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     GETTING 
​     HELP


It can be very challenging to navigate the health care system to get support and/or treatment for those with mental health needs. The process may vary considerably depending on one's insurance, income, family dynamic, and of course, an adolescent's specific needs. For families seeking help locating appropriate therapists in the area, an up-to-date list in maintained by Brookline High School's Prevention/Intervention Team (BHS Rm. 149, 617-713-5155, [email protected] or [email protected]). For additional resources, the best first step is often to contact a child's primary care provider. Also, below are some of the area resources Brookline parents have found to be helpful.

Massachusetts Health and Human Services: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/insurance/masshealth-coverage-types/masshealth-coverage-types.html
 
Advocacy and Problem Solving:  For problems with Mass. Health or Premium Assistance, Jean Batty is the MassHealth Ombudsman and advocates for MassHealth users.  The phone # is:  617-847-3468 or TTY: 617-847-3788  [email protected]
 
MassHealth Family to Family Health Information brochure: 
http://www.fv-ncfpp.org/files/6913/0660/5492/MSCPA.pdf

Disability Supplement Form/medical release form for children:  Tip — Once the documentation is submitted, there’s a 90 day determination period.  After 2-3 weeks, call Disability Evaluation Services at UMASS Medical School to ask to expedite the review.  http://des.umassmed.edu

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers an excellent free 6 week education program for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with emotional and behavioral issues. It's called NAMI Basics.

Helping Guide offers an very insightful and user friendly guide for helping someone you love with depression
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The new BROOKLINE THRIVE GUIDE  is an easy-to-use, comprehensive list of local organizations and resources, useful to both service providers and Brookline residents who wish to find the right organization to help them with their needs quickly and easily.The Guide was developed through the efforts of Women and Girls Thriving in Brookline, a Collective Impact initiative. Our mission is to “Bring Brookline residents and organizations together to expand and create learning, participation, community, and leadership opportunities for financially-challenged women and girls, building on the resiliency and strengths of the whole community.” 
Check out B-PEN's RECOMMENDED READING LIST for parents.