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Department of Mental Health (DMH)

To Apply for DMH Services:

  • Eligibility is based on clinical criteria:

    • Adults (20+) must have a mental illness that includes a substantial disorder of thought, mood, perception that impairs judgment behavior, capacity to recognize reality or ability to meet ordinary demands of life

    • Mental illness that is not based on symptoms primarily caused by developmental, cognitive, or mental disorders

    • For children and adolescents 19 and younger, must have a serious emotional disturbance that has lasted at least one year, results in functional impairment, meets DMS-5 diagnostic criteria for a mental illness that is not solely caused by developmental, cognitive, or mental disorders

  • In order to apply, you must complete an application online

    • Applications are available in English, Cape Verdean Creole, Español, 中文, Português, Français, Tiếng Việt, ខ្មែរ, Русский, عربي

  • Contact Information for Application Questions

    • Metro Boston: 617-626-9200

    • Southeast Area: 508-897-2000

    • Central Area: 774-420-3140

    • Northeast Area: 978-863-5000

    • Western Area: 413-587-6200

  • You will receive a receipt of request for services within 7 days of submitting an application. A decision will be made within 90 days of submitting the completed application

Child, Youth, and Family Services Offered by DMH

Child/Adolescent Case Management

  • Offers comprehensive mental health and family assessment, individual service planning, coordination of DMH funded services, and connection to community supports

Individual and Family Support Services

  • Individual and family flexible supports provide services designed to prevent out-of-home placement, maintain the child with his/her family, help the child function successfully in the community, and assist family in the growth and recovery of the child

  • Services include: respite, home-based family support, individual youth support, youth support groups

Day Services

  • Therapeutic after school programs for youth. Supports the youth in accessing recreational and skill building activities as well as clinical services in a structured environment

Parent and Family Support Services

  • Provides information and support to families of children with mental health challenges, including supporting referrals, community advocacy, parent support groups, targeted supports, and expedited access to services for adults with mental illness

Caring Together Services

  • In home and out of home services for children and families involved with DMH and DCF, Services provide clinically intensive treatment and outreach support to help build, strengthen, and maintain connections to family, home, and community so children and families can live together successfully
     

Read more about services offered at:

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/dmh-child-youth-and-family-services-overview

Young Adult Access Centers

  • Youth Elemento, Chelsea, MA

  • The Beyond House, New Bedford, MA

  • Impact Center, Springfield, MA

  • The Place at Open Sky, Worcester, MA

  • YouForward (Lawrence) - Vinfen, Lawrence, MA

  • YouForward (Everett) - Vinfen, Everett, MA

  • Tempo - Wayside Youth & Family, Framingham, MA

  • Children's Services of Roxbury Young Adult Access Center, Roxbury, MA

  • YouthQuake - Vinfen, Lowell, MA

  • YOUnity Drop-in Center - JRI, Gloucester, MA

  • Brockton Young Adult Access Center, Brockton, MA

Services for Transition Age Youth and Young Adults (TAYA)

Wayside Young Adult Services

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Employment Options, Inc.

  • Offers many programs with the focus on supporting people with mental illness lead productive, happy lives by giving people opportunities for friendship, employment, housing, and education

  • Website: https://www.employmentoptions.org/#Home

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Impact Center, Springfield, MA

  • Per-led center for young adults ages 16-24

  • Helps connect young adults with resources in the community to support mental health, housing, resume building, and job opportunities

  • Website: https://www.springfieldimpactcenter.org/

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