top of page

Mental Health Support

Are you, or someone you know, struggling due to "physical" social distancing? 

In Massachusetts and nationwide, we are staying home unless we are seeking necessary services at a grocery store, pharmacy, or medical facility. The COVID-19 crisis leaves survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence particularly vulnerable - spending more time isolated in potentially unsafe situations.

 

This is especially true for individuals living with disabilities, immigrants, young people, LGBTQI+ and racial/ethnic minority communities. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to service providers (some listed below) across Massachusetts who continue to provide mental health assistance, critical healthcare, housing, and economic support.

 

While we are physically distancing ourselves to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to protect our most vulnerable populations, this does not mean we cannot socially connect. Please be sure to take care of your mental and physical health while social distancing and taking other necessary steps to protect you and your family. Call to check in on loved ones and neighbors living alone. And please reach out should you need any help. For resources for individuals experiencing loneliness, activities for children, and more, please click here.

​

Mental Health Resources:

  • The Federal agency, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) National Help Line, and treatment locators are free services available to help find local options for care

​​

  • Samaritans of Massachusetts offers a 24/7 crisis line as well as grief support. 

​

  • For anyone seeking mental health services, NAMI Massachusetts COMPASS provides mental health resource phone hotline and email address.

​

​

  • The Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition COVID-19 Resources page provides information for immigrant communities on various issues.

​

  • Domestic Violence and sexual assault survivors can utilize Jane Doe for assistance.

COVID-19 Massachusetts

Behavioral Health Frequently Asked Questions

What behavioral health services delivered through telehealth are covered by my insurance?

  • Governor Baker’s Executive Order requires all insurance carriers to cover any medically necessary behavioral health services, administered by a provider in your insurance network. This includes telephone and video conference service platforms. Co-pays and any other costs for the service cannot exceed the cost of an in-person form of the service. Contact your provider to discuss what phone and video behavioral health options are available.

​

If I receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, what are my options to continue receiving my medication?

  • For patients starting a buprenorphine treatment regiment, Federal and State guidance allow patients to conduct the required initial assessment through telehealth appointments.

  • Patients starting a methadone treatment regiment are required to conduct an in-person evaluation to receive treatment.

  • Contact your opioid treatment provider to learn more about what treatment options are available during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

​

Resources for Accessing Behavioral Health Care

What resources are available to locate mental health care services in Massachusetts?​

 

What resources are available if I cannot access telehealth services due to internet or telephone service connection issues?

  • The MassHealth resource page on internet and telephone services provides information on income-based subsidies for phone service and subsidized broadband internet options during the COVID-19 emergency.

 

How can I apply for health insurance?

  • Call 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or go to MAhealthconnector.org to complete an application

  • Visit the Health Connector’s multi-lingual site for online enrollment guidance.

 

What resources are available for families or households with children experiencing behavioral health challenges?

  • Visit the Children’s Mental Health Campaign COVID-19 Resource Page for information specific to assisting children with behavioral health needs and additional resources.

 

I am worried about having to self-isolate and practice social distancing in a dangerous residence setting. How can I get help?

  • Call the National Domestic Hotline at 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) or 1-800-799-7233 or you can chat online thehotline.org

  • The Boston Area Rape and Crisis Center also provides telephone and online support during the COVID-19 state of emergency

  • The Jane Doe Inc. Find Help page offers an extensive list of Massachusetts specific resources for anyone feeling unsafe during the COVID-19 emergency. 

 

What behavioral health and other resources are available to immigrants during the COVID-19 emergency in Massachusetts?

 

What non-English resources are available to find behavioral health care services in Massachusetts?

  • The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Multilingual Resources page offers non-English information for coping with stress and other behavioral health conditions during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

  • The COVID-19 Health Literacy Project is a Harvard Medical School led effort that provides physician vetted, COVID-19 information in 35 languages.

  • Network of Care Massachusetts also provides comprehensive, multi-lingual statewide resources to help patients find information on behavioral health services in their community.

bottom of page