Massachusetts Mental Health Hotlines

Massachusetts is the third-most populated state in the country. This makes it alarming to know that just over 3.7% of Massachusetts adults suffer from a serious mental illness. Even though the state is ranked second out of fifty for most mental healthcare providers per capita, just over half (53.8%) of MA adults receive any treatment for their mental health.

Fortunately, there’s help. No shortage of providers (or shortage of funds) should ever prevent you from getting the help you deserve. The following resources are free of charge, confidential, and available to all Massachusetts residents. Help yourself or someone you love today.

  • The National Mental Health Hotline
    If you need to connect with a mental health specialist, call 1-866-903-3787 right now. A trained professional will take your call and assist you however she or he can. A world of resources is waiting for you. The hotline is available to all US residents and operates on a 24/7 basis.
  • Mass.gov
    The state-sponsored site offers a hotline for mental health crisis support. Call 1-877-870-4673 anytime for immediate help. You can also text HOME to 741741 for the crisis text line. Visit the website for even more options.
  • NAMI Helpline & More
    The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a wealth of resources, including the NAMI Helpline, which can be reached by calling 1-800-950-6264 or by emailing info@nami.org. Although the helpline is only available Monday through Friday from 10AM until 8PM EST, there is a 24/7 text-line available. Simply text ‘NAMI’ to 741-741 for assistance.
  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and low-cost resources, including a dedicated 24-hour hotline to anyone needing help. Each county offers access to tailored crisis mental health support and government-supported counseling services for a range of illnesses like anxiety, depression and substance abuse. They also offer confidential resources dedicated to children and adolescents needing help. To seek to receive compassionate help, contact the organization through the following:
    • Call: 1-800-273-8255
    • Spanish Language: 1-866-628-9454
    • Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889
    • Veterans: 1-800-273-8255
    • Disaster Distress: 1-800-985-5990
  • The Samaritans Statewide Helpline
    The Samaritans Statewide Helpline offers referral services, peer support and valuable educational resources for anyone in Massachusetts who is in need of emotional support. It boasts a strong network of healthcare providers that can help connect you with the right help in your area. Contact the organization by:
    • Calling: 1-877-870-4673
  • The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
    This is a 24/7 hotline for survivors of sexual violence ages 12 or older. The hotline is also available to survivors, friends and families.
    • TTY: 1-800-439-2370 (ask for the hotline)
Boston Hotlines
Springfield Hotlines
Worcester Hotlines

Mental illness affects 1 in 5 US adults. When faced with grave consequences of mental disorders, we can easily become entangled in a web of emotions that could leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed, and vulnerable. Amid the conflicting emotions and struggles, it’s vital to recognize the need to seek help for our mental issues. We understand why you may feel too ashamed or embarrassed to contact friends and family for help. However, opening up to others regarding your intimate issues is a bold step toward full recovery. If mental health stigma prevents you from seeking treatment, the Massachusetts crisis hotline provides a non-judgmental and highly confidential way to reach out.

Why you should use the Massachusetts helpline

Massachusetts support hotlines are available 24/7 to offer unlimited support, guidance, and a listening ear during your darkest moments. These dedicated lines offer free, anonymous and confidential services to help you overcome your fears and take the right steps toward your recovery. Whether you need crisis counseling, guidance or resources, mental health helplines provide an easy and convenient way to open up to a compassionate and caring world. Here are some of the reasons to use mental helplines:

  • Provides a listening, caring and non-judgmental ear: When faced with debilitating symptoms of our illnesses, sometimes all we need is someone to listen and understand what we are going through. Mental health hotlines provide a non-judgmental space to freely express your emotions and thoughts without feeling embarrassed or guilty.
  • Guarantees confidentiality and anonymity: One beautiful thing about mental health hotlines is their confidentiality and anonymity. If you are hesitant about revealing your struggles to people you know, hotlines offer a safe and confidential environment where no names are needed. You can remain anonymous, enabling you to share your concerns without fear of stigma.
  • Offers unlimited emotional support: Helplines are run by professionals trained in various mental health issues. They can offer critical insights into your condition to help you understand it better. They will also offer the compassionate and empathetic support you need to understand and navigate your feelings. The Massachusetts emergency hotline can also be helpful when looking for healthy coping strategies.
  • Provided prompt help: Since helplines are available 24/7, you are guaranteed immediate help when faced with devastating symptoms. Whether in the wee hours of the night or during the day, knowing that someone is available for help can be a huge relief.
  • Access to referrals and resources: Mental health helplines have access to a large network of resources, including Massachusetts area guidance and counseling centers, support groups and community services. Leveraging their help can be a great way to access valuable referrals to ensure you receive the right treatment for your condition.

Mental health illness statistics to know

Remember, you are not alone in struggling with various mental conditions. Mental illnesses can affect anyone regardless of age, race or status in life. If you fear seeking help due to the stigma associated with your condition, here are some statistics that show millions of others, including some of your immediate neighbors, colleagues and friends, are tackling the same issues as yours:

  • More than 57.8 million adults live with a mental illness.
  • Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) currently have or will experience severe mental health issues at some point in the future.
  • Nearly 1 in 25 US adults have severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression.
  • More females with mental health issues (51.7%) received mental health services than their male counterparts (40.0%)

Help is available

Just like physical health, our mental health deserves our attention and care. However, despite our best efforts, we can still develop common mental health issues that manifest in various forms, ranging from anxiety and depression to stress, trauma, and beyond. When faced with mental health issues, the right step is to reach out for help. We understand that each person’s struggle is unique and should be acknowledged with compassion, and our list of free, non-judgmental and anonymous hotlines makes it easier to seek help. The National Mental Health Hotline is an excellent place to start. Call 866-903-3787 now.