Information Regarding Community Based Mental Health Services
Finding a Community-Based Mental Health Provider
Finding the right mental health provider for your child or family can take time. The information below is designed to help families understand the process, know what to expect, and explore available services. You can also contact your child’s school counselor for support in identifying providers.
Getting Started: What to Expect
The timeline for beginning counseling may vary based on:
- Insurance coverage
- Time of year (waitlists are often longer during the school year)
- Provider availability, especially for after-school appointments
It is common to contact several providers before finding one that is available and a good fit. If a provider does not respond within a reasonable timeframe, consider reaching out to another provider.
What Providers May Ask
When you first contact a provider, they may ask questions such as:
- Primary concerns or reasons for seeking counseling
- Brief family or background information
- Any current safety or risk concerns
- Family or custodial arrangements
- Insurance information and scheduling needs
Questions Families May Want to Ask
- Which insurance plans do you accept?
- What is your experience or area of expertise?
- What therapeutic approaches do you use?
- How do you build relationships with children or adolescents?
- How do you work with clients who may be hesitant or resistant?
- What is expected of parents or caregivers?
- What information is shared with parents?
- Do you collaborate with or refer to medication prescribers?
Allowing Time for the Relationship to Develop
A strong therapeutic relationship takes time. Families are encouraged to allow 3–6 sessions before deciding whether a provider is a good fit.
How to Find a Provider
- Your health insurance provider directory
- Your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider
- School counselors, psychologists, or social workers
The goal is to find a provider who is a good fit for your child and family.
Helpful Resources
Release of Information (ROI)
Schools or providers may ask you to sign a Release of Information (ROI) form. This allows limited communication between the school and the provider when appropriate.
The purpose of an ROI is to:
- Support coordination of care
- Promote consistency between school and therapeutic supports
- Better support the student when concerns affect school functioning
Signing a release is voluntary. Families can specify what information may be shared and may revoke consent at any time.
Types of Community-Based Mental Health Services
Play Therapy
Play therapy is often used with younger children. Through play and conversation, children express thoughts and feelings in developmentally appropriate ways. Therapists observe and engage in play to build understanding, support emotional expression, and develop coping skills.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling provides one-on-one support between a student and a licensed mental health professional. Sessions focus on building coping skills, emotional regulation, and self-awareness, and may address concerns such as anxiety, mood, stress, and life transitions.
Family Therapy
Family therapy focuses on improving communication and relationships within the family system. Families work together to develop strategies for managing stress, resolving conflict, and supporting one another.
Group Therapy
Group therapy brings individuals together in a supportive, therapist-led setting. Participants build social skills, develop coping strategies, and connect with others who share similar experiences.
When to Contact Emergency Services
Contact emergency services immediately if your child or someone else is in immediate danger, including:
- Threats of suicide or self-harm
- Threats of harm to others
- Severe emotional distress where safety cannot be maintained
- Behavior that poses immediate risk
Call 911 right away in these situations.
Massachusetts Crisis Resources (24/7)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate, confidential support
- Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL): Call or text 833-773-2445 or visit BHHL resources
Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST)
BEST provides crisis support and mobile intervention for families in Brookline and surrounding communities.
- 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-800-981-4357
- Mobile clinicians who can meet families at home, school, or another safe location
- Same-day crisis evaluation and connection to ongoing services
BEST is part of the Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) network. Learn more at Boston Medical Center CBHC