Whether you need help immediately or want to learn more about mental heath care options right for you, there are resources available now.
Get Help
Resources if you need help, need to talk, or need to learn more
If you're in crisis: You can call or text 988 anytime - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - to speak to someone immediately. You'll receive free and confidential services and/or support for yourself, a friend, or loved one.
988 is a direct three-digit phone line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call takers. 988 can be used anytime, anywhere you or a loved one is in emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts. Trained call takers, who are not licensed clinicians, are available to provide free emotional support by phone, text, or chat. You do not need to be suicidal to call 988. [En Español: (888) 628-9454]
Other call and text lines are available for specific communities experiencing emotional distress or other crisis situations, including the Veterans Crisis Line, Disaster Distress Helpline (available at 800-985-5990), and The Trevor Project for LGBTQ youth.
If you're not sure how to find treatment or support: The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by phone and text at 833-773-2445 (BHHL) or online at masshelpline.com.
The Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) connects people to a full range of treatment services for mental health and substance use offered in the Commonwealth, including outpatient, urgent care, and immediate crisis care. You can call for real-time support, initial clinical assessment, and connection to the right evaluation and treatment. The BHHL is free and available to all Massachusetts residents, even if you do not have insurance.
Want to learn more? You can find more information and frequently asked questions about the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line at www.masshelpline.com.
Urgent care for your mental health
Behavioral Health Urgent Care centers are available across Massachusetts. They work the same way regular urgent care centers do, but they provide immediate care for mental health instead of physical health. Visit a Behavioral Health Urgent Care center if you're experiencing changes in behavior or thinking, inability to keep up with the demands of daily tasks, and/or the emerging intent of harm to yourself or others.
Find more about what to expect when you visit an urgent care center for behavioral health in Massachusetts or locate a Behavioral Health Urgent Care center near you.