Below is a list of mental health organizations and agencies that can provide information, assistance, and support for parents and their children. This list does not cover all of the many resources that are available, but it might be a good place to start.

For a mental health emergency:

Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST) 1-800-981-HELP

You can also call 911 to contact the police.

For parents and other caregivers:

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
202-966-7300
www.aacap.org

Boston Resource Net
www.bostonresourcenet.org  

Boston Youth Zone
www.bostonyouthzone.com

Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
Knowledge Exchange Network
800-789-2647 | TTY: 301-443-9006
www.mentalhealth.org

The Depression Experience Journal
The Experience Journal websites are designed to help children and their families who are confronted with childhood medical or emotional conditions.
http://www.experiencejournal.com/depression

Federation for Children with Special Needs: Information, referral services, and support for parents of children with disabilities.  1-800-331-0688

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
800-950-6264
www.nami.org

National Mental Health Association
800-969-6642 | TTY: 800-433-5959
www.nmha.org

The Parents' How-To Guide to Children's Mental Health Services in Massachusetts
The guide takes you through the mental health system step by step, from deciding if your child needs care, to getting specific services. Each chapter covers a specific topic and offers useful tips for parents and advocates. Visit childrenshospital.org/mentalhealthguide, or bostonbar.org/theguide
For a printed copy, contact 617-778-1934 or theguide@bostonbar.org

Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PAL): Advocacy, support groups, education, and information for parents whose children have emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs.  617-542-7860 or www.ppal.net

PAL's Parent Resource Network (PRN) Line: provides Massachusetts residents with information, referral and support regarding child and adolescent mental health issues, and is staffed by trained family advocates. 866-815-8122

Parental Stress Line: 24-hour support hotline for parents.
1-800-632-8188

Parents Helping Parents: 24-hour support hotline and groups for parents.  1-800-882-1250

United Way Parent Line: Information and referral services for resources
and support, including support groups.  1-800-231-4377

For children and parents:

The Mayor’s Youth Line: Information line for youth or for parents and other caregivers in search of resources for youth. 1-888-635-2240 or 617-635-2240
   
Samariteens: Hotline for youth or for parents and other caregivers concerned about youth.  1-800-252-TEEN or visit their website at http://www.samaritansofboston.org

For health insurance:

The Mayor's Health Line: Information and referral services for health and mental health resources; assistance in securing health insurance.  1-800-847-0710
                       
Health Care for All: Information and advocacy for health care; assistance in securing health insurance.  617-350-7279

For legal information:

Disability Law Center: Free legal services, specializing in special education. 
1-800-872-9992 or 617-723-8455

The Youth Advocacy Project: (617) 445-5640
The YAP website provides you with information about their staff, services and partnerships. You will also find links to valuable community resources, juvenile justice and crime prevention news and resources for lawyers, parents, youth serving professionals and young people.

State agencies(see Intensive Services )

MA Department of Mental Health: State agency offering an array of services for children and the families of children with severe and persistent mental health or behavioral issues.  617-626-8000

MA Department of Social Services: State agency offering an array of services for children and their families. (See the information about CHINS on page 35.) 617-574-8400

MA Department of Youth Services: State agency for juvenile justice (children involved in court proceedings).  617-727-6603

MA Department of Education
781-338-3000

MA Department of Mental Retardation: State agency offering an array of services for children with cognitive/developmental disabilities. 
617-727-5608

MA Department of Public Health: State agency offering prevention, early intervention, and substance abuse services.  617-624-5200

For information on specific health topics

Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE | TTY: 800-787-3224

Emergency Contraception Hotline
http://www.not-2-late.com
21 Prospect Ave
Princeton, NJ 08544
Email questions to: James Trussell at ec@opr.princeton.edu
800-584-9911

HIV/AIDS Teen Hotline
800-440-TEEN (Friday/Saturday evenings only 6pm to Midnight)

IYG (peer support for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth)
800-347-TEEN

National Child Abuse Hotline
800-4-A-CHILD | TTY: 800-2-A-CHILD

National Gay and Lesbian Hotline
(4pm - Midnight only) 888-843-4564 

National STD Hotline
(10am - 10pm Mon-Fri) 800-227-8922 | TTY: 800-243-7889

Planned Parenthood

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