Referrals/Recommendations
The Parents' How-to Guide to Children's Mental Health Services in Massachusetts
Academic, Cognitive, Emotional and/or Physical Support at School at Any Age and All Levels
Neuropsychological Testing
A neuropsychological evaluation is a test to measure how well a person's brain is working. The abilities tested include reading, language usage, attention, learning, processing speed, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving, mood and personality and more.
Children's Neuropsychological Services
(2 - 24 years)
(2 years - young adult)
ACT Neurodevelopmental Services
(preschool - college)
(10 years - adults)
Executive Functioning Skills Coaching
Beyond BookSmart is an Executive Function coaching company that works with students of all ages to teach them how to be effective learners and works with adults to help navigate the demands of work, life and self care.
McLean Anxiety Mastery Program
MAMPs works with children and adolescents ages 6 to 19 who present with social anxiety, specific phobias, panic attacks, separation anxiety, agoraphobia, and obsessions and compulsions. The outpatient clinic provides group cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) sessions with an emphasis on exposure and response prevention (ERP). These treatment methods help kids and teens learn the skills they need to understand and manage their fears and anxieties. Treatment is delivered primarily in a group format in order to enhance motivation and learning through observation of and interaction with fellow group members.
Asperger/Autism Network
AANE helps people with Asperger's or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives. They provide individuals of all ages with information, education, community, support, and advocacy — all in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect. Additionally, the organization is committed to welcoming all individuals, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or gender identification.
McLean OCD Institute (OCDI)
McLean's OCDI focuses on treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is a debilitating illness consisting of unwanted thoughts and time-consuming rituals that can significantly limit a person’s ability to function in daily life. Their programs are ideal for individuals with moderate to severe or treatment-resistant OCD and its most common co-occurring disorders such as major depression and anxiety disorders.
Their adult program is most appropriate for individuals ages 18 and older. Their program for children and adolescents, OCDI Jr., is best suited for ages 12 to 18.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
A Partial Hospitalization Program is typically a 4-6 hour per day program where people can seek treatment from the care of doctors, nurses and therapists. It is a great step-down from inpatient treatment or diversionary to an inpatient admission. Parents can request admission without a provider referral.
Bournewood Health Systems Partial Hospitalization Treatment (12-18 & 18+)
Kiwi Recovery - PHP and IOP (12-18 & 18-25)
Mass General Brigham Adolescent Partial Hospital (13-17)
Mass General Brigham Adult Partial Hospital Program (18+)
Mclean Hospital 3East Day Treatment Program (Partial Hospitalization) (14 - early 20s)
McLean Behavioral Health Partial Hospital Program (BHP) (18+)
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network PHP (12-18)
McLean 3East Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program
3East programs focus on treatment for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emerging borderline personality disorder (BPD). Symptoms of these conditions include suicidal thoughts and behavior, self-injury (such as cutting), disordered eating, drug and alcohol misuse, impulsivity and significant interpersonal difficulties. The outpatient programs provide treatment for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 8 and 22. This coed program provides individual, family, and multi-family group sessions throughout the week.
Parent Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Groups
Grounding Strategies/Calming Exercises
What is Grounding? Grounding is a set of simple strategies that can help you detach from big feelings such as anxiety, anger, sadness or self-harm. It is a way to distract yourself by focusing on something other than the emotions you are experiencing. You may also think of grounding as centering, creating a safe place or a healthy detachment. Although grounding does not solve the problem, it does provide a temporary way to gain control over your feelings and prevent things from getting worse. Grounding anchors you, gives you a chance to calm down and allows you to eventually return and address the problem that is triggering the unpleasant emotions. Grounding can be done anytime, anywhere and no one has to know.g, drug and alcohol misuse, impulsivity and significant interpersonal difficulties. The outpatient programs provide treatment for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 8 and 22. This coed program provides individual, family, and multi-family group sessions throughout the week.
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH)
The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages; enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities.
MassAbility (fka MRC)
MassAbility empowers people with disabilities to live life on their own terms. Our programs and services expand possibilities in careers and training, home and community life, and legal rights and benefits – including disability determination for federal programs. and legal rights and benefits – including disability determination for federal programs.
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
The Department of Developmental Services provides supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to enhance opportunities to become fully engaged members of their community.