Online and call-in options for peer, family, and clinical support that is accessible during the COVID-19 era, and other COVID-19 related information and resources.
updated August 8, 2020
NAMI Connection Support Groups
NAMI Connection is a free support group for people living with a mental health condition. Groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators and provide a safe, private, and non-judgmental setting. We’re offering several Connection groups by phone and email. Read more about Connection here.
NAMI Peer-to-Peer
We’re excited to offer Peer-to-Peer classes online beginning May 31st! Peer-to-Peer is an 8-week recovery-focused educational program for adults who wish to establish and maintain their wellness. Classes will take place online, Sundays, 11 am – 1:30 pm. Spaces are limited and registration is required. Learn more and register here.
The Western Mass Recovery Learning Community is offering a number of online/call-in peer support groups including Alternatives to Suicide, Hearing Voices, groups for people struggling with substances, for people of color, for people who identify as part of the LGBTQQIA+ community, for younger and older people, and general peer support groups. Read more about support options through the Western Mass RLC (opens in a new window). Note – this list also includes a number of options beyond the Western Mass RLC.
The Central Mass Recovery Learning Community is offering a number of online and call-in support: general support groups in English and Spanish, alternatives to suicide support groups, support especially for young adults, cooking, art, zumba, and, yoga. Learn more about the Central Mass RLC (opens in a new window).
The Metro Boston Mass Recovery Learning Community is offering online and call-in peer support at various times during the week including general support groups, dual recovery support groups, groups for people who identify as part of the LGBTQQIA+ community, and art groups. Learn more about support through the Metro Boston RLC (opens in a new window).
The Northeast Mass Recovery Learning Community is offering online and call-in peer support at various times during the week including mindfulness, music, and general support. Learn more about support through the Northeast RLC (opens in a new window).
Peer Support Warmlines
Warmlines are numbers that people can call to get support when they are feeling lonely, anxious, sad, etc., or simply need someone to talk to. They can also provide resources to callers.
Boston Peer Support Line (opens in new window)
every day, 4 – 8 pm
1-877-733-7563
Western Mass Peer Support Line (opens in new window)
every day, 7 – 11 pm
1-888-407-4515
Text Support: 413-287-1112
every day 3 – 7pm
DBSA Peer Support Groups
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provides information, education, and support to people with diagnosed with mood disorders and others impacted by them. They offer support groups around the state, and also offer online support forums. Find an online DBSA Support Group (opens in a new window).
Hearing Voices Support Groups
Hearing Voices support groups for people who hear voices, see visions, or negotiate alternative realities. They offer an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and find mutual support. Groups meet in person around the state, as well as online. Find an online Hearing Voices Support Group (opens in new window).
Tovio Center
The Tovio Center is offering a few remote access groups, including Alternatives to Suicide, yoga, meditation, and more. Check out groups from the Tovio Center (opens in a new window).
Other Options
Daily Strength (opens in a new tab)
In the Rooms (opens in a new tab)
7 Cups (opens in a new tab)
Support Group Central (opens in a new tab)
The Hive (opens in a new tab)
The Tribe (opens in a new tab)
Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR)
The Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) has put together a list of resources for people in recovery. Check out MOAR’s list of resources for the recovery community (pdf – opens in a new window)
WeConnect
WeConnect offers daily online support meetings for people dealing with substance use recovery and their supporters. Check out WeConnect’s meeting lineup (opens in a new window).
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
View this list of substance use recovery resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (pdf – opens in a new window)
Disaster Distress Helpline
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including disease outbreaks like COVID-19. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available 24/7, 365-day-a-year. More information about the Disaster Distress Helpline (opens in a new window).
MassSupport Network
MassSupport Network provides free community outreach and support services statewide in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Read more about the MassSupport Network (opens in a new window).
Other Crisis Call, Text, and Chat Services
Check out this list of other crisis call, text, and chat services (pdf – opens in a new window). Their operators are trained to provide support to people who are experiencing a crisis.
The Asperger/Autism Network
The The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) is offering support to people with Asperger Syndrome and similar diagnoses, as well as family members. Learn more about support from AANE.
Cambridge Women’s Center
The Cambridge Women’s Center is offering virtual support to people who identify as women. Learn more about support from the Cambridge Women’s Center.
NAMI Family Support Groups
NAMI Family Support groups are free support groups for family members, friends, and other caregivers of people diagnosed with a mental health condition. Groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators and provide a safe, private, and non-judgmental setting.
Many of our Family Support Groups continue to meet remotely. Family members and other caregivers from ANY part of the state are welcome to join any meeting. Learn more about NAMI Family Support Groups, and find a list of groups meeting remotely.
NAMI Family-to-Family
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free program for family members and other caregivers of people diagnosed with mental health conditions. The program is designed to help participants understand and support their loved one, while maintaining their own well-being. Learn more about participating in Family-to-Family during the state of emergency.
DBSA Family & Friends Support Groups
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provides information, education, and support to people with diagnosed with mood disorders and others impacted by them. They offer support groups around the state, some that welcome family and friends. DBSA also offers online support forums for family and friends. Find an online DBSA Support Group (opens in a new window).
Hearing Voices Network Family & Friends Support Group
This group provides a space where people can discuss navigating the experience of supporting loved ones who may hear voices, have visions, and generally have a variety non-consensus experiences and beliefs. The group’s primary focus is on supporting family members and friends to examine their own challenges in being present for such situations and relationships. The group operates in keeping with the values of the HVN-USA Charter. Send an email to families@westernmassrlc.org confirming that you are seeking support as a family member or friend of someone with hearing voices or related experiences to receive instructions for joining.
MIA Online Parent Support Groups
These online parent support groups from Mad in America offer a space where parents can exchange information and share experiences to foster a dialogue that goes beyond the predominant mainstream medical treatment model. The moderated support groups last 90 minutes, and are designed to help parents feel less alone as they struggle to best help their children. Learn more about the MIA Online Parent Support Groups (opens in a new window).
The Asperger/Autism Network
The The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) is offering support to people with Asperger Syndrome and similar diagnoses, as well as family members. Learn more about support from AANE.
Other Options
NAMI Basics OnDemand
NAMI Basics OnDemand is a free, 6-module course. It covers the same material as the in-person NAMI Basics classes. The Connect & Share option in NAMI Basics OnDemand offers parents and caregivers the opportunity to share stories, support, and interact with each other in an online setting. Learn more about NAMI OnDemand.
Parent/Professional Advocacy League
The Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) is offering weekly support groups for parents of children and teens, including groups for families who are Spanish-speaking and parents of transition-age kids. Check out the PPAL website for more information on their support options (opens in a new window). They have also compiled a list of other support for parents of kids and teens (pdf – opens in a new window).
Parents Helping Parents of Massachusetts
Parents Helping Parents offers free, confidential parent support groups. These groups serve as a safe place for parents to express frustrations and concerns about their children and families and get advice from other parents who understand. Parents Helping Parents will be offering a number of online/call-in support groups. See their website for more information (opens in a new window). Their Parent Stress Line Remains open for support (opens in a new window).
Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change
Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC) is offering support calls for families of children and teens with disabilities. They are also helping to connect families with volunteer educators who can provide remote support. Read more about the support MFOFC is offering (opens in a new window).
The Asperger/Autism Network
The The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) is offering support to people with Asperger Syndrome and similar diagnoses, as well as family members. Learn more about support from AANE (opens in a new window).
Federation for Children with Special Needs
The Federation for Children with Special Needs had put together a COVID-related information and updates. Check out the list (opens in a new window).
if you’re a health care worker
The Emotional PPE Project is a directory that provides contact information of volunteer mental health practitioners to healthcare workers whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more about the Emotional PPE Project (opens in a new window).
if you’re looking for a new mental health provider
There are a number of tools that can help you find a provider to meet with remotely, including:
William James Interface
1-888-244-6843
https://interface.williamjames.edu/
Therapy Matcher
1-800-242-9794
https://therapymatcher.org/
Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
other options for online medical and mental health clinical support
TalkSpace (opens in a new tab)
Better Help (opens in a new tab)
MDLive (opens in a new tab)
Dr on Demand (opens in a new tab)
related resource lists from NAMI Massachusetts
Resources to Support the Black Lives Matter Movement & People of Color (opens in a new tab)
Resources for Members of the LGBTQIA+ Community and Allies (opens in a new tab)
if you or someone you support is experiencing a mental health crisis
Check out our ideas for navigating a mental health crisis (opens in a new tab). Note that some options for support may be limited or not available at this time.
Before going to an emergency room, consider using an Emergency Services Program or behavioral health urgent care. Read more about these options (opens in a new tab).
Staying Mentally Well
Coronavirus: Mental Health Coping Strategies (opens in a new tab)
Maintaining Emotional Health & Well-Being During the COVID-19 Outbreak (opens in a new tab)
Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak (pdf – opens in a new tab)
Guide to Mental Health Resources for COVID-19 (opens in a new tab)
guidance about mental health services including DMH
FAQ for Families with Children Receiving Behavioral Health Services (pdf – opens in a new tab)
FAQ: COVID-19 and Behavioral Health Providers (pdf – opens in a new tab)
MassHealth Provider Resource: Telephone and Internet Connectivity for Telehealth (pdf – opens in a new tab)
ABA Provider Frequently Asked Questions (pdf – opens in a new tab)
COVID-19 Information and Documents about DMH Operated, Contracted, and Licensed Facilities (opens in a new tab)
Your Rights as They Pertain to COVID-19’s Effects on DMH and DDS Facilities in Massachusetts (pdf – opens in a new tab)
guidance about prescriptions
FAQ from the Board of Registration in Pharmacy (including information about Clozapine/Clozaril) (opens in a new window)
Pharmacy Updates for people with MassHealth (pdf – opens in a new window)
if you are concerned about potential COVID-19 symptoms or are looking for testing
Call your primary care provider’s office
Use the Buoy Health Care Tool to check symptoms and connect with health care resources. This tool is available 24/7 and is free for Massachusetts residents. Visit the Buoy Health website (opens in a new tab).
Where you can get COVID-19 testing with an appointment (pdf – opens in a new tab)
Map of COVID-19 Testing Locations in Massachusetts (opens in a new tab)
Stop the Spread – testing sites in higher risk locations (opens in a new tab)
if you have MassHealth and you’re having trouble getting a service or prescription
Read this handout if you’re having trouble getting a service or prescription (pdf – opens in a new window)
Contact MassOptions if you have unfulfilled PCA hours (opens in a new window)
guidance about medical care and prescriptions
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and MassHealth (opens in a new tab)
commercial insurance coverage and telehealth bulletin (pdf – opens in a new tab)
Medicare & Coronavirus (opens in a new tab)
MassHealth LTSS Provider Information: Updates Related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (pdf – opens in a new tab)
FAQ from the Board of Registration in Pharmacy (opens in a new tab)
Pharmacy Updates for people with MassHealth (pdf – opens in a new tab)
Resources for Masks
CDC recommends face masks (opens in a new tab)
A manual on homemade masks – sew and no-sew options (pdf – opens in a new tab)
Masks4All – sew and no-sew options (opens in a new tab)
if you need health insurance
Visit the Massachusetts Health Connector to apply for health insurance, including MassHealth (opens in a new tab).
Call the Health Care for All Helpline for help with navigating health insurance options (opens in a new tab).
General Resources
Mass 2-1-1 for COVID-19 information and resources to help meet your basic needs (opens in a new tab)
Massachusetts COVID-19 Response Alliance (opens in a new tab)
Massachusetts Mutual Aid Networks (opens in a new tab)
Food and Groceries
Use Your SNAP Benefits (including P-EBT benefits) Online! (opens in a new tab)
Food Source Hotline for help finding food resources (opens in a new tab)
COVID-19: Hunger & Food Resources for Households (opens in a new tab)
Grocery Delivery Options (pdf – opens in a new tab)
Boston-Area Local Grocery Delivery and/or Curbside Pickup Options (opens in a new tab)
Project Driveway – grocery delivery for people at high risk (opens in a new tab)
Housing Resources and Information
Housing Resource list from CHAPA (opens in a new tab)
Hello Landlord tools for renters who cannot pay rent (opens in a new tab)
Don’t Get Kicked Out info for renters (opens in a new tab)
Resources for Renters and Homeowners from the Housing and Community Development (opens in a new tab)
Other Information
Legal Resources Related to COVID 19 (pdf – opens in a new tab)
Internet connectivity and technology supports during COVID-19 (opens in a new tab)
Working from Home During the COVID-19 (pdf – opens in a new tab)
Volunteer opportunities for health professionals (opens in a new tab)
Have Your Go Bag Ready in Case You Fall Ill (opens in a new tab)
Funeral and End of Life Planning Guide (opens in a new tab)
Other Resource Lists
Massachusetts HEALing Communities Study COVID-19 Response and Support (opens in a new tab)
Resources for Massachusetts LGBTQIA+ Youth During COVID-19 (opens in a new tab)
COVID-19 Resources for Youth and Young Adults (opens in a new tab)
Massachusetts Information & Guidance
Reopening Massachusetts (opens in a new tab)
Information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 (opens in a new tab)
COVID-19 Updates, Emergency Orders, and Guidance (opens in a new tab)
Press Releases Related to COVID-19 (opens in a new tab)
COVID-19 Information and Documents about DMH Operated, Contracted, and Licensed Facilities (opens in a new tab)
Resources for Renters and Homeowners from the Housing and Community Development (opens in a new tab)
Resources and Support from the Department of Transitional Assistance (opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations (opens in a new tab)
Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus (opens in a new tab)
MassHealth: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (opens in a new tab)
Federal Information and Guidance
Coronavirus.gov (opens in a new tab)
Government Response to Coronavirus (opens in a new tab)
information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in a new tab)
information on Economic Impact Payments (opens in a new tab)
As always, you can contact our Compass Helpline for information and resources. Compass is available Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Call us at 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085, or email us at compass@namimass.org. Learn more about Compass: https://namimass.org/nami-mass-compass-helpline/.
