If you or your loved one is in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else, please call 911.
Emergency Service Provider (ESP)
If you or your loved one is in a mental health crisis please call (877) 382-1609 and dial your zip code when prompted to get the 24/hour phone number for your local Emergency Psychiatric Service Provider.
Every city/town in Massachusetts is covered by a local Emergency Psychiatric Service Provider or ESP - Sometimes called a “Crisis Team”. Every ESP is clinically staffed and can be reached by phone toll free 24 hours/day 7 days/week. ESPs are better trained to handle mental health crises than police or emergency room staff. If you are feeling unsafe you can call your local ESP and speak to a clinician who will help you assess the situation and provide assistance if needed. Be prepared to briefly describe what is happening right now that is putting your life or your loved ones life in danger.
ESPs do their best to keep people in the community and out of the hospital. They can do mobile crisis intervention for adults and youth, which means going to homes, schools, places of work, etc. to work with people where a crisis is happening, instead of in a hospital setting.
You can also find out which ESP program covers your town with this directory: ESP Statewide Directory (6.5.15) (PDF)
Every city/town in Massachusetts is covered by a local Emergency Psychiatric Service Provider or ESP - Sometimes called a “Crisis Team”. Every ESP is clinically staffed and can be reached by phone toll free 24 hours/day 7 days/week. ESPs are better trained to handle mental health crises than police or emergency room staff. If you are feeling unsafe you can call your local ESP and speak to a clinician who will help you assess the situation and provide assistance if needed. Be prepared to briefly describe what is happening right now that is putting your life or your loved ones life in danger.
ESPs do their best to keep people in the community and out of the hospital. They can do mobile crisis intervention for adults and youth, which means going to homes, schools, places of work, etc. to work with people where a crisis is happening, instead of in a hospital setting.
You can also find out which ESP program covers your town with this directory: ESP Statewide Directory (6.5.15) (PDF)
Samaritans and Samaritans
Samaritans at 877-870-4673. Samaritans primary suicide prevention program is the 24 Hour/7 day Telephone Befriending Service offered from two locations in Boston and Framingham. Anyone in need can use the support of Samaritans, which is free, confidential, anonymous, and is accessible any time of the day or night. Samaritan volunteers offer callers uncritical acceptance and respect in a comforting and understanding manner. In addition to supporting depressed, lonely and suicidal callers, this program also supports those calling with concerns for others.
Samariteens at 800-252-8336. S amarteens is a teen help line that provides confidential peer support and understanding to teens who are struggling with feelings of depression, loneliness and stress. From 3 pm to 9 pm on weekdays, and 9 am to 9 pm on weekends, this service is staffed by volunteers between the ages of 15 and 18; outside those hours, calls are answered by adult volunteers.
Samariteens at 800-252-8336. S amarteens is a teen help line that provides confidential peer support and understanding to teens who are struggling with feelings of depression, loneliness and stress. From 3 pm to 9 pm on weekdays, and 9 am to 9 pm on weekends, this service is staffed by volunteers between the ages of 15 and 18; outside those hours, calls are answered by adult volunteers.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255
