Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Health
Find resources to support your mental health below. You can also learn about our mental health work across the Boston Public Health Commission.
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. Mental health shapes how we think, feel, and act. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions at every stage of life. Mental health care should meet people where they are. This includes community-based supports to clinical services.
At Boston Public Health Commission, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all Boston residents. In 2022, we launched the Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness to expand access to care, reduce stigma, and promote wellness across communities.
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Contact or visit us:
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1010 Massachusetts Ave
BOSTON, MA 02118
Find Mental Health Care
A free, confidential referral service that connects people with licensed clinical social workers in Massachusetts.
Helps people find openings in mental health and substance use disorder services in their community.
Therapists centering the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ intersections (QTBIPOC).
Centering the needs of the Asian community. Get culturally attuned mental health care that works for you.
This national directory centers on QTBIPOC and features providers grounded in healing justice.
Seeks to offer non-clinical, mutual peer-to-peer support in an inclusive and trauma-informed environment.
Crisis Support and Help
Mental health crises can feel overwhelming, but support is available. You don’t have to navigate it alone.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, check out these resources.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.
Helps people learn the warning signs of a crisis, how to de-escalate a crisis, and shares available resources.
This resource, available in 11 languages, informs you on who to call in a mental health crisis.
Support for Youth and Teens
Support is here for you. Explore these mental health resources to feel connected, build strength, and care for yourself and your friends.
Find early psychosis support, education, and connection to care.
Find resources for families with kids and teenagers.
There are plenty of mental health resources available. We’ve put together a list of helplines, websites, and programs here.
Hey Sam is a dedicated peer-to-peer texting service for people up to 24 years old.
We provide counseling support for LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
Headspace is now free for all teens if you’re between the ages of 13–18 years old in the US.
Support for Families and Caregivers
Families and caregivers play an important role in supporting mental health. This is especially true for children and young people. Find resources to help you navigate care, ask informed questions, and support your loved one.
Resources and support to help you in caring for your child’s mental health and emotional well-being.
Offers a safe place to talk about the challenges of raising children. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Resources on raising mentally healthy children and reducing stigma.
PPAL staff members are trained to support and partner with families. They provide support, build advocacy skills, share...
The Helpline can help you find effective harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services that are right for you right now.
Do you have a teenager struggling with their mental health? You’re not alone; support is available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf this is a medical emergency, immediately call 9-1-1. If you are in crisis or feeling suicidal, please call or text 988. For general concerns or questions about mental health, please call or text the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline at 833-773-2445. It is available 24/7, 365 days a year and is available in 200 languages.
Yes – you should absolutely talk to someone. You can call the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline at 833-773-2445 to get help for yourself or someone you care about, including children and other family members. You can also call, text, or chat 988.
The Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness was established at the Boston Public Health Commission in 2022. We aim to promote and improve mental health and wellness for everyone in Boston.
You can email cbhwquestions@bphc.org for more information related to mental health.
Mental Health Definitions
Mental health systems often use clinical language and acronyms that can be hard to navigate. We recommend the plain-language guide from the PEGS Foundation.
Mental health is more than the absence of illness. It includes:
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Emotional well-being: How we manage feelings like stress, sadness, and joy
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Psychological well-being: How we think, cope, and process experiences
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Social well-being: How we connect with others and build relationships
Mental health services include:
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Prevention and wellness supports (education, peer support, community programs)
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Outpatient care (therapy, counseling, medication support)
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Urgent and crisis services (behavioral health urgent care, crisis response)
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Ongoing and recovery supports (case management, peer services, family supports)
You can learn more mental health terms and definitions by clicking the button below.
Download Guides
Download GuidesThe Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness
The Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness works to:
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Expand access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed care
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Strengthen the behavioral health workforce
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Promote prevention and community-based supports
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Address stigma and systemic barriers to care
We believe mental health is a fundamental part of overall health. We believe everyone in Boston deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Who's Involved:
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Contact or visit us:
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1010 Massachusetts Ave
BOSTON, MA 02118
