Mental & Behavioral Health
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A Community Guide To Behavioral Health Top of Page
When a child or family is coping with mental health problems, particularly during an acute crisis, one of the biggest challenges can be finding appropriate support services. For parents, the key to handling mental disorders of children is to recognize the disorder and seek appropriate treatment.
Most disorders have specific diagnostic criteria and treatments, and a complete evaluation by a mental health provider can determine whether a child needs help, and what treatment is appropriate. When untreated, mental health disorders can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and in the extreme, suicide.
Most disorders have specific diagnostic criteria and treatments, and a complete evaluation by a mental health provider can determine whether a child needs help, and what treatment is appropriate. When untreated, mental health disorders can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and in the extreme, suicide.
Don’t know where to start:
- Call your family/child’s physician. They are equipped to address the growing need of behavioral health services
- Ask your health insurance company for a list of covered providers.
- School Nurse
- School Guidance Counselor
- School Adjustment Counselor
- Despite the increase in publicity surrounding mental health and mental health issues, there is still a lack of understanding about mental health in general. One in every five Americans experiences mental illness at least once in a lifetime or experiences numerous or persistent episodes. The majority of psychiatric disorders can be effectively treated.
Newburyport High School is committed to ensuring that students have a safe, nurturing school environment and receive the supports and services necessary to remain safe and, maintain their health status. Health Services is helpful in providing assistance, and guidance to appropriate resources and services.
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Symptoms of DepressionTop of Page
- No interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Feeling sad or empty
- Crying easily or crying for no reason
- Feeling slowed down or feeling restless and unable to sit still
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Weight gain or loss
- Thoughts about death or suicide
- Trouble thinking, recalling things or focusing on what you're doing
- Trouble making everyday decisions
- Problems sleeping, especially in the early morning, or wanting to sleep all of the time
- Feeling tired all of the time
- Feeling emotionally numb, perhaps even to the point of not being able to cry
- School Avoidance
- Drug or alcohol abuse
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RESOURCESTop of Page
| Mobile Crisis Unit/ North Essex Call 24 hours day / 7 days a week (866) 523-1216 http://www.namimass.org/crisis/who-to-call-for-help |
| Department of Children and Families Formerly DSS Child-at-Risk Hotline 1-800-792-5200 Protecting children from abuse and neglect and strengthening families. http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dcf/ |
| Team Coordinating Agency Haverhill, MA 978-373-3333 Provides outpatient substance abuse treatment and offer a Student Assistance program that is after school hours called S.O.A.P. They have an outpatient clinic and range of family support services. They are on the public bus line. Insurance, sliding fee scale and state funding. http://www.teamca.net/outpatient-services/ |
| Amesbury Psychological Center, Inc, Amesbury, Ma 978- 388-5700 Provides a full range of clinical support services which include substance abuse counseling and support). Insurance, sliding scale fees, and state funding for services. http://www.amesburypsychological.com/servicesUC.html |
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Health & Education Services
Haverhill area 978-521-7777 / 800-281-3223. Health and Education Services, is part of Northeast Behavioral Health. Haverhill, Ma. They offer 24-hour emergency services and have full behavioral health/mental health range of services. They also offer outpatient substance abuse counseling and treatment. Insurance, sliding scale fees and state funding for services. They are on the public bus line. |
| Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center 24 Hour hotline 978-388-1888 SafeLink: 1-877-785-2020 The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE Services and programs to victims of domestic violence, confidential counseling, legal assistance, children’s support and empowerment programs. http://www.jeannegeigercrisiscenter.org/ |
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Pettengill House
978-463-8801 To support and empower children and families by providing education coordinated services, emergency assistance and basic needs. |
| Massachusetts Dept. Mental Health 1-800 221-0053 Assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages www.mass.gov/dmh |
| Turning Point Supports mentally challenged individuals in residential settings 978-462-8251 |
| Department of Public Health (DPH) 1-800-882-1435 www.mass.gov/dds |
| Massachusetts Eating Disorder Assn. 1-617-558-1881/1-866-343-MEDA |
| Massachusetts Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) 1-617-573-1600 http://www.mass.gov/hhs |
