Behavioral Health Resources
Free Family Support Opportunities
Free support groups, courses, helplines, and referral resources are available for family members and supporters of people living with mental health conditions.
Support Groups
NAMI Family Support Groups:
Includes specialty groups for specific interests.
namimass.org/nami-family-support-groups
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance:
dbsaboston.org
Cole Resource Center:
coleresourcecenter.org
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network:
Parent support services for parents of youth and adolescents.
waysideyouth.org/forfamilies/parentsupportservices
Parent Professional Advocacy League Parent Support Groups:
Support for parents of youth and adolescents.
ppal.net
Other Support Options
NAMI Family-to-Family Course:
namimass.org/nami-family-to-family
This evidence-based, eight-session weekly course supports family members and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions. Topics include symptoms of mental illness, treatments and therapies, communication and problem-solving skills, a positive team approach, and self-care.
NAMI Basics Course:
namimass.org/nami-basics
This six-session weekly course helps parents and caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral and emotional challenges. Topics include accessing care, communication skills, working with schools, and self-care. NAMI Basics On Demand also offers a self-paced online option.
Helplines
NAMI MA Compass Helpline:
namimass.org/nami-mass-compass-helpline
This information and referral helpline helps people navigate the mental health system and problem solve in difficult circumstances. Available Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Contact: 617-704-6264, 1-800-370-9085, or compass@namimass.org.
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. People concerned about someone who may need support may also call.
Free Family Support Opportunities
The following organizations offer free support, education, and resources for family members and supporters of individuals living with mental health conditions.
Support Groups for Family Members and Supporters
NAMI Family Support Groups, including specialty groups for specific interests: namimass.org/nami-family-support-groups
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): dbsaboston.org
Cole Resource Center: coleresourcecenter.org
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, for parents of youth and adolescents: waysideyouth.org/care-coordination/#familyPartner
Parent Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) Parent Support Groups, for parents of youth and adolescents: ppal.net
Other Support Options
NAMI Family to Family Course: namimass.org/nami-family-to-family
An evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course for family members and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental illness, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care.
NAMI Basics Course: namimass.org/nami-basics
A six-session weekly course designed for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral and emotional challenges. Highlights include accessing care, communication skills, working with schools, and self-care. This program is also available as a self-paced online pro-gram, NAMI Basics On Demand.
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 through Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Contact: 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085, or compass@namimass.org
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.
Behavioral Health Content
-
Ways to Curb the Sunday Scaries
It happens to many people of various ages — Sunday afternoon or evening comes, and you start to feel a pit in your stomach, dread the start of the week,
-
Reducing the Grip of Anxiety
Fear, worry, and uneasiness are normal responses to stress. In an emergency, anxiety helps people react to danger. In a less urgent but demanding situation, it energizes you and helps
-
Find Help: A New Resource to Find Local Help
We are pleased to launch Find Help, a website where you can find local resources for a wide variety of needs — including food, housing, mental health, childcare, senior care,