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12-17-2022 12:30am
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Mental and Behavioral Health Access to All Residents in 2023
Darlene Cancell
Editor
During the pandemic, one often hears remarks on the difficulty in finding an available mental or behavioral health service provider; however, that may be about to change. Beginning in early January next year, all Massachusetts residents in need of clinical support can call the state’s new Help Line as part of new system of coordinated mental health care, substance abuse treatment and community-crisis intervention, the Baker-Polito Administration has announced in a series of recent press releases.
The Help Line, available in 200 languages, will offer a single point of contact for residents. Callers will receive real-time support and an initial clinical assessment, and connection to appropriate mental health and substance use evaluation and treatment. Service will be provided without regard to whether the person has insurance or ability to pay.
The Help Line will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents can access it by phone and text at 833-773-BHHL, as well as online at masshelpline.com. The plan is that every call, text, or chat conversation will include clinical follow up.
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“Our Administration, in close collaboration with the Legislature and community partners, has made it a priority to ensure that Massachusetts residents can access the treatment they need, when and where they need it," said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “The Behavioral Health Help Line will provide residents with a much-needed clinical front door to treatment – with one phone call, text, or web chat, individuals will have access to a variety of services, including mental health assessments and referrals. MBHP will compassionately and effectively set the Help Line in motion, so that all Massachusetts residents can receive the high-quality, accessible behavioral health care they deserve.”
The Help Line is part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s Roadmap for Behavioral Reform, launched in February 2021. The Help Line will work together with other parts of the behavioral reform program, including Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs), which are also set to open in January 2023.
The CBHCs will provide community access to behavioral health evaluations and treatment. They will be state-funded and have the goal of providing same-day evaluation with access to treatment and timely follow-ups. CBHCs will have weekend and evening hours, and will include centers that operate 24/7.
Westwood’s CBHC will be Riverside Community Care, one of five Metro Boston area service providers. Nearby communities that will also be served by Riverside Community Care are Canton, Dedham, Dover, Foxboro, Medfield, Millis, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Norwood, Plainville, Sharon, Walpole, Wellesley, Weston and Wrentham.
