Youth Resources

Please visit YAR online for a wealth of comprehensive resources by age, type of need, area, etc., within the Essex County community.

A mental health challenge is a significant shift in how a person is feeling and thinking for a period of time that interferes with daily activities, including withdrawal from family, friends, and interests. For youth and young adults, navigating life changes is already difficult, and communicating these thoughts with parents, teachers, or a professional can be extremely daunting. Please know that there is support out there for you.

CRISIS LINES

For 24/7 MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS SUPPORT, you can reach out to the following:

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline: 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678

Eliot Mobile Crisis: 888-769-5201 OR Lahey Crisis Support: 877-255-1261

MA Substance Use Helpline: 800-327-5050 OR text HOPE to 800327

MA Behavioral Health Helpline: Call/text 833-773-2445 OR chat now.

INPATIENT TREATMENT

NOTICE: The youth detox Motivating Youth Recovery (MYR), formerly located in Worcester, closed as of July 7, 2025.

Bloom: A Place for Girls

Bloom is a short-term 24/7-care program in a home-like setting dedicated to helping teen girls (ages 12-17) and their families. The program offers a three- to five-month, faith-based residential program.

 Referral Phone: 508-408-4378 

Newport Academy

Newport Academy is a network of mental health and substance use treatment centers for youth. They aim to provide children, teens, and their families with care and treatment for trauma, mental health issues, eating disorders, and substance use issues. Newport Academy has a location in Cape Cod. Here is an insurance verification form to see if your plan qualifies.

Referral Phone: 855-972-8497

The Ridge

Ridge RTC provides structured, trauma-informed residential treatment for adolescents facing mental health and behavioral challenges. With a focus on healing, safety, and individualized care, Ridge RTC offers a supportive environment where teens can stabilize, develop coping strategies, and work toward long-term recovery. Their multidisciplinary team partners with families, schools, and referring professionals to ensure continuity of care and lasting progress.

Referral Phone: 866‑619‑0078

COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS

Community Behavioral Health Centers, or CBHCs, provide alternatives to hospital emergency room visits. Services include urgent and emergency services, crisis stabilization, individual and family therapy services and care coordination with primary care. 

When appropriate, your local CBHC will dispatch a team of mental health professionals to your home (or location in the community) for a crisis intervention and needs assessment. CBHCs offer a variety of resources for mental health and/or substance use services and treatment. To find your nearest CBHC, call 877-382-1609 and enter your zip code at the prompt. You can also visit Mass.gov to find the CBHC nearest you.

CHILDREN’S FRIEND AND FAMILY SERVICES

ECO has partnered with Children’s Friend & Family Services (CFFS). We recognize that witnessing substance use/an overdose and/or living in a home where substances are used puts youth at higher risk for their own substance use disorder. We strongly believe that education and early prevention can help youth develop the coping skills needed to avoid their own challenges with substances. There are four CFFS outpatient locations within Essex County that assist families and youth with wraparound services and therapy. Services are available in-home, in clinical settings, in school, or other community locations depending on the need.