Mental Health Phone Support. App(s) is for emotional peer support and resources Non-Emergency Calls Only. App(s) is not a counseling service or a substitute for counseling services. App(s) provides a unique opportunity for professional parent-peer support. Return call response time may vary from same day to up to 2 business days. Parents, Grandparents and all caregivers may use the App(s) service.

Teens
For parents-Caregivers-Grandparents of Children/Teens with special needs. Friendship, Understanding, Empathy, Resources, Laughter and Hope. Meets at Trinity Episcopal Church 17 Congress Street, Milford. Childcare provided, please call if requesting childcare.

Caregivers
Sponsored by the Norfolk Alliance for the Mentally Ill; meets monthly on Thursday evenings in the cafeteria of Norwood Caritas Hospital, 800 Washington Street, Norwood. Please call or email for more information.

DBSA-Boston offers support groups in Belmont (McLean Hospital) and Boston (MGH) for people with affective disorders as well as their family and friends. Only support groups offered (not therapy groups) that allow members to share feelings, experiences, and strategies for coping with our illnesses. Groups are facilitated by DBSA members who receive ongoing training in group leadership. Please call or visit the website for more information.

Caregivers
Our support groups are for parents/caregivers of children with social/emotional/and behavioral challenges, Check their webpage for the current schedule of the various meetings and contact the appropriate person who is hosting the group. The groups are offered in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
The IOCDF Resource Directory lists over 200 support groups for OCD and related disorders around the world. Groups are offered for individuals with the disorder, in addition to their family, loved ones, and caregivers. Visit the website to find locations near you.

NAMI Central MA Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar circumstances. Meets at The Bridge of Central MA located on 4 Mann St. in Worcester, MA. Parking in back entrance of The Bridge in lot for Joey’s Bar and Grill, 344 Chandler St. NAMI members will greet you at the door. Please E-mail for more information and RSVP.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of North Central Massachusetts is a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy throughout the North Central Massachusetts area on behalf of individuals and families affected by mental illness. We are an affiliate of NAMI Massachusetts and NAMI. NAMI Family Support Groups are free, confidential, and facilitated by NAMI-trained peers for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Groups are held at Clinton Hospital, 201 Highland St, Clinton and Umass Memorial Health Alliance Hospital, 60 Hospital Road, Leominster.

NAMI Family Support Groups around the state can provide understanding, comfort, hope and help for family members, friends and other caregivers. We provide a secure nonjudgmental environment where caregivers can discuss concerns and benefit from the collective knowledge and experience from one another To find the group that is closest to your area, contact the NAMI Mass office or visit the website.

Offers many different support groups and workshops to teens and parents focused on behavioral health challenges including add/ADHD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders and self-harm. Visit the website or call the Family Resource Center to learn details and registration information.

Family Support
A Support Group for the Family and Friends of those with a mental illness, facilitated by an experienced Certified Family Life Educator and mental health professional who are also family members of loved ones with mental illnesses. Weekly group meetings are 90 minutes. Participants come when they like; the only requirement is that you have a loved one or a friend with a mental illness that affects YOU. Participants are directed to appropriate resources and referrals as needed. Groups are not available over the summer. Contact for days and times.

For Parents of Children with Behavioral Concerns, ages 7-11: We welcome parents of children with significant behavioral concerns (like tantrums, acting out, forgetfulness, trouble following directions, staying on task). Meets weekly for 4 weeks in Boston.

Parent Support
Parent support groups are free, confidential, and anonymous and serve as a safe place for parents to express frustrations and concerns about their children and families and get advice from other parents who understand. 24-hr. Stress Line: (800) 632-8188. BEFORE ATTENDING A GROUP: contact the group facilitator prior to going to your first meeting so that we know to expect you. Please visit our website; facilitator contact information is provided for each group.

A support group for families that have a child or adolescent with behavioral, emotional or mental health care needs. Meets at the Mt. Wachusett Community College, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA
Call for meeting room number.

Groups Meet at Umass Memorial-Health Alliance Hospital, Leominster Campus, Simons Building, Guild Conference Room, 60 Hospital Road, Leominster MA. RSVP at parentsupportgroup@ppal.net

PPAL offers local phone support and peer-facilitated support groups where parents can share experiences in a non-judgmental setting and exchange information regarding resources, current research, and treatment options. Visit the website for comprehensive

Transition planning
Groups meet at Community Health link, 100 Erdman Way, Leominster, Ma. Email:parentsupportgroup@ppal.net

Parent/Caregiver support group for those raising a child/youth/teen that is challenging and has emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health needs. Meet other parents and caregivers who understand the struggles and victories of raising exceptional and challenging kids.

Tourette’s Syndrome
The Tourette Association of America – Massachusetts Chapter is a volunteer-led, a nonprofit organization supporting the needs of individuals and families affected by Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders.

Wayside offers a wide array of services for children, young adults and families. Do you have a child with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges? Are you puzzled by your child’s behavior and how to access appropriate services? Are you feeling alone and isolated? Support groups are held at Framingham and Waltham locations. Come and meet other parents/caregivers in an ongoing, free and confidential atmosphere of caring, sharing ideas and mutual support. Call or refer to the website for more information on the groups offered.

Transition to Adulthood
A group for parents/guardians who have youth/young adults 16-24 years of age. Support will be given around your youth’s/young adult’s behavior, emotions, or mental health challenges. Meets at TEMPO, 68 Henry Street, Framingham (next to Wayside Youth & Family Support Network). Call for specific dates, times, and directions.