Find resources for families with kids and teens.
Contents…
Getting Mental Health Treatment
Kids and Teens
Getting Mental Health Treatment
617-332-3666
The William James Interface is a free service that provides referrals to mental health providers for callers in participating cities and towns in Massachusetts.
617-720-2828
Therapy Matcher a free service that provides referrals to licensed social workers in Massachusetts.
1-855-546-5543
LINK-KID is a centralized referral service for families looking for evidence-based trauma treatment for their child.
The Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) community-based system of behavioral health services available to children with MassHealth.
Many commercial health insurance plans in Massachusetts are required to cover an array of community-based intermediate behavioral health services for children and teens.
First Episode/Early Psychosis Programs are a team-oriented care approach designed to treat people who recently experienced psychosis for the first time.
Resources Especially for Teens
Based at and supported by the Parent/Professional Advocacy League, Youth M.O.V.E. Massachusetts advocates for youth voice in the mental health system, and offers peer support groups and more.
Young Adult Access Centers offer peer support, arts, social activities, and connections to housing, employment, and education resources in a space that is welcoming and safe. There are also opportunities to gain leadership skills and learn to advocate for choice and voice in treatment and recovery.
- Impact Center
in Springfield - New Bedford Young Adult Access Center
in New Bedford - TEMPO Young Adult Resource Center
in Framingham - Transition Resources and Community Supports & the Successful Employment Program
in Quincy - You Forward
in Everett - You Forward
in Lawrence - YOUnity Drop-in Center
in Gloucester - Youth Elemento
in Chelsea - YouthQuake
in Lowell - Zia Access Center
in Worcester
Crisis Call, Text, or Chat Services are there when you’re feeling sad, lonely, or hopeless, thinking about suicide, or just want to talk to someone. They can provide support, resources, and referrals.
- Your Life Your Voice
1-800-448-3000
(call, chat, and text) - Teen Line
1-800-266-7883
(call, text, email) - TrevorLifeline for LGBTQ youth
1-866-488-7386
(call, chat, and text)
The Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research
The Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research offers tip sheets, reports, and more for young people dealing with mental health conditions – many developed with input from young adults.
Speaking of Hope
Speaking of Hope is a website by and for young people that offers resources and serves as a network for young adults to connect with one another.
You Matter
You Matter is an online space for young people to discuss and share stories about mental health.
Jed Foundation
Jed Foundation works to strengthen the emotional health of teens and young adults so they can thrive.
The Voice Collective
The Voice Collective is a project that supports children and young people who hear voices, see visions, have other unusual sensory experiences or beliefs, as well as their family.
Strong 365
Strong 365 provides information and resources for young people dealing with psychosis, along with personal stories of finding acceptance, hope and inspiration through tough times.
Resources for Siblings
For siblings of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, or Mental Health Issues, 6 – 18 years old. Siblings meet other children and teens who know what it’s like to have a sibling with behavioral challenges. Siblings have a chance to talk, learn coping skills and feel better. Meets the first Thursday of every month on Zoom.
The Survive to Thrive Sibling Support Group is offered for young people ages 11-14 years old living in metro west area who have siblings with mental health and behavioral health challenges living in the home.
Resources for Parents
NAMI Family Support Groups are free groups for family members and other caregivers of children and adults dealing with mental health symptoms. They provide a nonjudgmental environment where caregivers can discuss concerns, learn about local resources, and benefit from one another’s collective knowledge and experience.
Statewide NAMI Family Support Groups for Parents of Kids & Teens
Family Support Group
meets on the 2nd Monday of each month
6 – 7:30 pm via Zoom
contact for more information: NAMI Cape Cod at 508-778-4277
Family Support Group
meets every other Thursday
7 – 8:30 pm via Zoom
contact for more information: email ttapsgroup@gmail.com
Family Support Group
meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month
7 – 8:30 pm via Zoom
contact for more information: NAMI Cape Cod at 508-778-4277
NAMI Basics is a free 6-week class for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with emotional and behavioral issues. Participants will learn communication tips, how to problem-solve, and the skills to help you cope with the emotional impact of caring for your child. NAMI Basics OnDemand is also available.
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-week program for family members of older teens and adults dealing with mental health conditions. It provides information about mental health conditions, coping skills, handling crisis, listening and communication techniques, problem solving, limit setting, self-care, and more.
Family Support Programs offer support groups, one-to-one support, and more for family members of children and teens dealing with emotional or behavioral challenges.
- Parent Information Network
serving Southeastern Massachusetts - Parent Professional Advocacy League
serving Central Massachusetts - The Support Network
serving Western Massachusetts - The Home for Little Wanderers
serving Suffolk County - Wayside
serving the Northeast and Metro West areas
Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) is a statewide, grassroots family organization that advocates for improved access to mental health services for children and their families. PPAL offers information, support, and resources for parents of children and teens.
Family Resource Centers offers multi-cultural parenting programs, support groups, information and referral resources, and education for families with children birth to 18 years of age.
- Find a Family Resource Center
Parents Helping Parents provides information and support for the parenting journey. They offer a parent stress line, support groups, and more.
- call the Parent Stress Line: 1-800-632-8188
- Learn more about Parents Helping Parents
- Find a Support Groups
Looking for other resources for kids and teens?
Contact the NAMI Mass Compass Helpline. Compass is available Monday through Friday, 10 am – 6 pm. Call us at 617-704-6264 or email us at compass@namimass.org.