NAMI Resources:
NAMI National:
For more information on specific disorders please visit nami.org and click on "Learn More" then choose "Mental Health Conditions".
NAMI Air is now NAMI Discussion Groups: LEARN MORE>>
NAMI Helpline: ( 800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
Visit the NAMI Blog page for additional information and resources
Spread the Word About the NAMI Blog
The NAMI Blog is our way of getting tips, research, information and messages of hope to you. We have announced our 2019 themes. Write for us today!
Learn how you can write for the NAMI Blog
NAMI Massachusetts Resources for Back to School
FAQ's, Resourses and more.
Get the latest Mental Health by the Numbers and download useful infographics
Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year. It’s important to measure how common mental illness is, so we can understand its physical, social and financial impact — and so we can show that no one is alone. These numbers are also powerful tools for raising public awareness, stigma-busting and advocating for better health care.
About the NAMI HelpLine
The NAMI HelpLine is a free service that provides information, referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. A well-trained and knowledgeable team of volunteers, interns and HelpLine staff will respond to your call or message. Many staff members and volunteers live with a mental health condition or provide care and support to a family member or friend. The HelpLine also has volunteer attorneys and legal interns who provide legal expertise or a referral to an attorney in your community.
NAMI Basics is a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This program is free to participants, 99% of whom say they would recommend the program to others.
The OnDemand (on-line) program is also guided by parents and family members with lived experience but is self-paced and available 24/7. OnDemand offers the flexibility of participating in the course on your schedule. Both formats provide identical information, strategies and the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers.
NAMI Basic on Demand 
Violent tragedies leave traumatic impressions not only in the communities in which they occur (including first responders), but also our national community. The immediate impact may affect existing mental health conditions or contribute to ones in the future.
Learn more about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder CLICK HERE>>
Public Policy
Public policy makes a difference in the lives of both the people living with mental health conditions and the people in their lives. Changes in policy can mean better outcomes. Our advocacy efforts have led to many victories. But we still have work to do, and we need your help. Learn about mental health advocacy. Talk to your neighbors, friends and family about why these issues are important. Find out how you can get involved with your local NAMI's advocacy efforts.
Take Action on Advocacy Issues
Policy change is one major way we can make a difference in the lives of people living with mental health conditions and their families. NAMI’s legislative and public policy priority is to support Americans affected by mental illness’ opportunities to build better lives. NAMI advocates for an array of issues.
Awareness Events
Millions of American’s lives are impacted daily by mental health conditions. As a way to show support for these people NAMI participates in several annual mental health awareness events.
Law Enforcement and Mental Health
Each year, 2 million jail bookings involve a person with mental illness. Approximately 15% of men and 30% of women in local jails have a serious mental illness. 1 in 4 people killed in officer-involved shootings has a serious mental illness. Since 1988, NAMI and our national network of local and state organizations have partnered with law enforcement agencies on Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs, which help law enforcement cope with these difficult calls for service and increase safety in these situations—for officers, individuals in crisis and bystanders.
What Can I Do?
Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care. Each year, the movement grows stronger. Raising awareness on your own, as part of a small group or part of your community can make a difference.
Learn More
Understanding mental health isn't only about being able to identify symptoms and having a name for these conditions. There is a complicated system involving local communities, the federal government, research institutions, private companies and other pieces that are all trying to fit together. Each piece contributes to our understanding of mental health—if one is missing, the picture isn't complete.
How do you cope with depression? Depression Survival Guide>> Read more by Larry Godwin/Feb 10, 2016
Research
Research is vital to advancing our understanding of mental health and—one day—finding a cure for mental health conditions. Research is the ultimate source of hope for people in recovery and their families.
SAY ANYTHING
It's time we talk about mental health. Share what's on your mind.
Share your feelings. You are not alone.
Want to follow NAMI.org on Tumblr? Simply sign up. It's that easy!
Videos
Browse our video archive of inspirational stories, PSAs, educational shorts and more.
NAMI-Massachusetts
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS? Click Here to go to tha NAMI Mass Crisis Page.
The Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) is an effective, evidence-base, outreach-oriented, service delivery model for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Using a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a- week, team approach, PACT delivers comprehensive community treatment, rehabilitation and support services to consumers in their homes, at work, and at community settings. It is not availabe in every area. For detailed information to help decide if the PACT model is available for you and right for your famiy, visit namimass.org and type "PACT" in the search box. The individual with the mental illness has to be eligible and apply for the PACT program through the Department of Mental Health. There is a limited number of slots available and there may be a waiting list.
The Allies for Student Mental Health is a professional development program that provides teachers, leaders, and school staff with the information and resources they need to support the mental health needs of their students.
Participants will learn how to work as allies to identify and understand the effects of mental health conditions and trauma, which can have a significant impact on students’ academic success and overall well-being.
This two-hour training was designed by NAMI Massachusetts and is available for any K-12 school in the state. Download an Allies for Student Mental Health brochure (pdf)
Contact the COMPASS Helpline for help finding additional resources
COMPASS is available Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Call us at 617-704-6264 or email us at compass@namimass.org.
Building Bridges: 10 Essential Elements for Effective Community Partnerships between Law Enforcement and Mental Health
Download Building Bridges pdf (opens in a new window)
Building Alliances between the Mental Health and Criminal Justice Systems to Prevent Unnecessary Arrests: Position Paper
Download Building Alliances pdf (opens in a new window).
Ending the Silence for Students (ETS) is a 50-minute mental health awareness program for middle and high school age youth. Students learn how to recognize the early warning signs of mental health conditions and what to do if they or someone they know is exhibiting these signs.
ETS instills a message of hope and recovery and encourages students to reduce stigma and end the silence surrounding mental health conditions. The presentation is delivered by two trained speakers, including a young adult who shares his/her experiences living with a mental health condition. Presentations are available for schools, youth organizations, and communities at no cost.
Download an Ending the Silence handout (pdf).
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a powerful presentation that aims to change attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes about people living with mental health conditions. Two trained presenters with lived experience of a mental health condition talk openly about their experiences and how they have found pathways to hope and healing. Audience members have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about mental health, and challenge misconceptions.
The presentation is offered free of charge and is appropriate for diverse audiences, including family members, friends, mental health professionals, and people diagnosed with mental health conditions. IOOV presentations have taken place at hospitals, schools, churches, community organizations, and more. Download an In Our Own Voice brochure (pdf).
Sharing Your Story with Law Enforcement is a powerful 60-minute presentation that NAMI Massachusetts offers police departments as part of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. Through collaborative community partnerships and intensive training, CIT improves communication, identifies mental health resources for those in crisis, and ensures officer and community safety.
Sharing Your Story with Law Enforcement presentations are delivered by two trained speakers. People with lived experience of mental health or substance use conditions and family members of people who have experienced mental health or substance use challenges share their stories, including their interactions with law enforcement. Speakers present their stories to police departments to help police officers respond effectively and compassionately to individuals in crisis.
Legal support from NAMI Mass: Legal Questions
Free, anonymous online mental health screening from NAMI Massachusetts.
Anosognosia: Impaired awareness of illness: By Dr. E. Fuller Torrey
Massachusetts Court System Caregiver
Authorization Affidavit
Education and Health Care Form
CAREGIVER AUTHORIZATION AFFIDAVIT FORM
Emergency Services:
Statewide Emergency Service Programs (ESP)
Service Providers in Western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties):
Click here to see statewide ESP providers list.
Links:
American College Health Association
Center for Workplace Mental Health
Baystate Health Behavioral Health Services
Baystate Health Sciences Library is a resource library for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. They serve the needs of Western Massachusetts , provide materials ,and assist with searching for health information. All information provided should be considered for informational purposes only, not construed as medical advice or opinion. You can e-mail inquires to library@baystatehealth.org, or call (413) 794-1862.
The Boston Public Library maintains complete information services on higher education and preparation for the General Education Developement (GED) test for high school equivvalency diploma. Call 1-617-536-5400 or visit: bpl.org.
Baystate Noble Hospital Psychiatric Services, In-Patient Fowler Wing and Partial Hospitilization Program
Baystate Wing Hospital Behavioral Health (geriatric services)
Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts
CHD also offers primary care services for its clients in partnership with Caring Health Center and Holyoke Health Center at CHD’s State Street and Appleton Street Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinics. Services include regular care with a primary care provider as well as access to enhanced wellness programming. Click here for details.
Children's Mental Health Campaign
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Programs
Clinical & Support Options Inc.
College Research Network Mental Health Scholarships
Community Mental Health Centers provide emergency assessment and services, community placement, medical supervision, treatment and case managementin the community for people with mental illness.
For information regarding psychiatric medications visit (CPNC) College Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists and click on resources.
Cutchins Programs for Children & Families
Individuals with a mental illness can obtain a "request for services" forms - one for children and adolescents and another for adults-by visiting the DMH (Massachusetts) website and clicking on the Key Resources/Service Application Forms link.
Department of Mental Health (Massachusetts)
Department of Mental Health Forensic Services (Massachusetts)
EOHHS / Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative
Farren Care Center at Mercy Medical Center
Federation for Children with Special Needs
GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation
G.L.A.D. Legal Advocates and Defenders for the LGBTQ Community
GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
Download your own Safe Space Stickers, (Compatable with Avery Label 5153) Click Here
Grief Share: Grief Recovery Support Group
Health Care Proxy form
The Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights provides a variety of resources to help peole understand HIPAA laws (Health Insurance insurance and Accountability Act of 1996.
Help Yourself/Help Others: Individuals can find a local mental health screening site or take an online screening by clicking here.
Incidence of Mass Violence Information
John Paul Derryberry: “Share Emotions, Emotions Matter,”
Massachusetts Assisted Living: Resources for Assisted Living for Senors Ages 55+
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership
The Mental Health Legal Advisors Commitee has prepared a Mental Health Law Guide, a collection of pamphlets that discuss the rights of people with respect to hospitalization, their rights while an inpatient in a mental health facility, their rights with respect to medication and other matters. Call 1-800-342-9092 or visit mhlac.org.
(MHARN) The Mental Health Agency Research Network
is a statewide network of knowledge sharing through dissemenation, engagement, and collaboration among academics, community providers, mental health service users and family members.
(MHE & YOU) Mental Health Experienced & Years of Understanding - Is the SPARC consumer advisory council. SPARC members advise and make recommendations on research, training and technical assistance activities conducted by the SPARC and are actively engaged in disseminating research findings.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network Mission:
To raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States. Through linkages to experts, consultation on training and implementation initiatives, and training resources on child trauma, the Training and Implementation Program at the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress guides professionals, agencies, and systems to increase their capacity to treat children and families affected by trauma. Click the link to find help for natural disasters, terrorism and mass violence resources. READ MORE>>
National Institute of Mental Health Information on Bipolar Disorder
National Institute of Mental Health Information on Schizophrenia
Parent Professional Advocacy League in MA (PPAL) (visit the PPAL blog here)
Planning for Life After Special Education in Massachusetts: A Transition Services Online Manual
Message From Founder (SARDAA)
Hearing Voices of Support is an initiative to promote acceptance, support, hope, and recovery for people living with schizophrenia and related brain disorders. See and hear how hearing voices of support have helped these people affected with schizophrenia and related brain disorders. Share your voice of support through uploading videos, leaving posts and sharing content to build the bridge that connects those affected with schizophrenia related brain disorders to the wider community. A true labor of love: Enlightening, Informative, and Hopeful Heartfelt stories shared by individuals who have courageously shared their insights, challenges, and dreams.
(iSPARC) Implementation Science Practice Advances Research Center
In collaboration with DMH and its academic and community partners, the Systems and Psychosocial Advances Research Center (SPARC) provides state-of-the-art and recovery-informed research, training, and systemic interventions to enhance the mental and behavioral health of all citizens in Massachusetts and beyond, and to guide leaders in the development of enlightened public health policies that support the treatment and prevention of mental illness and addiction across the life span.
Social Security - Ticket to Work Program
Specialty Courts in Massachusetts: We focus on treating mental health or substance abuse issues that may influence criminal behavior.
The Stepping Up Initiative: A National Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails.
The Transitions Reasearch & Training Centeris a NIDRR-funded Center that aims to improve supports for youth and young adults, ages 14-30, with serious mental health conditions who are trying to successfully complete their schooling and training and move into rewarding work lives. http://www.umassmed.edu/transitionsrtc
Voices4Hope
is a place for teenagers and young adults with mental health conditions to find resources and stigma busting information that can help them to lead happy and independent lives. READ MORE>>
www.votesmart.org A great resource at your fingertips to find factual information to make informed voting decisions1-888-VOTE-SMARTor 1-888-868-3762 The Vote Smart office is located near the Drake Campus at 1153 24th St., Des Moines Vote Smart is nonpartisan and nonprofit since 1988.
Western Massachusetts Legal Services
Wildflower Alliance (FormerlyWestern Mass. Recovery Learning Community).
(WMLS) provides free legal help in non-criminal cases for low-income people and elders who live in western Massachusetts. The assistance provided ranges from legal advice to full representation. If you're looking for a complete list of civil (non-criminal) legal aid programs in Massachusetts, please visit masslegalhelp.org. For links to civil legal aid in other states, try lawhelp.org.
Windhorse Integrative Mental Health
CLUBHOUSES:
For a complete list of local clubhouses: 
Green River House
37 Franklin Street Greenfield 413-772-2181
Quabbin House
25 West Main Street Orange 978-544-1859
Young Adult Mental Health Fact Sheet Compendium
Warmlines/Helplines:
What is a Warmline? As opposed to a crisis line where a clinician answers the phone and focuses on helping the caller determine whether or not they need additional services like respite or the hospital, a warm line is answered by an individual with lived experience who is available for support, resources information or just to talk. These line are usually available after hours and on the weekends.
Massachusetts:
WARMLINE: Monday thru Friday 5p.m. to 10p.m. 888-828-9905
Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community Warmline: 413-539-5941 / No hours listed
More Info: Click Here
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Samaritans': The mission of The Samaritans is to reduce the risk of suicide in the community by befriending individuals in despair and crisis, and by providing outreach and education. Samaritans statewide toll - free 877-870-4673
Worried about the way your child is acting or feeling? The Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) is an interagency initiative of the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Health and Human Services whose mission is to strengthen, expand and integrate Massachusetts state services into a comprehensive, community-based system of care, to ensure that families and their children with significant behavioral, emotional and mental health needs obtain the services necessary for success in home, school and community.
Treatment and Research Advancements National Association for Personality Disorder (TARA)
TARA offers a guide for choosing a dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) provider for individuals living with personality disorders. TARA's hotline nmuber is 1-888-482-7272.
For additional resources please call 413-786-9139 (Toll Free: 800-295-2121) today.
Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
From the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information On The Delta And Omicron Variants
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 >> Click Here for more information on Mental Health and Coping from the CDC
For details on NAMI Western Massachusetts programs and additional information please download
our "Open Your Mind" brochure.
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
Are you living with mental illness and looking for support from others who have lived experience with mental illness and recovery? NAMI Western Massachusetts offers FREE Peer support groups in Agawam, Easthampton and Palmer. Our groups are not therapy groups; they offer a casual and relaxed approach to sharing the challenges and successes of coping with mental illness. Individuals with any mental illness are welcome. Our support groups are run by trained NAMI Connection facilitators who are in recovery themselves and use the guidelines of our successful national program. For schedules and more information, please call our office at (413) 786-9139, email us at information@namiwm.org or visit our support page for more information.
Better Business Bureau
We are thrilled to announce that in 2011, NAMI was included in a select list of charities that meet the Better Business Bureau’s “Wise Giving Alliance” standards and was featured with other charities in a full-page ad in USA Today. Along with our recent upgrade to a four-star rating (the highest score) from Charity Navigator, this is a wonderful testament to our efforts to be good stewards of donors’ dollars.
National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP). NAMI Family to Family Intervention Summary.
