Governor Healey Visits CFS

We would like to thank Governor Healey, Lt Governor Driscoll, Secretary Walsh, Mayor Jon Mitchell, and representatives of MassHealth for joining us at our 965 Church St. Community Behavioral Health Center location this past week. The group participated in a walkthrough of our facility as well as a closed round table discussion which was followed by a live press conference from Governor Healey. The Healey administration is currently working to expand mental health services around the state, acknowledging the mental health crisis- particularly in young people.

While touring our Youth Community Crisis Stabilization Unit (YCCS), Governor Healey said our Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) was "incredible". She and her team got to hear from a young client of ours and her mother about how the program helped to change the trajectory of her life. "Whether you're 16, six, or 60, visiting alone or coming with a loved one or family member, CBHCs can provide you high quality, timely care for mental health crises," Secretary Kate Walsh stated during the press conference.

The behavioral health roadmap and creation of the CBHC’s has fundamentally changed the way mental health care is delivered and Child & Family Services has seen the positive impact firsthand in our community. You can walk in and meet with a team member today. Mental health crisis services are available 24/7 at our location or your location, but it doesn’t have to be in the emergency room. We have voluntary units where adults and youth can receive intensive treatment to meet critical needs. Access to care means mental health treatment where you need it and when you need it- and this change has helped nearly 10,000 individuals, 5,000 of them youth in Child & Family Services alone.

"I am overwhelmed and grateful that Child & Family is a part of a working system that can deliver this." said Wendy Botelho, CEO of CFS. "The mental health crisis affects all of us. This is our community and many of our people are struggling. You are not alone, we support you, we are here for you and there is HOPE."