Navigate the challenging task of discussing global events with your children through our insightful e-book, 'Guiding Young Minds: Conversations on World Events'. Packed with empathetic guidance and practical strategies, this resource empowers parents to approach complex topics with confidence. Learn how to foster open dialogue, address misinformation, and instill hope, ensuring your conversations are both meaningful and age-appropriate. Ideal for today's conscientious parent seeking to raise well-informed, resilient children in an ever-changing world.
William James
College Interface
The William James INTERFACE Referral Service, ​offered through our Freedman Center, is a mental health and wellness referral Helpline available Monday through Friday,
9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843
(toll free).
See if your community is on the list
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth mental health first Aid was designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to be supportive to youth experiencing mental health challenges. This course was created for everyone from parents, educators, coaches, religious figures, local business owners, and anyone else who frequently comes into contact with youth.
At the end of this workshop, participants will have the tools and resources they need to provide simple and competent support to youth experiencing mental health challenges.
Parent/Professional Advocacy League
PPAL is the family voice for children's mental health in Massachusetts. The Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) is a statewide family organization dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of children, youth and families through education, advocacy and partnership. The PPAL website includes information on support groups, legal and advocacy resources, information on transition age youth, and more. The website also contains an active mental health blog and a section specifically for youth.
McLean OnTrack Clinic
The McLean OnTrack clinic addresses the unique needs of people experiencing a first episode of bipolar disorder, specializing in the early recognition and treatment of bipolar spectrum disorders and other conditions presenting with psychosis or mania with psychosis for adults ages 18 to 30.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for people with mental illness. NAMI has hundreds of local chapters and affiliates across the country with thousands of volunteer leaders in communities working to raise awareness and provide free education, advocacy and support group programs.
Federation for Children with Special Needs
Provides information and referral services for families of children with special needs. If you have a question about the special education system, call the Federation's Parent Training and Information referral line at 617-236-7210 for a free consultation. Attend a basic rights workshop to learn all about your rights as a parent of a child with special needs. Click here to find out about the Federation's basic rights workshops.
Pediatric Neuropsychiatry and Immunology Program at Massachusetts General Hospital
Within the OCD & Related Disorders Program - run by Dr. Kyle Williams, evaluation and treatment of children with possible PANS/PANDAS and related disorders. Paula Downes manages referrals to this specialty program and can be reached at
617-724-0198.
The Center for Early Detection, Assessment & Response to Risk (CEDAR) Clinic
The CEDAR clinic is a specialized center for young people aged 12-35 who are experiencing new or worsening symptoms that may be warning signs for psychosis. CEDAR helps young people and their families understand recent changes in thoughts, feelings or behavior, consider treatment options, stay on track or get back on track with work, school or self-care and learn strategies for reducing stress and increasing protective factors. Family handouts on psychosis, psychosis risk, helping a young person who is having trouble reality-testing, seeing/hearing things that are not there, or with low motivation due to a suspected emerging or diagnosed major mental illness can be found here.
The Massachusetts Sibling Support Network
The Massachusetts Sibling Support Network developed by Emily Rubin, MA is committed to supporting siblings of people with disabilities in the following ways: creating welcoming communities for siblings across the lifespan; improving the range and availability of sibling support services; and providing education about sibling-related issues.an evidence-based, family-centered, mental health care initiative focused on improving outcomes for siblings of psychiatrically-involves children and adolescents.
The Systems & Psychosocial Advances Research Center (SPARC)
The Systems & Psychosocial Advances Research Center (SPARC) is a University of Massachusetts Medical School Department of Mental Health Research Center of Excellence. SPARC conducts research to enhance services, improve the quality of life, and promote recovery for people with behavioral health conditions. This website contains a wealth of information about their research, clinical services, and resources for patients and their families.
Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research (ACR)
The Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research is a NIDRR-funded Center that aims to improve supports for youth and young adults, ages 14-30, with serious mental health conditions who are trying to successfully complete their schooling and training and move into rewarding work lives.