Boston

Mental Health Services

The city of Boston is home to many support services for families seeking mental health resources. Select a topic below for resources and organizations relevant to the topic in the Boston area.

Youth Services

The city's schools, parks, and recreation department, and many nonprofit agencies work together to help families learn and grow.

For a wide range of out-of-school opportunities, visit BOSTONavigator, a collaboration of the City of Boston, BOSTnet, and Boston After School & Beyond to offer easy access to youth program information. Another resource for teens is Boston Youth Zone, which offers “activities, opportunities, and other fun stuff for kids and teens. By Boston teens, for Boston teens.”

These resources were drawn from the Boston Guide to Youth Services.

Job Opportunities/Training

Shortcuts:  Boston | Chelmsford, | Lincoln | Newton

Prevention and intervention services primarily for Asian youth. Afterschool teen center. Counseling, family work, youth development programs, peer-leadership training, GED classes, social, cultural and recreational activities, crisis intervention, educational and employment services, advocacy and information and referral services. Assists youth who are court-involved, need substance abuse services, or who are facing school or home problems. Languages include English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian.

A drop-in center for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people between the ages of 13 and 25. Workshops, seminars, job training, arts, social events, counseling services, AIDS prevention and education and more.

Short-term diagnostic program addressing violence-related behaviors by students grades K-12 in the Boston Public Schools. Conflict resolution, peer mediation, alcohol and drug awareness, life skills, social competence training, and decision-making skills.

Safe, protective environment offers adult-supervised programs in education, career exploration, leadership skills, social recreation, athletics, aquatics, and the arts. Swimming, game room and computer available at each facility. During the summer, many of the Clubs run summer camp programs for children and leadership programs for teens.

Offers street and shelter outreach; medical, and dental care; counseling, substance abuse, and runaway services, alternative education, career exploration, computer skills, long-term transitional housing, and drop-in survival services for homeless youth and young adults in high risk situations.

Helps people of all ages with disabilities live as full and independent lives as possible. Technology for independence; rehabilitation; disability resource information; job training and employment. Summer camps for youth with physical disabilities, ages 8 and older.

Services to help young adults become self-sufficient by attaining educational and training goals. Referral services include educational options, career counseling, job readiness training and placement. Job development and placement service for Boston residents.

Implements policies and programs to support and protect the health and safety of gay and lesbian youth in schools and the community. Information available on many programs, and on the yearly Gay and Lesbian Youth Pride March.

The GRLZ Radio, Broadcasting & Music Production Program is a nationally recognized radio station and after school program which gives young women a voice in their community. A first of its kind violence prevention and girls' leadership development initiative, GRLZ radio allows adolescent girls to: gain technical skills; build a positive identity; and speak out on issues that are important to them. All aspects of production, programming, and on-air announcing, station operation, and community service projects orchestrated by the girls themselves.

GED preparation, skills training, and job placement assistance for TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children) recipients ages 16-21, pregnant or parenting.

Free hands-on job training; GED assistance; driver's education; social skills training for youths ages 16-24. Free benefits include health/dental care, meals, career counseling, job placement services.

Research, training, education and programs for at-risk children, their families and the community. The Manville School is a special education day school for children ages 5-15 with emotional, behavioral or learning problems. The Trauma Evaluation and Intervention Team provides family support and intervention for children who may have experienced sexual abuse, family violence, or violence in their communities.

Resource for adults looking to mentor; young people looking for mentors; and organizations seeking to develop or expand mentoring programs.

Programs develop school-based self-esteem expression, self-growth, and community recognition; organize youth corps for community media projects; and form youth committees to participate in community-wide beautification projects.

Substance abuse-related services: comprehensive case management; outpatient services; crisis intervention; individual and group counseling; guidance for housing; bilingual Spanish services; parenting support, family/domestic violence, and anger management services; drop-in living skills, self-help and Peer Leadership program for children at St. John's School.
STEP Inc. is pleased to announce its newest initiative STEPRox, a hybrid ambulatory addiction treatment program blending engagement / recovery center services with traditional outpatient services. Located at: 9 Palmer St., Dudley Square, Roxbury MA 02119

Alternative high school diploma program, college services, Head Start, ESL program, night high school, career counseling, GED program, young parents program, job placement ages 14-21.

Basketball, volleyball, youth strength training and fitness, summer day and residential camps, teen employment, job training and counseling, volunteer opportunities, teen health education, drop-in center. Bilingual staff in Chinese/English available for advocacy assistance.

The Paul Center is dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in developing their maximum potential and independence. We accomplish this goal by providing services to the individual as well as to the family. The Board of Directors and staff of The Paul Center believe that through consistent quality programming we can and do provide an optimal educational and recreational experience needed by our students.We stress with our staff the importance of establishing and maintaining a "spirit of extended family" with our students. This spirit transcends all aspects of our programs and continues to be a significant factor in our success with our students.

At The Food Project, agriculture, enterprise and service combine to create a rigorous, practical and integrated experience. Through all of our youth programs, people of all ages bridge communities through farming and food and discover their interdependence with each other as well as with those who purchase and receive their produce. Youth learn that work on the land can be a powerful equalizer, teacher and catalyst for personal, local and global change. Opportunities include Summer Youth and Academic Year programs. Ages14-17.

A multi-service agency that strengthens individuals, families, and communities through educational, after-school, camp, early childhood programs, and support services to promote wellness and continuity of care for children and their families. It serves a diverse population in Newton and surrounding communities.

Select a different Youth Services category below.

Community Websites

• City of Boston
• Boston Public Schools
• Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SPED PAC): 617-635-7810
• Adolescent Wellness Program (Boston Public Health Commission)
• Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF)
• Boston Resource Net
• talklisten.org

Can't find what you need or need a referral to a mental health practitioner? Call 617-332-3666 x 411. For more information about the service and terms of confidentiality, please click here.