health and counseling edition - the Youth Advocacy Division

YOUTH 

ADVOCACY 

PROJECT 

COMMUNITY 

NOTEBOOK: 

HEALTH 

AND COUNSELING 

EDITION 

FALL 2008 

MADE POSSIBLE WITH SUPPORT FROM

FALL 2008 

COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK: HEALTH AND COUNSELING EDITION 

IN THIS EDITION… 

INTRODUCTION: ACCESS TO PHYSICAL 

AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES IS 

CRITICAL TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ...... 3 

LISTING OF HEALTH-REALTED HOTLINES . 5 

HEALTH CARE REFORM IN 

MASSACHUSETTS: HOW ARE 

ADOLESCENTS AFFECTED ................... 6 

For more information, to request additional copies of 

any Community Notebook edition, to add your 

organization, or to make a correction, please contact: 

Karen Clawson 

Community Notebook Coordinator 

Youth Advocacy Project 

Ten Malcolm X Blvd. 

Roxbury, MA 02119 

(617) 989-8100/(617) 989-8170 (FAX) 

kclawson@publiccounsel.net 

The Community Notebooks are also available online: 

www.youthadvocacyproject.org/notebooks.htm 

The Youth Advocacy Project would like to 

thank its generous longtime supporters 

CHRIS AINLEY AND 

SHELBY MARSTON 

ALISON COOLIDGE 

AND TOM BOREIKO 

JANIE COOLIDGE 

ELAINE AND 

J. LAWRENCE DOHAN 

THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF 

PUBLIC SAFETY 

THE HYAMS FOUNDATION 

THE LANBOURN CHARITABLE 

FOUNDATION 

THE MIFFLIN MEMORIAL FUND 

LISTING OF COMMONLY-PRESCRIBED 

MEDICATIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS ......... 8 

ADDRESSING THE UNIQUE 

CHARACTERISTICS OF ADOLESCENT 

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE: 

THE BUREAU OF SUBSTANCE 

ABUSE SERVICES ................................. 10 

ON-CALL MENTAL HEALTH 

INTERVENTION: ACCESSING THE BOSTON 

EMERGENCY SERVICES TEAM (BEST) .... 13 

RESOURCE GUIDE: FACILITIES FOR 

ADOLESCENT MENTAL AND PHYSICAL 

HEALTH CARE ..................................... 15 

RESOURCE GUIDE: LISTINGS BY 

SERVICE/HEALTH ISSUE ........................ 21 

Resource Locator 

on the Web 

Mass 2-1-1 has a relationship with the 

Executive Office of Health and Human 

Services (EOHHS) allowing access to the 

“Resource Locator”, a statewide database. 

In addition to the 2-1-1 call, the 

Resource Locator can be found at 

www.mass211help.org. 

DIDN’T FIND THE RESOURCE YOU 

WERE LOOKING FOR 

DIAL 2-1-1 

Mass 2-1-1 is a call center information and referral 

line. Mass 2-1-1 is a free service provided by the 

United Way and the Massachusetts Association of 

Information and Referral Specialists. 2-1-1 

operators can help connect you to a host of 

resources, including information on: 

Critical health & human services 

Government benefits & services 

Non-profit organizations 

Support groups 

Volunteer opportunities 

Donation programs 

Youth-specific programs 

Other important resources 

2-1-1 is a confidential call. In case of emergency, please dial 9-1-1. 

TTY services: 617-536-5872 

Interpreter services are available for most languages at the regular 2-1-1 number. 

2 

www.youthadvocacyproject.org

COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK: HEALTH AND COUNSELING EDITION FALL 2008 

INTRODUCTION: ACCESS TO PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES IS CRITICAL TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT 

Logan Walsh 

All young people face changes as they 

transition from childhood to the independence of 

young adulthood. During this exciting time, a 

host of issues and concerns can arise. The rapid 

physical changes adolescents undergo lead to 

new “adult” responsibilities. Youth begin to desire 

greater social interaction with their peers, which in 

many cases leads to experimentation and “trying 

on” new personalities and behaviors. Mentally, 

adolescents are trying to understand and make 

sense of these new experiences as they find their 

place in society. 

In addition to the potential emotional and 

psychological pitfalls that come with the changes 

of adolescence, youth are vulnerable to a 

number of physical and mental health problems 

during this critical phase of growth. Research 

shows a link among mental, emotional, and 

physical health, all of which are required for youth 

to be productive members of their families and 

communities. The changes of adolescence cause 

exacerbate problems in many areas of children’s 

lives. Being at increased risk for physical and 

mental health problems heightens young people’s 

risk for everything from academic failure to 

diminished feelings of self-worth. Such issues are 

universal and common among all adolescents, 

regardless of their socioeconomic situation. 

Logan Walsh is a former AmeriCorps VISTA 

member serving the Youth Advocacy 

Project’s Community Notebooks initiative, 

and is currently pursuing a masters degree in 

Outdoor Education. 

For high-risk and underserved youth, 

the lack of access to services and positive 

role models, as well as inconsistent support 

networks, can compound and magnify any 

mental and physical health issues they 

experience. When a young person has an 

untreated mental or physical health issue, 

they exhibit their symptoms and the resulting 

strife in a number of ways, some of which 

can lead to court involvement, school 

disciplinary matters, or other social 

disruption. In order to provide all children 

with the opportunity for healthy 

development, caring adults must take 

deliberate steps to connect youth with 

appropriate services for their physical and 

mental health needs. The Youth Advocacy 

Project’s Community Notebook: Health and 

Counseling Edition is intended to help youthserving 

professionals identify and access 

appropriate care and services for their clients. In 

the following pages, you will find articles from 

local experts discussing topics that are critical to 

young people who are at-risk or already systeminvolved: 

changes to MassHealth laws and 

accessing health insurance for your client, 

accessing services from the Bureau of Substance 

Abuse Services of the Department of Public 

Health, and utilizing the range of psychiatric 

services provided by the Boston Emergency 

Services Team. The latter half of the Notebook 

contains a guide to resources and facilities for 

children’s physical and mental health. We hope 

the information provided will help inform your 

decisions about how to best discuss physical and 

mental health issues, as well as how to access and 

connect your client to appropriate services. 

Discussing, exploring, and addressing 

issues of physical and mental health are essential 

to allowing youth the opportunity to achieve 

successful life outcomes. When young people’s 

health is not considered along with other 

indicators of well-being, such as economic 

opportunity, safety, education, and positive 

relationships with peers and caring adults, the 

consequences can negatively affect other 

aspects of a youth’s life and derail the whole 

process of healthy youth development. On the 

contrary, when youth connect with professionals 

who take on the role of caring adults, the positive 

impact can be tremendous. 

(Continued on page 4) 

www.youthadvocacyproject.org 3

FALL 2008 


(Continued from page 3) 

William’s Story 

William* is one example of a young 

person whose health needs went unaddressed, 

resulting in consequences that changed his 

life. When we met William at the Youth Advocacy 

Project (Boston’s juvenile unit of the state public 

defender agency), he faced minor delinquency 

charges. The Youth Advocacy Project (YAP) 

applies a youth development approach to its 

legal advocacy, believing that young people’s 

case success is determined most significantly by 

their life successes. Each client is connected with 

services that address his or her needs across a 

number of developmental domains, in addition to 

their legal needs outlined by the court 

case. Without addressing the underlying causes 

and circumstances of delinquent behavior, young 

people remain at high risk for chronic courtinvolvement. 

William’s delinquency attorney, after 

learning that he did not have health insurance or 

*Names have been changed. 

TO HELP PREVENT HEALTH PROBLEMS AND 

ENSURE POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, 

ALL YOUTH NEED: 

□ Health insurance coverage 

□ Access to a pediatrician/primary 

care physician and regular 

checkups 

□ Visits to a dentist for regular 

checkups (recommended twice 

annually) 

□ Appropriate immunizations on a 

physician-recommended 

schedule 

a primary care provider, arranged for a medical 

examination. The doctor’s exam revealed that 

William’s medical history included an untreated 

sinus infection that had been overlooked for more 

than a year. The infection had caused brain 

damage that was linked to his chronic bad 

behavior. Without the connections to resources 

that could address William’s most significant 

underlying problems, William was in a very high-risk 

situation. He ran away from home and engaged 

in delinquent acts. Access to a primary care 

physician could have caught and treated his sinus 

infection in its beginnings. Perhaps he could have 

both the brain damage with its associated chronic 

behavior problems and his eventual courtinvolvement. 

William’s story highlights how lack of 

preventive care and a missed opportunity for 

intervention, in this case connecting a vulnerable 

young person with adequate resources for his 

physical health, can have life-altering 

impacts. William’s story is a warning that shows 

what is at stake for young people who need help 

accessing services to address their physical and 

mental health needs, as well as their overall 

positive youth development. 

Jason’s Story 

Jason was a troubled youth and a 

“regular” in the juvenile justice system. He had 

multiple arrests ranging from robbery to assault 

and battery, and stealing vehicles. His social 

network was comprised of other teens in similar 

situations. His support network at home was 

unstable—his mother was a victim of domestic 

violence, and substance abuse was jeopardizing 

his family’s future. Like Jason, all of his siblings 

were court-involved. Jason’s precarious home life 

fostered a situation that put him at serious risk. 

Jason suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, 

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and 

bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, Jason attended a 

school that could not adequately meet his 

psychological, emotional, and academic needs. 

He had few positive role models and was growing 

up into an adult destined for a lifetime of courtinvolvement. 

The key to getting Jason on track was 

helping him access services that could meet his 

complex needs. Jason’s multi-disciplinary 

delinquency team at YAP included his 

delinquency attorney, an education attorney 

(from YAP’s EdLaw Project), a psychologist, and a 

forensic case manager. The YAP psychologist was 

able to recognize the role of severe mental 

distress in Jason’s social and academic difficulties. 

Jason’s case manager worked with his family and 

a social worker from the Youth Service Providers 

Network to get Jason into a residential 

therapeutic school. The EdLaw attorney filed a 

complaint against the Department of Education, 

citing that Jason’s Individual Education Plan was 

inappropriate and unable to meet his most 

imperative academic needs. The Department of 

Education settled the case and Jason was 

transferred to a residential therapeutic school. 

Jason’s new school was equipped with 

the resources to address the range of issues 

affecting his mental health and contributing to his 

delinquency. The school was an hour from Boston, 

thus removing Jason from the possibility of ganginvolvement 

and providing him with the 

opportunity to interact with other youth not 

connected with street life. He had more direct 

contact with his therapist and was able to talk 

about the traumatic events in his life. Academic 

classes were smaller and Jason was able to 

receive more individual attention. Through the 

services that his team at YAP helped him access, 

4 



Jason was able to address his underlying problems 

and get back on track for a hopeful future. 

Mohamed’s Story 

One day during school, after gym class, 

Mohamed and his classmates were in line in the 

hallway waiting to proceed to their next class. 

Mohamed had asked to get a drink of water from 

the fountain but was denied by his teacher. 

Mohamed decided to get a drink of water 

anyway but he was physically blocked by his 

teacher. Mohamed’s frustration led him to 

allegedly push his teacher. At age thirteen, 

Mohamed was facing expulsion from school and 

criminal charges for assaulting his teacher. When 

Mohamed arrived at YAP, his attorney tried to put 

together the pieces of Mohamed’s puzzle. In 

speaking with Mohamed, it was learned that he 

was a Somali refugee and had lived in a refugee 

camp in Kenya, where he had very scarce access 

to food and water, was surrounded by violence, 

and had witnessed his father’s murder. For the 

previous two years, Mohamed had lived in Boston 

with his older brother, while his mother lived in 

another state. Mohamed had no health 

insurance. 

Mohamed’s attorney referred Mohamed 

for a psychiatric screening. Through this 

evaluation process, it was revealed that he was 

suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. A 

forensic case manager at YAP was able to find a 

Somali therapist, with whom Mohamed was eager 

to speak. To serve his basic health needs, YAP 

helped Mohamed access the MassHealth 

insurance program. In court, Mohamed’s 

attorney illustrated to the judge and the teacher 

in question that this was a case of a youth who 

was suffering from PTSD and who overreacted 

when faced with the stressful situation, given his 

experiences in a refugee camp, of not being able 

to drink water. His work with a therapist also 

showed his willingness and desire to make positive 

changes in his life. Mohamed’s case was 

dismissed. By asking the right questions and 

caring about Mohamed’s health in addition to his 

delinquent behavior, he was connected with 

services that could help meet his wide-ranging 

needs. 

Jason’s and Mohamed’s stories show that 

intervening in the life of a youth and caring about 

their overall health and wellness can help lead not 

only to problem-free outcomes, but also to 

successful developmental outcomes. This 

Community Notebook: Health and Counseling 

Edition includes a number resources intended to 

help you make the connection between your 

clients and essential services for their physical and 

mental well-being. As a youth-serving 

professional, you are in an ideal position to be a 

caring adult and intervene on behalf of your 

clients’ healthy development by recognizing their 

needs and linking them to others who can help. ◊ 

HOTLINES 

Boston Emergency Services Team 

(BEST) 

(800) 981-HELP (4357) 

Child-at-Risk 

(800) 792-5200 

Massachusetts Substance Abuse 

Education and Information Helpline 

(800) 327-5050 

Mayor’s Health Line 

(800) 847-0710 

Parent Resource Network Line 

(866) 815-8122 

Parental Stress Line 

(800) 632-8188 

Samariteens 

(Suicide Prevention) 

(800) 252-TEEN (8336) 

Youth Crisis Hotline 

(800) HIT-HOME (448-4663) 

IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911. 


FALL 2008 


HEALTH CARE REFORM IN MASSACHUSETTS: HOW ARE ADOLESCENTS AFFECTED 

Kim Simonian, MPH 

In April 2006, the Commonwealth of 

Massachusetts passed Chapter 58: An Act 

Providing Access to Affordable, Quality, 

Accountable Health Care. This legislation has 

become known as the Health Care Reform Law 

and its implementation is being watched 

nationally as other states contemplate similar 

efforts. Massachusetts is under pressure to 

succeed. 

Having just celebrated its two-year 

anniversary, the Health Care Reform Law has 

certainly succeeded in its first goal: to enroll 

uninsured Massachusetts residents in appropriate 

health coverage. Since April 2006, 340,000 

residents are newly-insured as a result of health 

care reform. The state’s next goal will be to 

contain rising health care costs and maintain 

quality in such a way that this coverage is 

sustainable. 

What does this legislation mean for 

adolescents and young adults who might be 

uninsured Generally speaking, there are more 

health coverage options available for everyone 

living in Massachusetts, and more opportunities for 

adolescents and young adults to secure health 

insurance. Consider the following programs: 

MassHealth 

Health Care Reform expanded eligibility 

for MassHealth—the state’s Medicaid program. 

Kim Simonian is Manager of Public Payer 

Policy and Operations for Partners 

HealthCare’s Community Benefits Program. 

Full health coverage under MassHealth is 

available to parents living with dependents under 

age 19, to children under age 19 who do not live 

with their families, and to disabled children. 

Applicants must fall within income eligibility 

guidelines, which vary depending on the 

household size. Children are eligible if their family 

income is less than 300% of the federal poverty 

level—about $63,600 for a family of four or $31,200 

for an individual. Additionally, families who meet 

these income requirements but who already have 

private health insurance may qualify for help with 

their private insurance premium payments. 

For more information on MassHealth 

eligibility, visit www.mass.gov/masshealth or call 

the MassHealth Customer Service line at (800) 841- 

2900. 

Children's Medical Security Plan (CMSP) 

CMSP continues to be available for all 

children under age 19 who are not eligible for 

MassHealth or do not have access to comparable 

primary and preventive health insurance. 

Children are eligible regardless of family income 

or immigration status, and are subject to monthly 

premiums and co-payments depending on family 

income. 

For more information on CMSP eligibility, 

visit www.mass.gov/masshealth or call the 

MassHealth Customer Service line at (800) 841- 

2900 . 

Commonwealth Care 

Commonwealth Care plans are new 

health insurance plans that are offered by the 

state’s Commonwealth Health Insurance 

Connector Authority, or “The Connector”. These 

plans are for individuals age 19 and older who are 

uninsured and lack access to any other insurance. 

As with MassHealth, individuals must earn less than 

300% of the federal poverty level in order to 

qualify, and may be required to pay monthly 

premiums and co-payments, depending on their 

income level. 

For more information on Commonwealth 

Care eligibility, visit www.mahealthconnector.org 

or call the Connector Helpline at (877)-623-6765. 

Young Adult Plans 

There are many residents of 

Massachusetts who do not meet the income 

guidelines for MassHealth or Commonwealth 

Care, but who cannot afford health insurance. 

These individuals may purchase new 

Commonwealth Choice health plans. There are 

special Commonwealth Choice plans for 18-26 

year olds, called Young Adult Plans. These are 

private health plans, offered through Blue Cross 

Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Fallon Community 

Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, Health 

New England, Neighborhood Health Plan, and 

Tufts Health Plan. Plans have some monthly 

premiums, co-payments, and limits on benefits. 

For more information on Young Adult 

Plans, visit www.mahealthconnector.org and click 

on “Young Adults” or call the Connector Helpline 

at (877) 623-6765. 

6 



Expansions to Dependent Coverage 

As a result of health care reform, young 

adults may be able to stay on a parent’s or 

guardian’s health insurance for two years after no 

longer being claimed as a dependent on their 

taxes, or until they turn age 26, whichever 

happens first. This option is for those age 26 or 

younger whose parents or guardians have a 

Massachusetts-based health insurance plan. 

For more information, the health 

insurance subscriber should contact his or her 

health plan to find out whether this option is 

available for his or her dependent(s). 

Are Adolescents required to have Health 

Insurance 

A central component of the state’s health 

care reform law is the individual mandate, or the 

requirement that individuals have health 

insurance that meets certain minimum standards. 

This provision pertains only to those 18 and older, 

and can result in tax penalties if not followed. For 

each month an adult over age 18 is uninsured, he 

or she will be penalized when taxes are filed the 

following year. The maximum penalty for being 

uninsured during all of 2008 is $912, but can be less 

depending on one’s income and the number of 

months an individual was uninsured during the 

year. Many individuals will be exempt from 

penalties altogether, given their income levels. 

To find more information regarding 

exemptions from tax penalties, visit 

www.mahealthconnector.org and click on 

“Health Care Reform”. 

for adolescents and young adults 

who need health coverage: 

Hospitals and health centers can 

p r o c e s s a p p l i c a t i o n s f o r 

MassHealth and Commonwealth 

Care. Just go to your nearest 

hospital or health center and ask 

about financial assistance. 

Health Care for All operates a 

free statewide helpline to assist 

callers with questions about 

health insurance and how to 

access it. Call (800) 272-4232. 

The Mayor’s Health Line is a free, 

multi-lingual helpline designed to 

assist Boston-area residents 

directly with health insurance 

enrollment, accessing health 

services, and other information, 

referral, or advocacy questions or 

concerns. Call (800) 847-0710 or 

(617) 534-5050. 

Finally, if your organization is 

interested in becoming a site that 

processes applications for MassHealth 

and Commonwealth Care, call the 

Virtual Gateway Customer Service at 

(800) 421-0938. ◊ 

Where to Get Help 

In addition to the resources provided 

above, there is one-on-one assistance available 


FALL 2008 


COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS 

The following is a list of medications commonly prescribed for mental health issues. 

Medication can be an important part of a mental health treatment plan. Taking medication is a 

serious issue, however, and your client and his or her guardian(s) should work closely with the prescriber 

to control the dosage and any side effects of prescribed medication. 

Remember, your client’s psychiatrist or prescriber is a professional who is trained to dispense 

medication in appropriate dosages. It is imperative to your client’s success to monitor the effects of 

prescribed medication in the correct dose. Communicate often with your client’s psychiatrist or 

prescriber about both positive and negative effects. If your client experiences persistent or worsening 

side effects related to their prescription medication, notify his or her psychiatrist or presciber promptly. 

RESOURCES FOR RESEARCHING MEDICATIONS 

□ Food and Drug Administration: www.fda.gov/cder/drug 

□ MedLine Plus (U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National 

Institutes of Health): www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus 

□ National Alliance on Mental Illness: www.nami.org 

□ National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov 

□ WhatMeds.com: www.whatmeds.com 

BRAND 

NAME 

PRESCRIBED 

FOR ... 

ALSO PRESCRIBED FOR ... 

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS 

Abilify Psychosis Mania, aggression, depression Dizziness, lightheadedness, vomiting, blurred vision, weight gain, drowsiness, or constipation 

Adderall ADHD Narcolepsy Loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, stomach upset, headache, diarrhea, nervousness, or trouble sleeping 

Ativan Anxiety/phobias Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 

epilepsy, insomnia 

Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, headache, nausea, blurred vision, change in sexual interest/ability, hair 

loss, constipation, heartburn, or change in appetite 

BuSpar Anxiety/phobias Premenstrual syndrome Dizziness, headache, nausea, nervousness, lightheadedness, restlessness, blurred vision, or trouble sleeping 

Celexa Depression Eating disorders, panic, 

alcoholism, social phobia 

Nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, tiredness, dizziness, increased 

blurred vision 

Clonidine Anxiety/phobias Impulse control, aggression Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, unusual tiredness, or headache 

Clozaril Psychosis Mania, aggression, stereotypic 

behaviors in autistic children 

Cogentin 

Side effects of antipsychotics 

Drooling, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, shaking, vision problems, or constipation 

Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, flushing, nausea, nervousness, blurred vision, or dry mouth 

sweating, or 

Concerta ADHD Narcolepsy Headache, stomach pain, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, 

irritability, nervousness, blurred vision, dry mouth, or constipation 

Depakote Mood stabilization Aggression, impulsiveness, 

migraine headache 

Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, blurred/double vision, change in menstrual periods, ringing in the ears, 

shakiness, unsteadiness, or weight changes 

Dexedrine ADHD Narcolepsy Nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, nervousness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, weight loss, or irritability 

Effexor Depression Generalized anxiety, social 

anxiety 

Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, weakness, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, blurred 

vision, tiredness, nervousness, trouble sleeping, sweating, or yawning 

Elavil Depression Bedwetting, OCD Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, 

changes in taste, weight gain, tiredness, or trouble urinating 

Focalin ADHD Trouble sleeping, nausea, stomach pain, headache, nervousness, loss of appetite, or weight loss 

Haldol Psychosis Mania, behavior problems Dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, sleep disturbances, headache, or anxiety 

Inderal 

Performance 

anxiety 

Aggression, migraine 

headache, tremor prevention 

Dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, nausea/vomiting, stomach pain, vision changes, troubles sleeping, or 

unusual dreams 

8 



BRAND 

NAME 

PRESCRIBED 

FOR ... 

ALSO PRESCRIBED FOR ... 

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS 

Klonopin Anxiety Impulsiveness, insomnia, panic 

disorder 

Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle pain, excessive hair growth or loss, change in sexual desire, weight 

change, increased saliva production, sore gums, or cough 

Lexapro Depression Anxiety Nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, or yawning 

Lithobid Mood stability Anxiety Drowsiness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, or mild shaking 

Mellaril Psychosis Mania, autism-associated behavior Dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, restlessness, headache, and blurred vision 

Neurontin Mood stability Anxiety Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, fatigue, vision changes, weight gain, nausea, dry mouth, or constipation 

Pamelor Depression Panic, chronic pain, premenstrual 

depression 

Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, 

changes in taste, weight gain, tiredness, or trouble urinating 

Paxil Depression OCD, PTSD, panic attacks Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, weakness, dry mouth, sweating, yawning, or headache 

Prozac Depression OCD, bulimia Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, tiredness, or sweating 

Risperdal Psychosis Tics, mania, autism-associated 

behavior 

Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, constipation, runny nose, increased appetite, weight gain, nervousness, 

acne, dry skin, difficulty concentrating, decreased sexual ability/desire, or difficulty sleeping 

Ritalin ADHD Narcolepsy Headache, stomach pain, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, 

irritability, nervousness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, or drowsiness 

Seroquel Psychosis Mania, autism-associated behavior Constipation, dizziness, headache, stomach pain, tiredness, weight gain, nasal congestion, or dry mouth 

Serzone Depression Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, dry mouth, or constipation 

Strattera ADHD Stomach upset, nausea, constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, or mood changes 

Tegretol Mood stability Aggression, impulse control Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, or unsteadiness 

Tenex Anxiety Impulse control, ADHD, aggression Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, weakness, headache, or sleeping problems 

Thorazine Psychosis Tics, mania, autism-associated 

behavior, behavior problems 

Tofranil Depression Bed wetting, eating disorders, panic 

disorders, OCD 

Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, tiredness, nausea, constipation, sensitivity to sunburn, decreased 

tolerance to heat/strenuous exercise, or trouble sleeping 

Dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, 

diarrhea, stomach cramps, weight change, or increased sweating 

Topamax Psychosis Weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, tingling of the hands/feet, loss of 

appetite, diarrhea, impotence, or weight loss 

Trazodone Depression Sleep problems Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, changes in weight, headache, muscle 

ache, dry mouth, strange taste in the mouth, stuffy nose, constipation, or change in sexual interest 

Trileptal Psychosis Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, acne, dry mouth, or constipation 

Valium Anxiety Panic, epilepsy, insomnia Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, blurred vision, or headache 

Wellbutrin Depression ADHD Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, constipation, increased sweating, joint aches, sore throat, blurred 

vision, strange taste in the mouth, or dizziness 

Xanax Anxiety Panic, epilepsy, insomnia Drowsiness or dizziness 

Zoloft Depression OCD, PTSD, panic attacks, PDD Nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, increased sweating, drowsiness, diarrhea, or trouble sleeping 

Zyprexa Psychosis Mania, autism-associated behavior Dizziness, stomach pain, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, or drowsiness 


FALL 2008 


ADDRESSING THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF ADOLESCENT ALCOHOL AND 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE: THE BUREAU OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES 

Margaret Giovannetti 

Adolescence is a difficult time, during 

which youth transition toward the expectations 

and experiences of adulthood. In order to 

achieve healthy maturity, youth must be granted 

room to experience life and experiment with how 

they fit in among their family, peers, and society. 

Often, young adults are afforded certain 

freedoms before they understand the 

consequences of their choices and actions. This 

potential pitfall can be exacerbated if young 

people lack caring adults or mentors in their lives 

who can model positive behavior. Without a 

trusted and responsible adult to be an important 

role model and sounding board, many youth 

struggle with decision-making and have no one 

with whom to discuss important life choices. 

When youth begin making choices 

concerning alcohol, drugs, and other substances, 

positive role models and clear decision-making is 

imperative. For those youth who lack adequate 

supports and are at-risk to develop substance 

abuse issues, there is danger for long-term, 

sustained problems. Alcohol and substance 

abuse is obviously a major detriment to young 

people’s ability to achieve positive life outcomes. 

Despite a bombardment of anti-drug and alcohol 

education that youth receive from teachers, 

doctors, television, and in-school and afterschool 

Margaret Giovannetti is the Massachusetts 

Department of Public Health’s Bureau of 

Substance Abuse Services Adolescent 

Service Coordinator. 

programs, substance abuse remains a widespread 

problem and can be a principal factor in the 

interruption of physical and cognitive 

development. Under the influence of drugs and 

alcohol, youth can find themselves in 

compromising situations which may lead to courtinvolvement 

and/or poor health. 

Adolescent drinking and drug use is often 

associated with sexual activity, unwanted sexual 

activity, suicide attempts, weapons possession, 

and physical fights. A 2005 survey of 

Massachusetts students in grades 9-12 showed 

that in the 30 days prior to the survey, nearly half 

of students (48%) drank alcohol, 27% had five or 

more drinks in a row (the definition of binge 

drinking), and 28% rode in a car driven by 

someone who had been drinking. One-third of 

students had bought, been offered, or been given 

an illegal drug on school property within the 

previous year. Between 2003 and 2005, there was 

no meaningful reduction in the use of drugs. 

The effects of alcohol and substance 

abuse on youth are far reaching. Alcohol use is 

related to lower levels of academic achievement. 

Seventy-two percent of youth in Massachusetts 

correctional services have been diagnosed with a 

substance abuse disorder. Of those youth in 

Massachusetts who meet the criteria for a mental 

health disorder, 49% regularly abuse substances. 

In all likelihood, your client has or is at risk for 

developing alcohol or substance abuse issues. As 

professionals dedicated to helping youth develop 

into healthy adults, there are steps to take to help 

youth avoid the trap of alcohol and substance 

abuse. 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG 

MASSACHUSETTS TEENS 

A 2005 survey of students in grades 

9-12 showed that in the last 30 days¹: 

Nearly half (48%) drank alcohol 

27% had five or more drinks in a row (the 

definition of binge drinking) 

28% rode in a car driven by someone who 

had been drinking 

30% had bought or been offered or given 

an illegal drug on school property in the last 

year 

There was no meaningful reduction in 

students’ drinking or use of marijuana, 

heroin, cocaine, crack or freebase between 

2004 and 2005 

HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS OF 

TEEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE 

Alcohol use is related to lower levels of 

academic achievement 

Nearly three quarters (72%) of youth in 

Massachusetts Correctional Services have 

substance use disorders 

Nearly half (49%) of youth with mental 

health needs in the state regularly use 

substances 

Adolescent drinking is associated with: 

current drug use, recent sex, unwanted sex 

contact, suicide attempts, carrying 

weapons, and physical fights 

¹2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 

http://www.doe.mass.edu/cnp/hprograms/yrbs/05/default.html 

10 



Through the Massachusetts Department 

of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Abuse 

Services (BSAS), youth-serving professionals can 

access a range of substance abuse services 

targeting youth and young adults. BSAS designs, 

implements, and oversees programs, policies, and 

initiatives created to address substance abuse 

issues. It is the goal of BSAS to build and maintain 

a supportive and comprehensive continuum of 

substance abuse care for youth and young adults 

that is developmentally-appropriate and not 

simply based on adult models of care. To achieve 

this goal, BSAS created the Office of Youth and 

Young Adult Services (OYYAS). OYYAS has redesigned 

the system of care to better facilitate 

the prompt referral of youth to appropriate 

services. BSAS-funded programs utilize genderspecific 

and trauma-informed evidence-based 

practices, are youth-centric, and encourage 

family and caregiver involvement. Multi-service 

coordination with other state agencies and youth 

service providers helps efforts to bridge gaps in 

substance abuse care. By accessing BSAS and 

working with the multi-disciplinary staff, an 

approach to treatment can be developed and 

implemented, helping your client get on the road 

to recovery. 

One of the accomplishments of BSAS’s 

youth-centric reforms has been the re-structuring 

of adolescent residential treatment programs and 

the implementation of Central Intake and Care 

Coordination (CICC). Through CICC, youth who 

require a residential placement are assigned to a 

program based on a thorough assessment of their 

substance use, as well as their social, emotional, 

behavioral, and mental health status. If it is found 

that residential treatment is not appropriate for 

the youth, CICC staff can assist in making a 

referral to a more suitable level of care. To refer a 

client for treatment, contact the Central Intake 

and Care Coordination office at (617) 661-3991, or 

toll free at (866) 705-2807. 

RESOURCE 

HIGHLIGHT 

THE BOSTON TENPOINT COALITION 

COMMUNITY RE-ENTRY INITATIVE 

The TenPoint Coalition works to promote 

positive lifestyle changes with court-involved 

youth. Its Community Re-Entry Initiative 

mentors and provides basic services for 

young ex-offenders. TenPoint has been 

proven to reduce recidivism rates by 

exposing participants to opportunities in 

education, health services, and 

employment. Staff and volunteers work with 

organizations such as the District’s Attorney’s 

office and the Department of Revenue. 

TenPoint’s “collaborative community reentry 

strategy” provides a support 

mechanism to encourage those who are 

considered the least likely to succeed. 

Boston TenPoint Coalition 

215 Forest Hills Street 

Jamaica, MA 02130 

(617) 524-4331 

www.bostontenpoint.org 

Residential programs facilitated by OYYAS 

are short-term substance abuse treatment 

facilities for medically stable youth between the 

ages of 13 and 17. Such treatment is appropriate 

for high-risk youth facing the consequences of 

alcohol and other drug use, and whose issues 

have not been resolved in less intense, community 

-based care. These programs work to combat a 

number of issues facing the client, such as anger 

management, risky or self-destructive behavior, 

and eating and other disorders. Each youth 

participates in highly structured, developmentallyappropriate 

clinical services on the individual, 

group, and family levels. An in-house Educational 

Coordinator sets academic objectives with the 

young person’s school. When a client leaves the 

residential program, continuing care services are 

provided to assist the youth in recovery. Services 

include relapse prevention education, follow-up 

plans, and integration with community resources 

or outpatient programs. 



FALL 2008 



Most recently, OYYAS has created a new 

level of state-funded care—the youth 

detoxification and stabilization units. These units 

provide youth in crisis with a safe, temporary, 

protective environment in which they can receive 

the assessment, care, supervision, and medical 

monitoring necessary to facilitate stabilization of 

their physical and emotional states. Once 

stabilized, the adolescent can then receive a 

comprehensive assessment of substance use, as 

well as his or her social, emotional, behavioral, 

and mental health status. With this information, 

staff then refer the adolescent to the appropriate 

treatment setting and other services. In addition, 

staff also provide counseling, referral, and support 

services to families, in an effort to help them 

support their children’s recovery. 

Another feature of the BSAS range of 

programs is recovery high schools. Recovery high 

schools were established in response to the high 

rates of relapse among adolescents who returned 

from a treatment experience to a traditional high 

school. The three schools—located in Boston, 

Beverly, and Springfield—are four-year, nontraditional 

public high schools for youth who have 

been diagnosed with a substance abuse or 

dependence disorder. These schools have been 

found to be a tremendous success in both 

reducing rates of relapse and increasing rates of 

graduation. 

In spite of the lingering problem of alcohol 

and substance abuse among our communities’ 

vulnerable youth, young adults are receiving 

better services specifically designed for them. The 

BSAS model is a system of care creating positive 

change in the lives of youth and young adults, as 

well as their families, affected by substance 

abuse. For court-involved youth, substance abuse 

treatment programs are increasingly cited as an 

effective alternative to detention. Youth who are 

not yet court-involved, but dependent upon drugs 

or alcohol, are certainly in a high-risk situation. 

OVER 70% OF YOUTH IN THE 

JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM MEET 

CRITERIA FOR AT LEAST ONE MENTAL 

HEALTH DISORDER. AMONG THOSE 

YOUTH WITH A MENTAL HEALTH 

DIAGNOSIS 60.8% ALSO MET CRITERIA 

FOR A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER. 

National Center for Mental 

Health and Juvenile Justice, 2006 

These children may also be feeling the effects of 

increased tension at school, home, or with peers. 

By accessing BSAS services, you can help guide 

them toward breaking out of the cycle of alcohol 

or substance abuse. 

Information on all of the BSAS services, 

including outpatient programs, assessments, and 

the referral process, can be accessed by calling 

the Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information 

and Education Helpline at (800) 327-5050. ◊ 

Logan Walsh also contributed to this report. 

12 



ON-CALL MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTION: ACCESSING THE BOSTON EMERGENCY SERVICES TEAM (BEST) 

Carley Lubarski, LICSW 

Early intervention and access to 

appropriate mental health services are essential 

to successful youth development. Youth-serving 

professionals, from teachers and coaches, to 

attorneys and probation officers, are often relied 

upon to identify youth in need of intervention. 

Unfortunately, providers who are in the best 

position to assist youth in accessing services do not 

know where to begin or where to turn when the 

need arises. For providers in the greater Boston 

area, the place to turn for emergency mental 

health care is the Boston Emergency Services 

Team (BEST). 

Under the leadership of Boston Medical 

Center, and in partnership with BayCove Human 

Services and North Suffolk Mental Health, BEST is 

Carley Lubarski is Clinical Director of the 

Boston Emergency Services Team at Boston 

Medical Center. 

the Emergency Services Program (ESP) responsible 

for providing emergency psychiatric services to all 

individuals in the Boston area regardless of the 

individuals’ ability to pay. 

The BEST program model is built upon a 

collection of integrated services all sharing the 

common goal of community based assessment 

and treatment. These services include a call 

center, mobile response teams, urgent care 

centers, a crisis stabilization unit and two 

designated emergency departments at Boston 

Medical Center and Massachusetts General 

Hospital. 

The BEST Call Center is the central entry 

point to all services provided by BEST. The 800 

number Call Center is operational 24 hours a day, 

seven days a week and is staffed by Masters-level 

emergency services clinicians. All clinicians are 

skilled in psychiatric crisis intervention and 

management. They are also trained in customer 

service dynamics to provide behavioral 

healthcare information and general information 

and referrals. Providers are encouraged to 

contact the Call Center to request consultation 

around individual situations or to request an 

evaluation. The emergency service clinician at 

the Call Center will gather information from the 

referral source, such as basic demographic 

information, current presenting problem, past 

treatment history, and current behavioral 

presentation. When a request is made for an 

evaluation of a minor, it is particularly important 

that a parent or guardian has been notified. 

Based on the information provided, the Call 

Center clinician will work with the referral source 

to determine the most appropriate location for 

RESOURCE 

HIGHLIGHT 

BAY COVE HUMAN SERVICES 

Bay Cove Human Services is a private, notfor-profit 

corporation that provides a wide 

variety of services to individuals. Bay Cove 

has multiple programs focused on 

adolescents such as Bay Cove Academy, a 

psycheducational school for youth age 12- 

21 who have a history of emotional, 

academic, or behavioral difficulties; 

violence prevention programs; and youth 

substance abuse programs. Bay Cove also 

offers family and parental support programs. 

Bay Cove serves more than 14,000 

individuals and their families each year at 

more than 100 different program sites 

throughout Greater Boston. 

BayCove Human Services 

66 Canal Street 

Boston, MA 02114 

(617) 371-3000 

www.baycove.org 

the evaluation. Unless medically necessary or for 

emergent containment purposes, BEST prefers that 

all evaluations either occur at the Urgent Care 

Centers or in an alternative community location, 

such as a school, residential program, healthcare 

center, or private home. 

BEST offers two Urgent Care Centers—one 

based at the Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health 

Center and the other based at the Eric 



FALL 2008 



Lindemann Mental Health Center. Evaluations are 

often scheduled through the Call Center and 

directed to one of these sites based on the 

convenience of the location for the client. 

Although connection with the Call Center is 

preferred, both Urgent Care Centers are able to 

accept walk-ins. Particularly for youth and 

families, the Urgent Care Centers are the ideal 

alternative to an unnecessary emergency room 

visit. Boston emergency departments experience 

an extremely high patient volume. Wait times for 

a psychiatric evaluation are often upwards of four 

hours. During that lengthy period of time, it can 

RESOURCE 

HIGHLIGHT 

THE TRAUMA CENTER AT JUSTICE 

RESOURCE INSTITUTE 

The Trauma Center is a program of Justice 

Resource Institute, a large nonprofit 

organization dedicated to social justice by 

offering hope and promise of fulfillment to 

children, adults, and families who are at risk 

of not receiving effective services essential 

to their safety, progress, and/or survival. The 

Trauma Center provides comprehensive 

services to traumatized children and adults 

and their families. Programming includes: 

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, prolonged 

traumatic stress therapy, GLBTQ Program as 

well as other outpatient mental health 

services. 

Trauma Center at 

Justice Resource Institute 

1269 Beacon Street 

Brookline, MA 02446 

(617) 232-1303 

Intake: (617) 232-0687 

be quite traumatizing, particularly for youth, to be 

exposed to the sights and sounds of acute 

medical emergencies. The Urgent Care Centers 

offer extremely reduced waiting times, often 

seeing referrals immediately upon arrival. The 

waiting areas are much more pleasant offering 

play space for families with children. 

Whether it occurs at the Urgent Care 

Center, the emergency department, or at the 

youth’s school, once a referral is made, an 

emergency services clinician will conduct a faceto-face 

evaluation. The clinician will provide an 

acute clinical risk assessment and individualized 

diagnostic and treatment formulations. 

Assessments include: presenting problems and a 

narrative of how and why the youth is presenting 

at this time; immediate safety concerns from the 

points of view of the youth, guardians, and 

referring parties; crisis precipitants; internal and 

external supports; history of relevant past 

symptoms; medical and substance abuse comorbidities; 

relevant legal issues; school 

performance; and current mental status exam. 

Following the evaluation and consultation 

with existing treatment providers, the clinician will 

develop a treatment plan. Believing that youth 

are best served by remaining in their communities, 

BEST aims to provide the link to appropriate 

community based treatment and supportive 

services. A perfect example of one such service is 

a Family Stabilization Team (FST). FST’s are viewed 

to be particularly important for child and 

adolescent populations as, frequently, ongoing 

family problems perpetually drive crisis behaviors. 

FST’s offer the possibilities of intervening on these 

problems at their source, working within the family, 

and responding directly to crisis both at home and 

school. If it is determined that the youth cannot 

be safely maintained in the community, even with 

the support of community based services, BEST 

would arrange for a more restrictive level of care, 

such as a Community Based Acute Treatment 

Program, or an inpatient psychiatric 

hospitalization. Although these levels of care are 

necessary to stabilize acutely psychiatrically-ill 

patients, BEST seeks to expand relationships with 

the community to encourage referrals prior to 

such an extreme exacerbation of symptoms. 

EVERY YEAR MORE THAN ONE MILLION 

YOUTH UNDER THE AGE OF 18 COME IN 

CONTACT WITH SOME ASPECT OF THE 

JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM...UP TO 80% 

HAVE DIAGNOSABLE MENTAL HEALTH 

DISORDERS...MANY OF THESE CHILDREN 

GO WITHOUT TREATMENT, BOTH IN THE 

COMMUNITY AND DURING 

INCARCERATION. 

National Center for Mental 

Health and Juvenile Justice, 2006 

Adequately addressing mental health 

issues in a pre-crisis stage prevents further 

development of problematic behaviors that could 

lead to school failure, involvement with the 

juvenile justice system, or psychiatric 

hospitalization. It also increases the likelihood that 

community-based services will adequately 

stabilize the situation. Youth-serving professionals 

are encouraged to access services through the 

BEST program whenever they believe a child or 

adolescent may benefit from additional mental 

health services. Call (800) 981-HELP (4357) to 

access the range of services that the BEST 

program provides. ◊ 

14 


RESOURCE GUIDE 

FACILITIES 

FOR ADOLESCENT 

MENTAL 

AND PHYSICAL 

HEALTH 

CARE 

Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment: Any inpatient 

treatment takes place in a locked hospital facility. 

Inpatient treatment is used to stabilize patients with 

acute problems that are the result of mental illness. 

These patients have displayed one or more of the 

following troubling behaviors: suicidality, 

homicidality, and/or inability to care for himself or 

herself due to mental illness. 

Intensive Residential Treatment Program (IRTP): 

These facilities are 24-hour locked sites that serve 

adolescents who meet the state’s requirements for 

commitment (posing a risk of harm to self or others 

due to a mental illness), but do not need the 

medical services of a hospital. 

LEVELS OF CARE FOR ADOLESCENTS 

There are several different treatment options for adolescents with mental health problems. Adolescents should be treated in the least restrictive environment 

that will still address their needs. Only a mental health professional can determine which type of program will best suit an adolescent. Treatment levels below 

are listed in order from most secure to least restrictive. 

Acute Residential Treatment (ART): Patients in Acute 

Residential Treatment need 24 hour treatment, but 

no longer need restrictive inpatient treatment. These 

facilities are community-based and staff-secure. 

Clinically Intensive Residential Treatment (CIRT): 

These facilities are staff-secured residential services 

for children aged 6-12 who pose a serious risk of 

harm to themselves or others. Patients cannot leave 

the facilities. 

Community-Based Residential Programs: Patients in 

community-based programs can come and go as 

they please as long as they are following the basic 

guidelines and rules of the programs. These are the 

least restrictive residential placements. 

Partial Hospitalization: Patients in partial hospital 

treatment do not require the intensive 24 hour 

inpatient treatment, but still require hospital services. 

Day Treatment Programs: Patients usually attend 

day treatment programs for several hours three or 

more days a week. In these programs, patients learn 

the skills they need to reintegrate into their homes. 

Outpatient Therapy: The resources in this notebook 

include a variety of different outpatient therapy 

options for different mental health issues. 

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS BY NEIGHBORHOOD 

Allston 

Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center 

287 Western Avenue 

Allston, MA 02134 

(617) 783-0500 

www.jmschc.org 

Back Bay 

MGH Back Bay 

388 Commonwealth Avenue 


(800) 711-4644 

www.massgeneral.org/primary_backbay.htm 

Charlestown 

MGH Charlestown HealthCare Center 

73 High Street 

Charlestown, MA 02129 

(617) 724-8135 

www.massgeneral.org/ctweb/index.htm 

Chelsea 

MHG Chelsea Healthcare Center 

151 Everett Avenue 

Chelsea, MA 02150 

(617) 884-8300 

www.massgeneral.org 

Chinatown 

South Cove Community Health Center 

885 Washington Street 


(617) 482-7555 

www.scchc.org 

Dorchester 

Bowdoin Street Community Health Center 

230 Bowdoin Street 

Dorchester, MA 02122 

(617) 754-0100 

www.bowdoinstreethealth.org 

Codman Square Health Center 



(617) 825-9660 

www.codman.org 

Dorchester House Multi-Service Center 

1353 Dorchester Avenue 


(617) 288-3230 

www.dorchesterhouse.org 

Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center 

250 Mount Vernon Street 


(617) 288-1140 

www.endoflifecommission.org/eoldb/boston/geiger 

_gibson.htm 

Continued on page 16 



COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS BY NEIGHBORHOOD (CONT.) 

Dorchester (cont.) 

Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center 

632 Blue Hill Avenue 


(617) 825-3400 

www.harvardstreet.org 

Neponset Health Center 

398 Neponset Avenue 


(617) 282-3200 

Martha Eliot Health Center 

75 Bickford Street 

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 

(617) 971-2100 

www.childrenshospital.org 

Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center 

640 Centre Street 


(617) 983-4100 

www.brighamandwomens.org 

Roxbury 

Dimock Community Health Center 

55 Dimock Street 


(617) 442-8800 

www.dimock.org 

Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center 

435 Warren Street 


(617) 442-7400 

Upham's Corner Health Center 

500 Columbia Road 


(617) 287-8000 

www.uphamscornerhealthctr.com 

East Boston 

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center 

10 Grove Street 

East Boston, MA 02128 

(617) 569-5800 

www.ebnhc.org 

Fenway 

Fenway Community Health Center 

7 Haviland Street 


(888) 242-0900 

www.fenwayhealth.org 

Jamaica Plain 

Brookside Community Health Center 



(617) 522-4700 

www.brighamandwomens.org 

Faulkner Hospital 



(617) 983-7000 

www.faulknerhospital.org 

Mattapan 

Mattapan Community Health Center 


Mattapan, MA 02126 

(617) 296-0061 

www.mattapanchc.org 

North End 

North End Community Health Center 

332 Hanover Street 


(617) 643-8000 

www.massgeneral.org/northend 

Revere 

MGH Revere Healthcare Center 

300 Ocean Avenue 

Revere, MA 02151 

(781) 485-6000 

www.massgeneral.org/revereweb/ 

revere_about.htm 

Roslindale 

Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center 

4199 Washington Street, Suite One 

Roslindale, MA 02131 

(617) 323-4440 

www.roslindale.org 

Whittier Street Neighborhood Health Center 

1125 Tremont Street 


(617) 427-1000 

www.wshc.org 

South Boston 

Harbor Family Health Center 

37 Devine Way 

South Boston, MA 02127 

(617) 269-0312 

South Boston Community Health Center 

409 West Broadway 

South Boston, MA 02127 

(617) 269-7500 

www.sbchc.org 

16 



HOSPITALS 

The following offer specialized medical services (including out-patient services) for children and adolescents. 

Arbour Health Systems—The Boston Center 

In-patient services available for ages 13-18 

14 Fordham Road 


(800) 222-2237 

www.arbourhealth.com 

Boston Medical Center 

Partial hospitalization services for ages 6-18 

One Boston Medical Center Place 


(617) 638-8000 

www.bmc.org 

Bournewood Hospital 

In-patient and partial hospitalization services 

available for ages 12-18 

300 South Street 


(617) 469-0300 or (800) 468-4358 

www.bournewood.com 

Cambridge Health Alliance—Cambridge 


1493 Cambridge Street 

Cambridge, MA 02139 

(617) 665-1000 

www.cha.harvard.edu 

Cambridge Health Alliance—Somerville 


230 Highland Avenue 

Somerville, MA 02143 

(617) 591-4500 

www.cha.harvard.edu 

Caritas Carney Hospital 




(617) 296-4000 x 3511 

www.carneyhospital.org 

Children’s Hospital 


300 Longwood Avenue 


(617) 355-6000 


Franciscan Hospital for Children 

In-patient and hospitalization services, ages 7-18 



(617) 254-3800 

www.franciscanhospital.org 

Tufts New England Medical Center & Floating 

Hospital for Children 




(617) 636-5000 

www.floatinghospital.org 

ABCD FAMILY PLANNING SITES 

Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Family Planning sites provide comprehensive family planning care including free or low-cost birth control to 

low-income women and adolescents. ABCD also provides community education, and outreach to ensure that community residents receive preventive health 

education and services to maintain their health. For more information, visit www.bostonabcd.org/familyplanning or call (617) 357-6000 x 251. 

Allston 

Joseph Smith Community Health Center 

287 Western Avenue 


(617) 783-0500 

www.jmschc.org 

Boston 




(617) 414-4086 

Boston Public Health Commission 

1010 Massachusetts Avenue 


(617) 534-5196 




Adolescent Clinic: (617) 355-7181 

Young Parents Program: (617) 355-7718 

Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center 

130 Boylston Street 


(617) 457-8140 

www.bidmc.caregroup.org 

Chelsea 

MGH Chelsea Student Health Center 

299 Everett Avenue 


(617) 887-4305 


ROCA Teen Health 

101 Park Street 


(617) 889-5210 

www.bostonabcd.org 

Continued on page 18 



ABCD FAMILY PLANNING SITES (CONT.) 

Dorchester 

Bowdoin Street Health Center 



(617) 754-0100 

www.bowdoinstreethealth.org 




(617) 825-9660 

www.codman.org 




(617) 288-3230 


Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center 

250 Mount Vernon Street 


(617) 288-1140 

Harvard Street Adolescent Center 



(617) 825-3400 


Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center 



(617) 825-3400 


Neponset Health Center 



(617) 282-3200 

Upham’s Corner Health Center 



(617) 287-8000 

www.uphamscornerhealthctr.org 

East Boston 

East Boston Health Center 

10 Gove Street 


(617) 569-5800 

www.ebnhc.org 

Jamaica Plain 

Martha Eliot Health Center 

75 Bickford Street 


(617) 971-2100 


Mattapan 




(617) 296-0061 


Revere 

MGH Revere Family Planning 

300 Ocean Avenue 

Revere, MA 02150 

(781) 485 6400 


Roxbury 




(617) 442-8800 


Roxbury Comprehensive Health Center 



(617) 541-3790 

Whittier Street Health Center 



(617) 989-3104 

www.wshc.org 

Quincy 

South Cove Health Center—North Quincy Site 

435 Hancock Street 

Quincy, MA 02170 

(617) 745-0280 

www.scchc.org 

South Boston 

South Boston Community Health Center 

409 West Broadway 


(617) 269-7500 

www.sbchc.org 

South End 

South End Community Health Center 



(617) 425-2000 

www.sechc.org 

ADOLESCENT AND TEEN HEALTH SPECIALISTS 

Adolescent Clinic at Boston Medical Center 

850 Harrison Avenue, 5th floor 


(617) 414-4710 

www.bmc.org 

Bird Street Community Center 



(617) 282-6110 x 24 

www.birdstreet.org 

Family Counseling Centers (MSPCC) 

157 Green Street 


(617) 983-5800 (call for locations) 

18 



ADOLESCENT AND TEEN HEALTH SPECIALIST (CONT.) 

Roxbury Multi-Service Center, Inc. 



(617) 427-4470 

Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center (JRI Health) 



(617) 457-8150 

jrihealth@jri.org 

Upham’s Corner Health Center 

Adolescent Health/Peer Educator Program 



(617) 287-0786 

Vietnamese Youth Initiative 




(617) 288-3230 


OUT-PATIENT COUNSELING SERVICES 

Whittier St. Health Center 



(617) 989-3112 

www.wshc.org 

Youth Wellness Program 


1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 6th Floor 


(617) 534-5196 

adolescentwellness@bphc.org 

The following mental health centers in Boston offer out-patient counseling services to adolescents. These services are also available at many community health 

centers and hospitals. Hospital departments where you can access counseling services include Psychiatry, Child Protection, Adolescent, and Young Parenting. 




(617) 638-8000 or (617) 414-5245 

www.bmc.org/socialwork 

Patients must live in Boston. 

Brighton-Allston Mental Health Association 

77B Warren Street 

Brighton, MA 02135 

(617) 787-1901 

www.bamha.org 

Cambridge Health Alliance Child and Adolescent 

Psychology 

26 Central Street 


(617) 665-3458 

www.challiance.org/psychiatry/psychiatry.html 

Chelsea Counseling Center 

301 Broadway Avenue 


(617) 889-3300 

East Boston Counseling Center 

14 Porter Street 


(617) 569-3189 

Family Service of Greater Boston 

Center for Counseling 

31 Heath Street 


(617) 523-6400 x 5926 

www.fsgb.org 

Home for Little Wanderers 

Child and Family Counseling Center 

271 Huntington Avenue 


(617) 267-3700 or (888) HOME-321 

www.thehome.org 

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty 

to Children (MSPCC) Family Counseling Centers 



(617) 983-5800 

May Institute Behavioral Health Center 

2020R Centre Street 

West Roxbury, MA 02132 

(617) 325-6700 

www.mayinstitute.org 

The Trauma Center 

at the Justice Resource Institute 



(617) 232-1303 

In-take: (617) 232-0687 

www.traumacenter.org 

Violence Prevention and Recovery Center 

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital 

330 Brookline Avenue 


(617) 667-8141 

www.bidmc.caregroup.org 






(617) 371-3000 


Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST) 

Emergency psychiatric services 

25 Staniford Street 


(800) 981-HELP(4357) 




(617) 638-8000 

www.bmc.org 

PSYCHIATRIC CARE 

Children’s Hospital Psychiatric Treatment Team 



(617) 355-2727 


Eric Lindemann Mental Health Center 



(617) 626-8500 

Massachusetts General Hospital 

Acute Psychiatry Service 

55 Fruit Street 


(617) 726-2000 

www.massgeneral.org/allpsych/aps 

North Suffolk Mental Health Association 



(617) 889-4860 

www.northsuffolk.org 

Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center at 


85 East Newton Street, 3rd Floor 


(617) 626-9213 

Somerville Mental Health Association 

5 Hall Avenue 


(617) 623-3278 

www.somervillementalhealth.org 

The Children's Community Support Collaborative 

Brighton Marine Health Center 

77 Warren Street, Building 9 


(617) 562-5450 

McLean Hospital 

Harvard Medical School 

115 Mill Street 

Belmont, MA 02478 

(617) 855-2000 

www.mclean.harvard.edu 

20 


H 

RESOURCE 

GUIDE 

BY SERVICE/H 

/HEALTH 

ISSUE 

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE/STATE AGENCIES 

Department of Mental Health (DMH) 

DMH provides services for children, adolescents, 

and adults who have a serious mental illness or 

emotional disturbance. To be eligible for services 

through DMH, patients must have a qualifying 

mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder to the 

extent that it interferes with family, school, or 

community activities. 



(617) 626-8514 

www.mass.gov/dmh 

Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) 

DMR provides selective services for children under 

18 who meet the federal definition of having a 

developmental disability. DMR provides after 

school care and respite services for families. 

65 Sprague Street 

Hyde Park, MA 02136 

(617) 360-2400 

www.mass.gov/dmr 

Department of Public Health (DPH) 

DPH provides health services, when they are not 

available elsewhere, through several bureaus 

including the Family and Community Health 

Bureau and the HIV/AIDS Bureau. 

10 Malcolm X Boulevard 


(617) 541-2860 or (866) 627-7968 (Information Line) 

www.mass.gov/dph 

Department of Public Health—Bureau of Family 

and Community Health (BFCH) 

BFCH focuses on reducing barriers to care, assuring 

early risk identification, and providing preventive 

and primary care based on the needs of specific 

communities. 

250 Washington Street, 4th & 5th Floors 


(617) 624-5070 

www.mass.gov/dph/fch 

Department of Public Health—Community Support 

Line 

The Community Support Line offers information, 

technical assistance, and referrals for families with 

children with special health needs. 

(800) 882-1435 

Department of Public Health—Massachusetts 

Community AIDS Resource Enhancement 

(MassCARE) 

MassCARE serves women and children living with 

HIV/AIDS. 

250 Washington Street, 4th Floor 


(617) 994-9819 

Department of Children and Families (DCF) 

DCF is the Massachusetts child protection agency 

that deals with children who have been 

neglected. DCF offers services to these children 

and their families in order to support the family unit 

while rectifying the problem. DCF contracts with 

community agencies to provide services to 

children who are primarily 18 or younger. DCF offers 

a variety of services, including adoption, 

counseling, daycare, emergency shelter, family 

planning, family-based services, and foster care. 

24 Farnsworth Street 


(617) 748-2000 or DCF Hotline: (800) 792-5200 

www.mass.gov/d cf 

Department of Youth Services (DYS) 

DYS provides services to juveniles involved in 

juvenile court on delinquency charges. For those 

juveniles who have been adjudicated delinquent, 

DYS offers secure treatment facilities, community 

residential programs, and clinical services. DYS also 

offers pre-trial detention services. 

27 Wormwood Street, Suite 400 


(617) 727-7575 

www.mass.gov/dys 

Health Care for All 

Health Care for All is a Resource for learning about 

healthcare options in Massachusetts. 

30 Winter Street, 10th floor 


(617) 350-7279 or Helpline: (800) 272-4232 

www.hcfama.org 

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership 

(MBHP) 

MBHP manages mental health and substance 

abuse services for MassHealth members in the PCC 

(state) plan. 

150 Federal Street, 3rd Floor 


(800) 495-0086 

www.masspartnership.com 

Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) 

MDS provides free dental care via mobile Dental 

Van, grants access to reduced-cost dental care 

for qualified families, and provides assistance with 

obtaining affordable dental insurance. 

2 Willow Street, #200 

Southborough, MA 01745 

(800) 342-8747 

www.massdental.org 

MassHealth through the 

Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) 

The Office of Medicaid provides health insurance 

to Massachusetts families and individuals who 

cannot otherwise afford health care. 



(617) 210-5001 or (888) 865-9993 

www.mass.gov/masshealth 




ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SERVICES 

Center for Law and Education 

Center for Law and Education specializes in legal 

rights and responsibilities of students. 

99 Chauncy Street, Suite 402 


(617) 451-0855 

www.cleweb.org 

Center for Public Representation 

Center for Public Representation provides mental 

health law and disability law services. 

246 Walnut Street 

Newton, MA 02460 

(617) 965-0776 

www.centerforpublicrep.org 

Child Welfare League 

Child Welfare League advocates for the safety and 

well-being of children and families. 

2 Adams Place, Suite 305 


(617) 770-3008 

www.cwla.org 

Children and Family Law Program 

Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) 

CPCS provides legal representation to parents and 

children in welfare matters. 

44 Bromfield Street 


(617) 482-6212 

www.mass.gov/cpcs/CAFL 

Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts, Inc. (CLCM) 

CLCM is a legal service provider for low-income 

children. 

P.O. Box 710 

298 Union Street 

Lynn, MA 01903 

(781) 581-1977 

www.clcm.org 

Citizens for Juvenile Justice (CFJJ) 

CFJJ is a systemic advocate for children. 

101 Tremont Street, Suite 1000 


(617) 338-1050 

www.cfjj.org 

Criminal Justice Institute (Harvard) 

Criminal Justice Institute is a defense lawyeradvocate 

training program representing indigent 

Boston residents. 



(617) 496-8143 

www.law.harvard.edu/academics/clinical/cji 

Disability Law Center (DLC) 

DLC advocates for people with disabilities. 

11 Beacon Street, Suite 925 


(617) 723-8455 

www.dlc-ma.org 

The EdLaw Project 

A Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts/Youth 

Advocacy Project Partnership 

EdLaw specializes in educational advocacy for 

Boston’s indigent children. 



(617) 445-5640 

www.youthadvocacyproject.org/edlaw/edlaw.htm 

Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) 

FCSN works on behalf of special-needs children. 



(617) 236-7210 

www.fcsn.org 

Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) 

GBLS is a free legal assistance to low-income 

residents. 

197 Friend Street 


(617) 371-1234 

www.gbls.org 

WilmerHale Legal Services Center (Harvard) 

WilmerHale specializes in public policy and 

institutions relating to the needs of low-income 

residents and also advocates for children who have 

special education needs due to trauma. 



(617) 522-3003 

www.law.harvard.edu/academics/clinical/lsc 

Health Care for All 

Health Care for All advocates the goal of creating 

available health care for everyone. 

30 Winter Street, Suite 1010 


(617) 350-7279 

www.hcfama.org 

Health Law Advocates, Inc. 

Health Law Advocates, Inc. advocates for children’s 

mental health. 

30 Winter Street, Suite 940 


(617) 338-5241 

www.hla-inc.org 

Health Law Institute 

Health Law Institute provides legal services to lowincome 

people with disabilities at the Justice 

Resource Institute. 

25 West Street, Suite 500 


(617) 988-8700 

www.jri.org 

Juvenile Rights Advocacy Project 

Juvenile Rights Advocacy Project advocates for girls 

in the juvenile justice system. 

Boston College Law School 



(617) 552-4382 

www.bc.edu/jrap 

22 



ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SERVICES (CONT.) 

Legal Advocacy Resource Center (LARC) 

LARC Support for low-income families. 

197 Friend Street 


(617) 603-1700 

www.larcma.org 

Massachusetts Advocates for Children 

Massachusetts Advocates for Children advocates 

for children facing significant barriers to education. 

25 Kingston Street, 2nd Floor 


(617) 357-8431 

www.massadvocates.org 

Massachusetts Civil Liberties Union 

Massachusetts Civil Liberties Union lobbies and 

provides legal services. 

211 Congress Street, 3rd Floor 


(617) 482-3170 

www.aclu-mass.org 

Massachusetts Correctional Legal Services (MCLS) 

MCLS provides civil legal services for people in 

Massachusetts prisons and jails. 

8 Winter Street, 11th Floor 


(617) 482-2773 

www.mcls.net 

Massachusetts Family Voices 

Massachusetts Family Voices is a grassroots network 

of families. 



(617) 236-7210 

www.massfamilyvoices.org 

Medical-Legal Partnership for Children (MLPC) 

(formerly Family Advocacy Program [FAP]) 

MLPC allies pediatric lawyers with children to 

guarantee needs are met at the Boston Medical 

Center. 

88 East Newton Street 

Vose Building 


(617) 414-6393 

www.mlpforchildren.org 

Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC) 

MHLAC protects legal rights of those with mental 

health needs in Massachusetts 



(617) 338-2345 

www.mass.gov/mhlac 

Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) 

PPAL advocates for support and treatment of 

children with emotional and behavioral health 

needs. 

45 Bromfield Street, 10th floor 


(617) 542-7860 

www.ppal.net 

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice 

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice provides legal services for 

low-income families in Suffolk County. 



(617) 348-0088 

www.sljinc.org 

Suffolk University Juvenile Justice Center 

The Juvenile Justice Center at Suffolk University is an 

educational law resource. 

45 Bromfield Street, 7th Floor 


(617) 305-3200 

www.law.suffolk.edu/academic/clinical/jjc 

Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) of the Boston Bar 

Association 

VLP offers pro bono legal services in civil cases for 

low-income residents in Greater Boston. 

99 Chauncy Street, 4th Floor 


(617) 423-0648 

www.vlpnet.org 

Youth Advocacy Project (YAP) 

YAP provides delinquency, youthful offender, and 

education legal defense representation, as well as 

community program referrals. 



(617) 445-5640 

www.youthadvocacyproject.org 

ART THERAPY 

Artful Transformations Program 

at United South End Settlements (USES) 

566 Columbus Avenue 

South End, MA 02118 

Elsa Smith, (617) 375-8116 

esmith@uses.org 

www.uses.org/arts_incentives.htm 

Arts Therapy @ Whittier Street Health Center 

(formerly Boston Institute for Arts Therapy) 



(617) 989-3135 

www.biat.org (Boston Institute for Arts Therapy) 

www.wshc.org (Whittier Street Health Center) 

Hear Us Make Artistic Noise (H.U.M.A.N.) 

Juvenile Rights Advocacy Project 

Boston College Law School 

885 Centre St. 


(617) 552-4382 

www.human-design-online.com 



ASTHMA 

Boston Urban Asthma Coalition 


Dorchester, MA 

(617) 451-0049 

www.buac.org 

Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America 

New England Chapter 


Needham, MA 02494 

(781) 444-7778 

www.asthmaandallergies.org 

Asthma Prevention and Control Program 


1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd floor 


(617) 534-5965 

www.bphc.org 

DATING/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 

Advocacy for Women and Kids in Emergencies 

(AWAKE) 




(617) 355-6369 


Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence 

P.O. Box 120108 


(617) 338-2350 

Hotline: (617) 338-2355 

www.atask.org 

Association of Haitian Women in Boston 

Asosiyasyon Famn Ayisyen nan Boston 

330 Fuller Street 


(617) 287-0096 

www.afab-kafanm.org 

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 

99 Bishop Allen Drive 


(617) 492-8306 

Hotlines: (617) 492-RAPE or (800) 841-8371 

Español: (800) 223-5001 

www.barcc.org 

Casa Myrna Vazquez, Inc. 

P.O. Box 180019 


(617) 521-0100 

www.casamyrna.org 

The Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery 

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 



(617) 667-8141 

www.bidmc.harvard.edu/violenceprevention 

Chelsea ASAP (Alcohol/Substance Abuse Program) 

Batterer intervention for men 

Bay Cove Human Services, Inc. 



(617) 371-3000 

The Elizabeth Stone House 

Feminist alternative mental health support. 

P.O. Box 300039 


(617) 522-3659 

Hotline: (617) 522-3417 

www.elizabethstonehouse.org 

Emerge—A Men's Counseling Service 

Counseling for teenage boys and men who have 

abusive tendencies. 



(617) 547-9879 

Family Services of Greater Boston 



(617) 523-6400 

www.fsgb.org 

Jane Doe Inc. 

14 Beacon Street, Suite 507 


(617) 248-0922 

www.janedoe.org 

Respond, Inc. 

P.O. Box 555 


(617) 625-5996 or Hotline: (617) 623-5900 

www.respondinc.org 

Transition House Crisis Line 

649 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 6 


(617) 868-1650 or Hotline: (617) 661-7203 

The Transitions Program 

The Family Center 

366 Somerville Avenue 


(617) 628-8815 

www.thefamilycenterinc.org 

The Violence Recovery Program 




(617) 927-6250 or (800) 834-3242 


Whittier Street Neighborhood Health Center 

Domestic Violence Program 



(617) 427-1000 

Youth Hotline: (617) 773-4878 or (617-773-HURT) 

www.wshc.org/special.html 

24 



FAMILY PLANNING/PARENTING FOR TEENS 

ABCD/Boston Family Planning 



(617) 357-6000 

www.bostonabcd.org 

For a full list of ABCD Family Planning locations, 

see p. 17 

Adolescent Family Program 

Tufts-New England Medical Center 

750 Washington Street, P.O. Box116 


(617) 636-5421 

Aswalos House 

Established as a supportive residence for homeless, 

pregnant, and parenting adolescents. 

246 Seaver Street 


(617) 375-2571 

Boston Healthy Start Initiative and the Parent to 

Parent program 




(617) 822-8369 

Children’s Hospital Young Parents Program 



(617) 355-7718 


Department of Public Health—Division for Perinatal, 

Early Childhood, and Special Health Needs 

250 Washington Street, 5th floor 


(617) 624-6060 

www.mass.gov/dph/fch/dpech.htm 

Dorchester Cares—Healthy Families 



(617) 474-1256 

www.dcares.org 

Federated Dorchester Neighborhood House, Inc. 

(FDNH)—Girls Groups 

18 Samoset Street 


(617) 282-2180 

www.fdnh.org 

Harbor Area Healthy Families Program 

ROCA, Inc. 

101 Park Street 


(617) 889-5210 

www.rocainc.org 

Healthy Baby/Healthy Child 

35 Northampton Street, 5th Floor 


(617) 534-5832 

(800) 711-1180 

hbhc@bphc.org 

Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy 

Policy-focused; does not provide direct services. 



(617) 482-9122 

www.massteenpregnancy.org 




(617) 296-0061 


Mom’s Project 

Serves drug-addicted pregnant women. 

474 Albany Street 


(617) 534-7411 

momsproject@bphc.org 

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts 

Greater Boston Center 



(617) 616-1660 or (800) 258-4448 

www.pplm.org 

Pregnancy Help Boston 

Brighton Marine Health Center 

77 Warren Street, Suite 251 


(617) 782-5151 or (888) 771-3914 

www.rcab.org/ProLife/PregnancyHelp 

Crittendon Hastings House 

10 Perthshire Road 


(617) 782-7600 

Daybreak Pregnancy Resource Center 

132 Boylston Street, 4th Floor 


(617) 742-9170 or (888) 9-OPTION 

www.daybreakinc.org 

Healthy Families Massachusetts 

Children's Trust Fund 

55 Court Street, 4th floor 


(617) 727-8957 

Just a Start House 

432 Columbia Street 


(617) 494-0444 

www.justastart.org 



Boston FireSense 

Boston Fire Department 



(617) 343-3700 

FIRE SETTERS 

Brandon School 

Rapid Assessment of fire setting behaviors for boys. 

27 Winter Street 

Natick, MA 01760 

(508) 655-6400 

www.brandonschool.org 

Italian Home 

Fire Setter Group Therapy 



(617) 524-3116 

www.italianhome.org 

GANG INTERVENTION/CONFLICT RESOLUTION 

Boston Asian: YES (Youth Essential Services) 

199 Harrison Avenue 


(617) 482-4243 

www.bostonasianyes.org 

Boston Center for Youth and Families 

Streetworkers Program 



(617) 635-4920 

Boston Ten-Point Coalition 

215 Forest Hills Street 


(617) 524-4331 

www.bostontenpoint.org 

HIV/AIDS AND SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS 

Adolescent Network for Today 

Latin American Health Institute 

95 Berkeley Street 


(617) 350-6900 

www.lhi.org 

AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts 



(617) 437-6200 

Hotline: (800) 235-2331 

www.aac.org 

Boston HAPPENS Program 


333 Longwood Avenue, 5th Floor 


(617) 355-2735 

www.childrenshospital.org/happens 

Boston HELP Group 

Herpes and HPV support groups 

(781) 648-4266 

www.bostonherpes.org 




(617) 442-8800 x 1324 


Healing Our Land 

Ella J. Baker House 



(617) 282-6704 

www.thebakerhouse.org 

JRI Health Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center 



(617) 457-8140 

Latino AIDS Hotline (Linea Informa SIDA) 

(800) 637-3776 

Multicultural AIDS Coalition, Inc. 

31 Heath Street, Suite 12 


(617) 442-1622 

www.mac-boston.org 

Project Trust 




(617) 414-4495 

www.bmc.org/HIV-AIDS 

Teen AIDS Hotline 

(800) 234-TEEN 

Monday to Saturday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm 

Youth On Fire 

Cambridge Cares About AIDS 



(617) 661-2508 

www.ccaa.org 

26 



SUPPORT FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, & QUESTIONING YOUTH 

Boston Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth (BAGLY) 

Community Church of Boston 

565 Boylston Street, 2nd Floor 

Copley Square 


(617) 227-4313 

www.bagly.org 




(617) 267-0900 or (888) 340-4528 

Gay and Lesbian Hotline: (617) 267-9001 or (888) 340 

-4528 

Peer Listening Line: (617) 267-2535 or (800) 399-PEER 


Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network 

(GLSEN) Boston 



(617) 536-9669 

www.glsenboston.org 

Boston GLASS 

93 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd Floor 


(617) 266-3349 

www.bostonglass.org 

The Network/La Red 

Lesbian, bisexual women, and transgender victims 

of domestic abuse 

P.O. Box 6011 


(617) 695-0877 

Hotline: (617) 742-4911 

www.thenetworklared.org 

Sidney Borum Jr. Community Health Center 



(617) 457-8140 

www.jri.org 

MASSHEALTH AND MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH CARE INFORMATION 

MassHealth Customer Service Line 

For information on eligibility 

(800) 841-2900 

www.mass.gov/masshealth 

Children’s Medical Security Plan 

For children under 19 and not eligible for MassHealth 

(800) 841-2900 

Commonwealth Care 

For individuals over 19 and not eligible for 

MassHealth 

(877) 623-6765 

www.mahealthconnector.org 

Young Adult Plans 

For individuals 18-26 years old who are not eligible 

for MassHealth or Commonwealth Care, but who 

cannot afford regular private health insurance 

(877) 623-6765 

www.mahealthconnector.org 

Health Care For All 

Free statewide helpline to assist callers with 

questions about health insurance and how to 

access health insurance 

(800) 272-4232 

Mayor’s Health Line 

Free, multi-lingual helpline to assist Boston area 

residents with health insurance enrollment, 

accessing services, referrals, or advocacy 

(800) 847-0710 or (617) 534-5050 

Cambridge Eating Disorder Center 

3 Bow Street 


(617) 547-2255 

www.eatingdisordercenter.org 

NUTRITION/EATING DISORDERS 

Children’s Hospital Eating Disorders Program 

333 Longwood Avenue, 5th floor 


(617) 355-7178 

Mass General Division of Adolescent Medicine 

Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, Suite 6C 

55 Fruit Street 

Boston, MA, 02114 

(617) 643-1201 




Chelsea ASAP (Alcohol/Substance Abuse Program) 

Batterer intervention for men 

Bay Cove Human Services, Inc. 



(617) 371-3000 

Child-at-Risk Hotline 

To report suspected child abuse in Massachusetts 

(800) 792-5200 

PHYSICAL/EMOTIONAL ABUSE 

Community Programs Against Sexual Assault 

Roxbury Multi-Service Center 



(617) 427-4470 

Massachusetts Society for Prevention 

of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) 



(617) 983-5800 

www.mspcc.org 

The Network/La Red 

Anti-abuse support for lesbian, bisexual women, and 

transgender communities 

P.O. Box 6011 


(617) 695-0877 or Hotline: (617) 742-4911 

www.thenetworklared.org 

Parental Stress Hotline (Massachusetts) 

(800) 632-8188 

A Way Back 

Roxbury Youthworks, Inc. 

321 Bluehill Avenue 


(617) 445-5500 

www.roxburyyouthworks.org 

Bridge Over Troubles Waters 

47 West Street 


(617) 423-9575 

www.bridgeotw.org 

PROSTITUTION/SEXUAL EXPLOITATION 

Children of the Night National Hotline 

(800) 551-1300 




(617) 267-3700 or (888) HOME-321 


Kim’s Project 

The Family Justice Center 



(617) 779-2173 

Women’s Awareness Resource Project (WAR) 

Whittier Street Health Center 



(617) 427-1000 

www.wshc.org/special.html 

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 

99 Bishop Allen Drive 


Hotline: (617) 492-RAPE (7273) or (800) 841-8371 

Español: (800) 223-5001 

www.barcc.org 

RAPE CRISIS CENTERS 

Community Programs Against Sexual Assault 

Roxbury Multi-Service Center 



(617) 427-4470 

www.roxmulti.org 

Rape Crisis Intervention Program 

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 



(617) 667-8141 

www.bidmc.harvard.edu 

The Counseling & Psychotherapy Center, Inc. 

P.O. Box 920621 

Needham, MA 02492 

(800) 455-8726 

www.sexoffendercounseling.com 

SEX OFFENDER COUNSELING 





(617) 983-5800 

www.mspcc.org 

28 



SUBSTANCE ABUSE: COMPLETE IN-PATIENT CARE CENTERS 

Adolescent Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) 

Children's Hospital Boston 



(617) 355-2727 





(617) 371-3000 

BayCove Human Services/Chelsea ASAP 

100 Everett Avenue, Unit 4 


(617) 884-6829 

Boston Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programs 

30 Winter Street, 3rd Floor 


(617) 482-5292 

Bureau of Substance Abuse Services 

Department of Public Health 



Helpline: (800) 327-5050 

mass.gov/dph/bsas/bsas.htm 

CASPAR Youth Services 



(617) 628-3850 

www.casparinc.org 

Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research 




(617) 355-5433 

www.ceasar-boston.org 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE: OUTPATIENT, SUPPORT, AND COUNSELING 

Adolescent Structured Outpatient Addictions (SOAP) 

North Suffolk Mental Health 



Al-Anon/Alateen 

Call for local meeting times and locations 

(888) 425-2666 or Al-anon.alateen.org 

Bridge Over Troubles Waters 

47 West Street 


(617) 423-9575 

www.bridgeotw.org 

Bureau of Substance Abuse Services 

Department of Public Health 



Helpline: (800) 327-5050 

mass.gov/dph/bsas/bsas.htm 

Caribbean U-Turn 

19 Tesla Street 


(617) 296-6789 

caribbean.uturn@verizon.net 

The Dimock Center Teen Substance Treatment 

Outpatient Programs (T-STOP) 



(617) 442-8800 x 1313 


Institute for Health and Recovery SAFE Project and 

Massachusetts Central Intake 

349 Broadway 


(617) 661-3991 

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership 

Care Management Services 

Provides a continuum of health services for 

MassHealth members in the PCC (state) plan who 

have mental illness or substance abuse issues 

150 Federal Street, 3rd Floor 


(800) 495-0086 

www.masspartnership.com 

Narcotics Anonymous 

Call or visit website for local meeting times and 

locations 

(866) 624-3578 

www.newenglandna.org 

Nar-Anon 

(800) 231-4377 

www.naranonctma.org 

Noddle’s Island Multi Service Agency, Inc. 



(617) 912 7500 

North Suffolk Mental Health Association 



(617) 889-4860 

www.northsuffolk.org 

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) 

Massachusetts SADD 

255 Main Street 

Marlborough, MA 01752 

(877) SADD-INC 

www.sadd.org 

SPAN Inc. 

Re-entry services for recently incarcerated. 



(617) 423 0750 



Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention 

www.masspreventssuicide.org 

Children’s Hospital Center for Families 



(617) 355-6279 


Family Support Program 

Bay Cove Human Service 



(617) 371-3000 


SUICIDE/DEPRESSION 

National Suicide Prevention Hotline 

(800) 273-TALK 

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org 

SUPPORT GROUPS FOR FAMILIES 

Family TIES (Together In Enhancing Support) 

Support for parents of children with special needs 

and chronic illness 



(617) 541-2875 

www.massfamilyties.org 

Samariteens 

141 Tremont Street, 7th Floor 


Helpline: (800) 252-TEEN 

Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation of Greater 

Boston 

North Belknap 

115 Mill Street 

Belmont, MA 02478 

(617) 855-2252 

www.ocfboston.org/support.html 

Parents Helping Parents 

108 Water Street 

Watertown, MA 02472 

(800) 882-1250 

www.parentshelpingparents.org 

TRAUMA-FOCUSED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 

Bay View Associates Trauma Recovery Team of 

South Shore Mental Health 

859 Willard Street 


(800) 852-2844 

www.bayviewassociates.org 

Family Services of Greater Boston 



(617) 523-6400 

www.fsgb.org 




(617) 267-3700 or (888) HOME-321 






(617) 983-5800 

www.mspcc.org 

The Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute 



(617) 232-1303 

In-take: (617) 232-0687 

www.traumacenter.org 

Adolescent Life Options Program 

Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center 



(617) 442-7400 x 379 

WELLNESS AND HEALTH EDUCATION 

Adolescent Wellness Program 


1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 6th Floor 


(617) 534-5196 

www.bphc.org 

WEATOC, Inc. (We’re Educators—A Touch of Class) 

Peer-led education on issues facing youth 

14 Crawford Street, 2nd Floor 


(617) 445-3101 

www.weatoc.org 

30 


The Community Notebooks are produced and provided by the 

COMMITTEE FOR PUBLIC COUNSEL SERVICES 

Youth Advocacy Project 

Ten Malcolm X Boulevard | Roxbury, MA 02119 

617-445-5640 | www.youthadvocacyproject.org 

The mission of the Youth Advocacy Project is to protect and advance the legal and human rights of children, and to 

promote their healthy development through active partnerships with the community. 

The Youth Advocacy Project is an initiative of the Committee for Public Counsel Services 

William J. Leahy, Chief Counsel 

Andrew Silverman, Deputy Chief Counsel—Public Defender Division 

Nancy Bennett, Deputy Chief Counsel—Private Counsel Division 

Michael Dsida, Deputy Chief Counsel—Children and Family Law Program 

Anthony Benedetti—CPCS General Counsel 

The Community Notebooks are supported in part by

health and counseling edition - the Youth Advocacy Division

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