Because of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, many in-person support options have been temporarily suspended. Below are online and call-in options for peer, family, and clinical support that is accessible during this time. Also below is other COVID-19 related information and resources.
updated April 6, 2020
Peer Support Options – Massachusetts Specific
Peer Support Options – Beyond Massachusetts
Support Options for Parents of Children and Teens
Other Information and Resources – Groceries, Basic Needs, Masks, Staying Mentally Well, and more
Things to Fill Your Time – Connection, Relaxation, Media, Online Classes, Music Fun, and more
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 will offer four call-in Connection Recovery Support Groups each week.
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays: call 508-206-8720 (no access code is required). Contact Judi at jmaguire@namimass.org for more information.
- Mondays 6:30 pm (starting March 23rd)
- Wednesdays 7:30 pm (starting March 25th)
- Saturdays 10:00 am (starting March 21st)
Tuesdays: call 425-436-6392 (access code: 119410). Contact Cortney at cortneyhudson82@gmail.com for more information.
- Tuesdays, 7 pm (starting March 24th)
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 (through this emergency)
1-888-407-4515
Text Support: 413-287-1112
every day 3 – 7pm
warmline options beyond Massachusetts (opens in a new window)
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). Visit the Hearing Voices Network USA online forums (opens in new window).
Peerly Human
Peerly Human offers Deadly Serious – Talking Openly About Suicide support calls on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as well as other support call options. Read more about options from Peerly Human (opens in a new tab).
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)
18 Percent (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).
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.
NAMI Resource Directory
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) National Resource Directory (pdf – opens in a new tab)
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.
Some of our Family Support Groups will continue, with meetings happening by conference call. Family members and other caregivers from any area of the state are welcome to join. Learn more about NAMI Family Support Groups.
- Cambridge Family Support Group
meets on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Contact Rae at 617-984-0527 for more information - Dorchester Family Support Group
meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month, from 6 to 7:30 pm
contact Mark at 617-522-7439 or Monica at 857-342-2796 for more information - Gloucester Family Support Group
meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month, from 7 to 8:30 pm
Contact NAMI Cape Ann at 978-281-1557 or namicapeann@verizon.net for more information - Marlborough Family Support Group
meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, from 7 to 8:30 pm
contact Larry at LFDeAngelo@namimass.org or 978-760-7702 for more information - Middleton Family Support Group
meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, from 7 to 8:30 pm
Contact Sheila at 617-984.0504 or ShePowGir45@gmail.com for more information
The Newton Wellesley Family Support Group will meet using Zoom.
- Newton-Wellesley Family Support Group
meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 pm
To get the information to enter this group, please email info@naminw.org and include your phone number in case we need to reach you
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.
The Gardner Family-to-Family is still open to new course participants. This course starts on Thursday, April 9th, from 7 – 9:30 pm, and will run for 8 weeks. Family members from ANY area of the state are encouraged to sign up. Please contact Paul at 978-514-2942 pbois56@gmail.com or Steve at 978-621-3253 shadden@hadlorgroup.com for more information and to register.
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.
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. Visit the Hearing Voices Network USA online forums (opens in new window).
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).
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).
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).
if you’re already receiving mental health care
Ask your provider about remote options for accessing care. MassHealth has expanded telehealth services – care received by computer or over the phone – during this outbreak. Medicare and many private insurance plans can also cover telehealth. You can call your insurance company to confirm coverage.
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and MassHealth (opens in a new tab)
commercial insurance coverage and telehealth bulletin (pdf – opens in a new window)
Medicare & Coronavirus (opens in a new tab)
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
if you are concerned about potential COVID-19 symptoms
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 window).
other options for online 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)
if you or someone you support is experiencing a mental health crisis
Check out our ideas for navigating a mental health crisis. 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.
guidance about mental health services and 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)
FAQ for Families with Children Receiving Behavioral Health Services (pdf – opens in a new window)
FAQ: COVID-19 and Behavioral Health Providers (pdf – opens in a new window)
ABA Provider Frequently Asked Questions (pdf – opens in a new window)
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)
if you need health insurance
Visit the Massachusetts Health Connector to apply for health insurance, including MassHealth (opens in a new tab). The open enrollment period has been extended to April 25th.
Call the Health Care for All Helpline for help with navigating health insurance options (opens in a new tab).
Groceries and Other Basic Needs
Mass 2-1-1 for COVID-19 information and resources to help meet your basic needs (opens in a new tab)
Food Source Hotline for help finding food resources (opens in a new tab)
Massachusetts Mutual Aid Networks (opens in a new tab)
Grocery Delivery Options (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)
Where to buy non-medical face coverings, balaclavas and bandanas online (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)
Other Information
Internet connectivity and technology supports during COVID-19 (opens in a new tab)
Massachusetts HEALing Communities Study COVID-19 Response and Support (opens in a new tab)
Volunteer opportunities for health professionals (opens in a new tab)
Donate or sell personal protective equipment (opens in a new tab)
Connection
How to Be Social While Social Distancing During the Coronavirus Pandemic (opens in a new tab)
A Guide to Hosting Virtual Events with Zoom (opens in a new tab)
Relaxation
7 meditation apps to help you calm quarantine anxiety (opens in a new tab)
You Can Virtually Visit These Vacation Destinations From Your Couch (opens in a new tab)
Soothe Yourself With These Zoo Livestreams (opens in a new tab)
Media
SXSW 2020 Shorts (opens in a new tab)
other Mailchimp Presents content (opens in a new tab)
Netflix Party (opens in a new tab)
All The Free Games You Can Play This Weekend (opens in a new tab)
Marvel is Offering Access To a Bunch of Comics For Free (opens in a new tab)
Online Classes
All the best free classes and memberships online right now (opens in a new tab)
Virtual Field Trips (opens in a new tab)
Music Fun
Patatap visual sound kit (opens in a new tab)
Typatone online instrument (opens in a new tab)
Interactive Drumkit (opens in a new tab)
Chrome Music Lab (opens in a new tab)
Other
624 peculiar prompts to keep you occupied at home (opens in a new tab)
94 Fun Things You Can Do at Home, Anytime (opens in a new tab)
Massachusetts Information
Information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (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)
Massachusetts Guidance
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)
Information on state income tax extension to July 15th (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 about federal Income Tax extension to July 15th (opens in a new tab)
information on stimulus 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/.
