mentalhelpinfo

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

This website is a compilation of information gathered by members of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) Southwest Suburban Site Board. We are Families, Friends, and Consumers of Mental Health Services. Our mission is to Learn about, Educate, and Advocate for all persons living with Mental Illness.

Members of the site board contribute links to sites they have used when researching information on Mental Illness. The categories listed to the left bring you to links that have proved very helpful for us and we hope you will find them helpful. If you have any suggestions for links to post pleasecontact theweb master.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What services does Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) provide?

A list of services provided by DMH can be found here: Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Link Services offered can vary between DMH sites so contact your local site office for specific information. Massachusetts DMH Site Office List

2. What are the eligibility criteria?

Eligibility guidelines and criteria link

3. Who should I call in a crisis?

Every DMH Site has an Emergency Services Team that is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week to assist in psychiatric emergencies. You can locate your emergency service team at this link.

4. What can I do if a person with a mental illness refuses services?

It can be an extremely difficult and frustrating situation when someone who you think needs mental health treatment refuses to be involved in treatment services. Every situation is different and there are options to consider. Adults generally have the right to refuse services unless they will be a danger to themselves or others. Children’s rights are also protected but parents are usually able to have more control over services they receive. Guardianships may be pursued if necessary. The advocacy page on this web site provides links to support groups and other services to help family and friends learn how they can help. Consulting with your local DMH site office may also provide options that the Internet does not list.

5. What are the services available to families?

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) gives a free 12-week educational course entitled “Family to Family”. Here is a list of generic family services, not necessarily related to mental health.

If you live in or near the Boston Southwest Suburban Site, there is a Family Support Group that meets at the Riverside Outpatient Center in Norwood the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30. For more information, contact Jill Homer at 781-401-9712.