Finding Mental Health Support in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) is here to 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, we can help guide you.

• Call or text 833-773-2445
• Live chat available at: https://www.masshelpline.com/ 
• Available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year (including holidays)
• It’s free, confidential, and no health insurance is required.
• Real-time interpretation in 200+ languages
• Deaf or hard of hearing? Contact MassRelay at 711

Most mental health services are delivered in outpatient and community settings paid for by insurance, including MassHealth. If you have private health insurance, contact your insurance provider (the number on the back of your health insurance card is best) to see what services might be available to you through your provider.

• For individuals insured by MassHealth (Medicaid in MA), contact the member services number on your MassHealth card, or consult with your primary care physician.
• For individuals insured by Medicare, contact the primary care physician’s office or Medicare for a referral to counseling services. 1 (800) MEDICARE (or 1-800-633-4227).
• Individuals who do not have health insurance can obtain coverage through the MA Health Connector.

Finding the right supports for your needs can be difficult. Thankfully, there are several free websites and help lines that can help you in the right direction. 

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) Treatment Connection Tool: Use Treatment Connection to find mental health, substance use, and support services near you. You can also filter results based on your needs. All searches are confidential. If you would like someone to help you connect to services, please call or text the BHHL at 833-773-2445, or chat with us at https://masshelpline.com. Visit the BHHL Treatment Connection: https://www.masshelpline.com/BHHLResourceDirectory

NAMI Compass: COMPASS is the information and referral helpline at NAMI Massachusetts. They provide resources and support to help people navigate the complex mental health system and problem solve in difficult circumstances. The COMPASS helpline is manned by people with experience navigating the mental health system for themselves or a loved one, including volunteer and staff Navigators. Trained Navigators are available to answer a wide range of questions and refer to community resources.

The COMPASS helpline is available Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Call the helpline at 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085, or email them at compass@namimass.org. Learn More about NAMI Compass

Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: The Helpline is the only statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services. Helpline services are free and confidential. Caring, trained Specialists will help you understand the treatment system and your options. Call the helpline at 1-800-327-5050 or visit the website to learn more. 

SAMHSA National Helpline: SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. Visit the website to learn more.

Most mental health services, including medication and therapy are provided through health insurance – MassHealth (Medicaid), the Massachusetts Health Connector (health insurance marketplace) or through private insurance (employer-based). 

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) has a specialized role in the healthcare delivery system.  DMH provides supplemental services for people with the most serious needs.  These services are beyond those supplied through health insurance and require approval by DMH. Learn more about DMH eligibility.