Information Spotlight

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The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line and 27 Community Behavioral Health Centers are both part of the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform. These services were established to connect youth and adults with supportive services in local communities.

These services are relatively new and we are all learning together!

Below are highlights, links, and information about the BHHL and CBHCs.

Please reach out to Ellen, Kim, or your child's clinician with any questions or information to share.

The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) can connect you directly to clinical help, when and where you need it. Even if you’re not sure what kind of help or treatment you may need, the clinical staff who answer the BHHL calls can help guide you. You can call to get help for yourself or for someone you care about, including children and other family members.

• It’s free, confidential, and no health insurance is required.

• BHHL offers real-time interpretation in 200+ languages.

• The BHHL is for everyone, including LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Deaf or hard of hearing, individuals with disabilities, and individuals whose first language is not English.

FAQs For more FAQs here

How does the BHHL work?

• The BHHL is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by phone call and text at 833-773-2445 (BHHL), and online chat at masshelpline.com.

When I contact the BHHL, who answers?

• The BHHL is staffed by trained clinicians and certified peer specialists to support every caller’s needs. Every call, text, or chat conversation includes follow up by trained clinicians, and staff will remain on the line with you until you are connected to the help you need.

How much does it cost, and do I need to have health insurance?

• The BHHL is free and available to all Massachusetts residents, even if you do not have insurance.

Will I be able to access services or treatment in my own community?

• Yes. The BHHL connects people to treatment in their community, including one of the new Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) across the state. The BHHL uses a comprehensive directory of mental health and substance use treatment providers.

For a mental health crisis, should I go to the emergency room or call the BHHL?

• The BHHL is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis and can directly connect you with crisis support in your community. The BHHL connects callers to 911 when needed for immediate safety. You can also visit a Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHCs) in your area for crisis intervention.

The Behavioral Health Help Line is a service of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, operated by the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP).

*This resource sheet has taken language directly the from BHHL website and materials shared with Manville. Presentation to Manville Families: Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line BHHL Overview April 2024.pptx

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has established 27 Community Behavioral Health Centers to connect with supportive services in local communities.

Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) are one-stop shops for a wide range of mental health and substance use services and treatment. The statewide network of CBHCs includes centers across Massachusetts that offer immediate, confidential care for mental health and substance use needs.

Crisis services are available around the clock for anyone in Massachusetts who feels they may be experiencing a mental health crisis. This 24/7 in-person crisis support can be used by anyone in Massachusetts, whether or not they have health insurance. CBHCs also offer day-to-day mental health and substance use services which are covered by all MassHealth plans and some commercial insurance plans.

• Services vary by location.

• CBHCs are covered by all MassHealth plans

• Coverage varies for commercial insurance plans. The BHHL can help you find out if a CBHC takes your insurance.

Community Behavioral Health Center Services Offered Cities/Towns Served

CBHC Community Crisis Stabilization programs offer a less restrictive alternative to inpatient hospitalization for people in need of short-term, overnight crisis care.

• Positive Environment: Home-like, friendly, and comfortable environments offer a feeling of community while maintaining a safe and secure setting.

• Age-Appropriate: Separate adult and youth programs.

• Services Include: individual, group, and family therapy; medication management; crisis intervention; future crisis prevention planning.

• Covered By: All MassHealth plans and many commercial plans (check with insurer).

• Youth Program Information taken from program sites:

• Youth Community Crisis Stabilization - The Home for Little Wanderers

• Youth Community Crisis Stabilization (YCCS) - Child & Family Services (CFS)

• Youth Community Crisis Stabilization - Vinfen

*This resource sheet has taken language directly the from Community Behavioral Health Centers | Mass.gov and CBHC Crisis Care | Mass.gov, materials from CHBCs, and materials shared with Manville. Presentation to Manville families: CBHC presentation Feb 2024 NN.pptx

Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BH UC) locations provide a range of mental health and substance use services for MassHealth members, including mental health assessments, substance use treatment, referrals, and much more.

BH UC is designed to provide MassHealth members with easier access to mental health and substance use care, right in their communities.

• Learn more about BH UC
• Find a BH UC Location

988 is the direct three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a nationwide resource for anyone in emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts. 988 is staffed by trained call takers, who provide free, confidential emotional support to all callers.

• Call/text: 988
• Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat

For more information, visit mass.gov/988.