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.

Recreational Activities

Shortcuts:  Boston | Chelmsford, | Lincoln | Newton

Provides each child with an adult male volunteer, screened by the agency, who serves as a companion and friend. Each Big Brother meets with his little brother to talk, play sports, contribute to the community, learn new skills or spend time together.

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.

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.

Youth ages 17-24, serve full-time in schools, after-school programs, and community-based organizations. Members mentor and tutor in elementary schools, teach after-school classes, run sports leagues and vacation camps, and teach AIDS/HIV and domestic violence curricula to their peers.

Serves youth and adults through physical, educational, social, and spiritual activities; day and residential camps, volunteer and mentoring programs. Also summer camp, sports, youth basketball, teen nights, leaders club, youth fitness training.
In addition, the Central YMCA Teen Center is dedicated to positive youth development through varied programs and activities for thirteen through eighteen year olds year round.

The Oak Square YMCA in Brighton is committed to helping children, families and individuals live longer, healthier lives through affordable and accessible programs and activities. Our facility features universal design to ensure that members of all abilities have the opportunity to participate in our activities and programs.

The Roxbury YMCA is committed to helping children, families and individuals live longer, healthier lives through affordable and accessible programs and activities. We are leading provider of youth and teen services with a facility that features a full multi-media lab with recording equipment and a full size outdoor soccer field.

Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides outdoor adventure and experiential learning programs for young people from diverse economic backgrounds. Its programs are designed to inspire leadership and teamwork in the youth we serve. Located in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area, Thompson Island is a unique destination for work or play.

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.

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The Girl Scouts provide girls with the opportunity to discover their world, connect with and build an understanding for others and take action to make the world a better place.

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.