Young People

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) funds centers around the state for young people through age 24. Each center helps young adults build skills for independent living, learning, and employment, and offers opportunities for peer support and mentoring.

• Impact Youth Access Center in Springfield (opens in a new window)
• Mill You Drop In Center in Lowell (opens in a new window)
• STEPS Young Adult Resource Center in Arlington (opens in a new window)
• TEMPO Young Adult Resource Center in Framingham (opens in a new window)
• Transition Resources & Community Supports (TRACS) in Braintree (opens in a new window)
• You Forward Drop In Centers in Haverhill and Lawrence (opens in a new window)
• YOUnity Drop In Center in Gloucester (opens in a new window)
• Zia Access Center in Worcester (opens in a new window)

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) Young Adult Resource Guide has been developed and updated to reflect the changing needs of the young adult population in DMH as well as those services and supports that accompany the young adult’s journey through education, employment, transportation, and housing.

• View the DMH Young Adult Resource Guide (opens in a new window)

The Massachusetts chapter of Youth M.O.V.E. is a youth-led organization. Based at and supported by the Parent/Professional Advocacy League, they advocate for youth rights and voice in mental health and other support systems. They also provide community-based peer support groups, youth-focused resources and referrals, and more.

• Learn more about Youth MOVE Massachusetts (opens in new window)

Youth MOVE National is a youth-driven, chapter-based organization dedicated to improving services and systems that support positive growth and development by uniting the voices of individuals who have lived experience in various systems, including mental health, juvenile justice, education, and child welfare.

• Learn more about Youth MOVE National (opens in new window)

The Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research (ACR) promotes the full participation of young adults diagnosed with mental health conditions in socially valued roles.

• Visit the Transitions ACR website (opens in a new window)
• See Transitions ACR tipsheets and briefs (opens in a new window)

Pathways to Positive Futures works to improve the lives of youth diagnosed with mental health conditions through research, training, and dissemination.

• Visit the Pathways RTC website (opens in a new window)

ReachHire is a website by and for young adults. It offers tools, information, and advice designed to help young adults achieve their employment and educational goals.

• Learn more about ReachHire (opens in a new window)

Speaking of Hope is a website by and for young adults with lived mental health experience. It offers information, resources, and an events calendar, and serves as a network for young adults to connect with one another.

• Visit the Speaking of Hope website (opens in a new window)

OK2Talk is an online community for young adults to share what they’re experiencing.

• Visit the OK2Talk website (opens in a new window)

You can use a crisis call, text, or chat services if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis. They can provide support, resources, and referrals.

• Your Life/Your Voice Teen Hotline (opens in a new window)
  1-800-448-3000 – call, text, and online chat
• Teen Line (opens in a new window)
  1-800-266-7883 – call, text, and email
• Trevor Lifeline for LBGTQ Youth (opens in a new window)
  1-866-488-7386 – call, text, and online chat

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.

• Visit the Voice Collective website (opens in a new window)

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.

• Visit the Strong 365 website (opens in a new window)

First Episode/Early Psychosis Programs are a team-oriented care approach designed to treat people who are showing signs of psychosis or who were recently diagnosed with psychosis. The Massachusetts Psychosis Network For Early Treatment provides information about First Episode/Early Psychosis Programs and a list of programs in Massachusetts.

• Learn more about the Massachusetts Psychosis Network For Early Treatment (opens in a new window)