Newburyport Public Schools - Mental & Behavioral Health

A Community Guide To Behavioral Health

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.

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.

Symptoms of Depression

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

RESOURCES

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

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.

www.hes-inc.org

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/

Pettengill House
978-463-8801
To support and empower children and families by providing education coordinated services, emergency assistance and basic needs.

http://www.pettengillhouse.org/

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

If your child is under 21 and doesn’t have health insurance call Mass Health Customer Service
1-800-841-2900

For a printable brochure,
click here