Four Central Mass. organizations tabbed as centers for state’s behavioral health reform
Photo | Matt Wright
Tamara Lundi, president of Community Healthlink
Four Central Massachusetts health organizations have been selected by the state government as newly designated Community Behavioral Health Centers, meant to provide greater access to mental health treatment across the commonwealth.
The four local providers, which are joined by 21 other health centers across Massachusetts, are Advocates in Framingham, Community Healthlink in Worcester, Riverside Community Care in Upton, and Clinical Support Options in Gardner, according to a Thursday announcement from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
The designated Community Behavioral Health Centers will be used to provide same-day evaluation and referral to treatment, and will be open on evening and weekend hours to provide mental health treatment.
“A critical part of the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform is expanding the front door to treatment, so Massachusetts residents can access behavioral health treatment when and where they need it,” Marylou Sudders, Massachusetts secretary of health and human services, said in a press release. “The Community Behavioral Health Centers will ease the burden on individuals and families when accessing treatment, ensuring readily available outpatient care in the community for people of all ages and backgrounds so that every resident can have their behavioral healthcare needs met.”
The designation is part of the state’s Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, a multi-year plan for improving access and treatment for behavioral health in the state. The state plans to launch a 24/7 Behavioral Health Helpline by January, as well as deploying crisis intervention teams to respond to emergency situations.
Community Healthlink in May partnered with the City of Worcester, to assist police in responding to 911 calls involving mental health crises.
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