Ipswich Public Health Department Shares Mental Health Resources as Part of Mental Health Awareness Month

IPSWICH — Public Health Director Colleen Fermon and the Ipswich Public Health Department would like to emphasize the importance of mental health and share resources with residents as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, aims to bring awareness to the importance of mental health, fight stigma, provide support, and advocate for policies that support millions affected by mental illness. 

The Ipswich Public Health Department would like to bring attention to resources available to residents that support mental health. 

In January, the state released the Roadmap for Behavioral Health, which works to help people in Massachusetts get the mental health and substance use care they need directly in their communities. The service includes the Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) and statewide network of Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs).

The Massachusetts Behavorial Health Help Line is a free, confidential resource available for all Massachusetts residents, 24/7, 365 days a year. Users can call or text 833-773-2445, or chat online at masshelpline.com/chat, to receive individualized support, clinical assessment, and personalized treatment referrals.

Twenty-five CBHCs across the state offer 24/7 mobile crisis services for anyone experiencing a potential mental health crisis, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. CBHCs also provide a wide range of outpatient services including individual and group therapy, recovery coaching, and prescribing for mental health and addiction treatment medication. Outpatient services are covered by MassHealth and some commercial insurers. To access the CBHC directory, click here.

Eliot Community Human Services, located at 10 Harbor St, in Danvers, is the direct CBHC that serves Ipswich. The center provides timely, high-quality, mental health and substance use disorder treatment for youth, families, and adults, 24/7. Individuals can contact the center at 888-769-5201.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access with trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. Individuals can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

“Being aware of mental health and eradicating the stigma that surrounds it is extremely important in getting those that may need help the care that they need,” Director Fermon said. “Anyone who may be experiencing, or who knows someone who is experiencing, issues with mental health should utilize these resources and know that you are not alone.”

Community members who are experiencing a mental health crisis are also encouraged to call 911.