Tools for Mental Health Care Providers
William James INTERFACE Information
Two-page flyer about the William James INTERFACE Referral Service:
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William James Continuing Ed Programs
William James College offers a wide range of continuing education programs and special events throughout the year. Courses, seminars, and workshops are designed to provide psychologists, social workers, nurses, educators, and other mental health and business professionals with the knowledge they need to take their careers to the next level. Click here for the William James CE Catalog and Online Registration System.
MassHealth
My Ombudsman
An independent non-profit that empowers individuals, including their families and caregivers, to access their services provided by MassHealth and its managed care plans. Visit MyObmbudsman for more information.
Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative
Children with MassHealth insurance are eligible for additional services and supports that can be used in conjuction with outpatient mental health services. See INTERFACE's resource guide to learn more about the mental health services availbale to children with MassHealth.
Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Certification
Clinicans are required to complete CANS training and certification in order to provide behavioral health assessments to MassHealth children and youth under the age of 21 if they are enrolled as a MassHealth provider or as network providers in one of MassHealth’s contracted managed care entities. CANS Training and Certification
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Access (MABHA)
The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Access (MABHA) website helps both providers and members locate openings for CBHI services (in-home therapy, in-home behavioral services, therapeutic mentoring, etc.) www.mabhaccess.com
Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP)
The goal of MCPAP is to improve access to treatment for children with behavioral health needs and their families by making child psychiatry services accessible to primary care providers across Massachusetts.
MCPAP offers tools that may be useful for parents or mental health professionals. Some are included below:
- Warning Signs for Parents, a toolkit that includes warning signs and when to contact the child's pediatrician for help.
- The CRAFFT (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget Friends, Trouble) screens for substance abuse in adolescents.
- The Navigating Special Education in Massachusetts Toolkit offers families help navigating the Massachusetts special education system.
Accessing Mental Health Emergency Services
In Massachusetts, there is a continuum of services available for residents experiencing a mental health emergency. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide crisis assessment, intervention and stabilization services for both mental health and addiction-related emergencies. Individuals can call or text the Behavioral Health Helpline (BHHL) at 833-773-2445 who can provide phone triage, including a referral to be seen at the caller's local Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHC's) or a response by Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) if it would be better for someone to be seen in the community. The goal of mental health emergency services is, whenever possible, to help individuals avoid a lengthy hospital emergency room visit by offering community-based alternatives, in which individuals and/or families can be seen in more comfortable and less stressful environments. CBHC's will work with the client in crisis to develop a strategy that promotes long term stability in the least restrictive environment possible. Crisis evaluations can be provided at CBHC office locations by calling for an appointment or by walking in during their hours, or by MCI teams at schools, homes, residential facilities, and other community settings. When a client is a risk to themselves or others and it is deemed unsafe for a client to be seen outside of a hospital, mental health professionals will also evaluate clients in their local hospital emergency rooms. Anyone may call for assistance regarding a mental health crisis or urgent need for substance use intervention. This includes the individual experiencing the crisis, family members, mental health workers, first responders, physicians or other medical providers, schools, employers, and community members.
For more information see INTERFACE's guide for how to access these services.
If a child or adolescent requires hospitalization, the following guides may be useful for parents who are navigating an overwhelming situation:
- Your Child’s Psychiatric Hospitalization: A Guide for Parents
- Your Child’s Psychiatric Hospitalization: Working with the School
Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance (MOVA)
MOVA is a program through the Office of the Attorney General that supports survivors and witnesses of violent crime. Survivors can apply for compensation to help pay for expenses related to the crime. Our Frequently Asked Questions explains MOVA in greater detail and provides instructions for submitting an application.
Warmlines
Warmlines are phone and text lines available to youth and adults who need extra support. Warmlines are available for veterans, victims of assault, members of the LGBT community, pregnant and postpartum women, parents, and individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. Some Warmlines are open 24/7 while others are only available certain hours.
See INTERFACE's Guide and Resources for more information
Websites Especially for Teens
Teens often have concerns for themselves or their friends, but they aren’t always sure where to start. In addition, a search online will turn up many different resources with information that may be inaccurate or doesn’t feel relevant. As a caring adult, sometimes it’s also hard to know how to guide them to the right place. These are helpful resources tailored specifically for teens on an array of topics written specifically for teens.
See INTERFACE's Guide to Websites Especially for Teens for more information