Resources for Patients

Mobile Crisis Services

Crisis services (covered for all ages, with or without insurance) can include crisis triage, evaluation, assessment, de-escalation, and connection to higher level of mental health care. These services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Parents, friends, and other supports can call on behalf of a loved one about whom they are concerned.

Call or text the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line at 833.773.2445 to locate your nearest mobile crisis team.

More information:

• Accessing Behavioral Health Services in Massachusetts (PDF)
• Massachusetts BHHL Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

MassHealth Behavioral Health Urgent Care (UC)

How do you know when you need urgent care?

“An ‘urgent behavioral health need’ may include changes in behavior or thoughts that cause distress and require immediate support through psychiatric evaluation or therapy.”

MassHealth members are eligible to receive Behavioral Health Urgent Care. (Some urgent care sites may take additional types of insurance.) UC sites offer extended hours on weekdays and over the weekend. Services include:

• Urgent assessment (same- or next-day)
• Substance use treatment
• Mental health referrals

BH Urgent Care is not for individuals experiencing symptoms placing themselves or others at immediate risk of harm. For these situations, call the Massachusetts Behavioral Helpline at 833.773.2445, or call 911.

A case manager works with you to understand your needs, goals, and challenges. They can help coordinate services, provide information about available resources, and support you in accessing care.

Case managers may help with:

• Connecting to mental health, medical, or substance use treatment services
• Finding housing, financial assistance, food, or other community resources
• Coordinating care between providers, hospitals, schools, and community agencies
• Developing a plan to help meet your goals
• Advocating for your needs and helping you navigate complex service systems
• Monitoring progress and adjusting supports as your needs change

WRAP commonly refers patients to either the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health or to similar programs managed by their private insurance plans.

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH)

The state Department of Mental Health (DMH) offers supplemental services to those living with mental health conditions (meaning services beyond direct treatments like therapy and medication). Supplemental services can include case management, dedicated nursing, and supported housing options such as group homes and specialized shelters.

A patient or their family member can initiate and complete the application for DMH services. The process includes completing a statement to allow for release of medical records information from BMC and other hospitals.

For more information, view our guide to DMH services or see the DMH website:

• WRAP Guide to DMH Services
• Apply for DMH Services
• Read the DMH Frequently Asked Questions
• Learn about DMH Resources for Young Adults (Ages 16–25)

Insurance-Based Case (or Care) Management

• Blue Cross Blue Shield: Care Management
• Commonwealth Care Alliance: High-Intensity Case Management
• WellSense Health Plan: Care Management

Day programs offer social and interpersonal opportunities for individuals living with mental health conditions including psychotic illness as well as skill development and employment services. Skills addressed include accessing transportation, budgeting, education, securing and retaining employment, independent living, self-care, and socialization.

WRAP recommends the following local programs:

• Center Club Boston (Haymarket/Government Center)
• Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community (South End)
• Webster Clubhouse (Roslindale)

Group therapy offers a space to talk with others who are facing similar challenges. It provides patients with peer support, helps them feel less alone, and builds meaningful social connection while they work toward their goals.

WRAP offers a variety of group therapies for young adults and families, but we know the days and times of our offerings may not work for everyone we serve. We recommend the following as alternatives or supplements:

For All Ages

• The Boston Resource Center at the Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community offers a variety of free in-person and online/virtual support groups.
• The Massachusetts chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers recovery support groups in-person in a few different locations around the state as well as online/virtual group meetings.
• The Depresson and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) offers free online support groups.
• The Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective (BEAM) has offered virtual support spaces. Check their website for current offerings.

For Young Adults

• The Well-Space Progam at McLean Hospital is a groups program with vocational support and individual and peer-to-peer support for young adults ages 18–30 who have had psychosis.
  • Well-Space Program Information (PDF)
• TrevorSpace is a supportive online community for LGBTQ+ Young People ages 13–24 operated by The Trevor Project.
• The organization Students with Psychosis offers a database that includes campus resources and organizations offering community support.

For Parents, Family Members, and Loved Ones

• NAMI Massachusetts offers support groups for family members and loved ones of those dealing with mental illness in-person in different locations around the state as well as online/virtual group meetings.