Get Help
Learn more
If you need immediate emergency help, call 911
If you or someone you know is in crisis or is feeling suicidal,
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-TALK (8255). Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day to speak with and provide support.
or
Crisis Text Line: Text "Start" to 741-741
Free, 24/7 confidential support provided by trained volunteers
Metro Boston Resources:
Riverside Emergency Services: 781-769-8674
South Shore Mental Health: 800-528-4890
Samaritan Statewide Hotline: 877-870-4673
Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association (MEDA): 866-343-MEDA
McLean Hospital at 888-333-0338
Provides clinical programs supporting children, families and individuals facing mental health issues. Inpatient and outpatient services as well as support groups are offered at different locations throughout the Massachusetts.
The Social Work Therapy Referral Service at 617-720-2828
Assistance in finding free, confidential referrals to Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in your area.
Judge Baker Children's Center - Center for Effective Therapy: 617-278-4288
CECT provides mental health assessments and focused short-term treatments for children and their families.
Franciscan Childrens: To make a referral, please call (617) 254-3800, ext. 3141
Outpatient mental health services include counseling, group therapy, expressive therapy and neuropsychological and psychological evaluations.
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: 800-841-8371
24 hour hotline offering free, confidential services to survivors, their friends and families, and professionals ages 12 and older.
Families for Depression Awareness: 781-890-0220
Provides supports for families and individuals affected by depression and bipolar disorder.
INTERFACE Referral Service: 888-244-6843 ext.1411
INTERFACE provides referrals to mental health providers and information about local services. Available Monday - Friday 9-5. Please note: This line is specific to Westwood MA residents and town employees but others should check with their town halls to see if they have this service as well.
NAMI MASS: 1800-370-9085
State resource for individuals and families facing the challenges of mental illness.
Wayside Youth and Family Support Services: 508-879-9700
Provides a wide variety of mental health counseling and family support services to children, young adults and families.
Westwood Youth and Family Services: 781-320-1006
Provides professional short term counseling for children and families as well as information on state and local services.
Teen LGBTQ Resources
The Trevor Project Lifeline: 866-488-7386
Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
OUT MetroWest: 508-875-2122
Supporting the health and emotional well-being of LGBTQ teens in the Boston MetroWest area. Weekly groups for high schoolers and middle schoolers led by supportive community members.
PFLAG - Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: visit www.pflag.org for local chapter information. Family-based organization committed to the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons currently organized in more than 400 communities across the United States.
Getting the conversation started...
Are there are times when you find yourself worried about a friend or family member but you are not sure how to get the conversation started? Below you will find some guidelines to help you when you want to help someone who may be struggling with a mental health issue.
Pick the right location
Sharing your concerns can make both of you uncomfortable. Find a place where you will both feel safe, but emphasize your friend's comfort. It should be a place where you are on equal footing. Look for locations that allow for privacy, no one wants to share personal information when they feel they can be overheard! Pick a time when you will not feel rushed. The conversation may be a short one, but just in case, make sure neither of you have anywhere to be immediately. You don't want to have to stop the conversation midway.
Avoid making them feel ambushed
There may be many other people concerned about your friend or loved one, but approaching them one-on-one is the best choice. It will help prevent them from feeling overwhelmed or attacked. Don't be afraid to get help from a friend's parent (if they're on good terms) or a professional if you need support. Your friend may be angry that you got help, but sometimes you need back-up.
Have resources to share
Always be prepared to share resources for your friend or loved one to check out. A great resources to have available is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Also, know how to contact a counseling center or local mental health service if you feel the need to. Once you've had the conversation, your friend may want you to go with them when they call or go to their first appointment.
Find your support
Your friends are lucky to have you looking out for them. But sometimes their distress will keep them from appreciating you and your support. Be prepared that they might react with anger, denial and/or rejection of your support. Remember that you're doing the right thing, and their response isn't about you. You need to have your own support in place. Helping your friend or loved one through a tough time can be hard on the you too. Always make sure you are looking after your own physical and mental health and reach out to others for support.
There are many more resources available on how to help support a friend.
For more information, please visit:
Helping a Friend or Family Member
Supporting a Family Member or Friend
Confessions of a depressed comic
Kevin Breel didn't look like a depressed kid: team captain, at every party, funny and confident. But he tells the story of the night he realized that — to save his own life — he needed to say four simple words.
Please take a moment to hear what he has to say...everyone has a story!
Silence is not an option!
People should never feel ashamed to speak about their mental health issues. Those struggling with mental health issues often say "I'm fine," when they really are not.
Treat mental illness like physical injuries. Feel no shame in talking about what is really going on and asking for help.
Get the Conversation Started
Four Simple Words
A Point of View
Disclaimer: This page is not intended for intervention. We do not monitor this page 24/7/365 and it should not used for professional counseling or support. If this is a life-threatening situation call 911 for immediate assistance or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).