and Information

This page provides immediate crisis support and trusted information for individuals experiencing mental health distress or for those concerned about someone else. The resources below explain what a mental health crisis may look like and offer clear, 24/7 options for emergency response, crisis intervention, peer-led support, and planning for future crises.

In a crisis contacts

Life-threatening emergency: Call 911

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 call or text Support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress and those concerned about someone who may need crisis support, 24/7.

Veterans’ Crisis Line: veteranscrisisline.net
For veterans and their loved ones. Call 988 and Press 1 or text 838255 or chat online, 24/7.

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.

Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs):
mass.gov/community-behavioral-health-centers or 833-773-2445
24/7 walk-in alternative to emergency department visits for mental health and substance use crisis and urgent care. CBHCs in Waltham, Framingham, Lowell and Leominster cover the Emerson Hospital service area. Check the link for location info.

Peer Led Crisis Programs: Open 24/7, staffed by people living with mental health conditions trained to provide non-clinical support, no fee.

The Living Room: advocates.org/services/living-room Framingham, 508-661-3333
Kiva Centers: kivacenters.org/karaya-peer-respite Worcester

Preparing for a Mental Health Crisis

NAMI Massachusetts Crisis Information: namimass.org/in-a-crisis
NAMI Massachusetts offers well-researched information about what to do, how to plan, and a variety of services to help handle a crisis.

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, Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Contact: 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085, or compass@namimass.org.

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