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Resources For Youth

Dedham Youth-Specific Resources

Riverside Community Care

Riverside offers both crisis and outpatient support for members of the Dedham community. The Community Behavioral Health Center provides comprehensive services, including assessments, group therapy, individual therapy, and psychiatry appointments. While the outpatient clinic is located in Norwood, telehealth options are also available.

  • Crisis Services:
    Riverside’s crisis team serves individuals under 21, providing on-site support in homes, schools, or other locations to prevent hospitalization during a mental health crisis. Crisis services are free, regardless of insurance.

  • Contact Information:

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Youth Resources in Massachusetts

Crisis & Support Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 988

Provides 24/7 support for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line

The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) provides direct access to clinical help for teens in need of mental health support.

  • Call: (833) 773-2445

  • Website: Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line

  • Features: Free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. Real-time interpretation services and support for the deaf or hard of hearing through MassRelay at 711.

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Substance Abuse Services

Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS)

Oversees substance abuse and gambling prevention and treatment services in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Youth and Young Adult Substance Abuse Services Directory

Provides resources for finding treatment programs, recovery homes, and other services for youth.

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator (SAMHSA)

Locate addiction treatment programs nationwide, including residential and outpatient services.

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Healthy Relationships & Dating Abuse
Jane Doe Inc.: Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Provides local resources and support for teens facing dating abuse.

Mass.gov: Resources for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Offers statewide programs for support and resources.

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Love is Respect

Love is Respect provides 24/7 information, support, and advocacy for young people aged 13 to 26 who have concerns about their romantic relationships. They offer free and confidential services via phone, text, and live chat. Educational resources are also available on their website.

  • Contact Information:

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LGBTQ+ Supports
Speaking of Hope

Offers resources and access centers for LGBTQ+ youth.

Young Adult Access Centers

Provides centers for young adults offering support and resources.

Crisis Hotlines

The Trevor Project

Provides 24-hour support for LGBTQ+ youth via phone, chat, or text.

Trans Lifeline

A hotline led by trans people, offering 24-hour support.

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Therapist Directories
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)

Directory of therapists of color specializing in LGBTQ+ issues.

WPATH Search Directory for Therapists

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) directory for transgender health specialists.

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Employment, Training & Education
Resources for Transition-Age Youth and Young Adults (Ages 16-22)

Provides resources for educational and employment opportunities for teens and young adults.

Homeless and at-risk youth

Runaway.org

Runaway.org offers 24/7 free support for homeless and at-risk youth. They provide resources and guidance to help youth navigate their situations and find safety.

Recovery High School Programs in Massachusetts

For adolescents recovering from substance use disorders or dependency, attending a traditional school can jeopardize their recovery. Recovery High School (RHS) programs provide an alternative educational environment where students can receive support for their recovery while working towards a high school degree.

Overview of Recovery High Schools

  • Funding and Operation: Recovery High Schools are state-funded grant programs established under M.G.L. c. 71, § 91. They are not independent schools or districts but are public programs operated by a school district or an education collaborative.

  • Services Provided: Licensed school-based personnel offer a variety of services within RHS programs, including the development and implementation of Individualized Recovery Plans, while providing a comprehensive four-year high school education.

Recovery High School Programs in Massachusetts

  1. Independence Academy | Brockton

    • Operated in partnership with North River Collaborative.

  2. Liberty Preparatory Academy | Springfield

    • Operated in partnership with Springfield Public Schools.

  3. North Shore Recovery High School | Beverly

    • Operated in partnership with Northshore Education Consortium.

  4. Rockdale Recovery High School | Worcester

    • Operated in partnership with Central Mass. SPED Collaborative.

  5. William J. Ostiguy High School | Boston

    • Operated in partnership with Boston Public Schools.

Admissions

Any Massachusetts student aged 14-21 diagnosed with a substance use disorder or dependency can apply for admission to one of the five Recovery High School programs. The admissions process can be initiated by:

  • Families

  • Substance use treatment programs

  • School districts

  • Youth-serving agencies

  • Juvenile justice

  • Residential programs

  • Other relevant parties

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Support for Students with Disabilities

An administrative advisory titled "Recovery High Schools and Students Eligible for Special Education" provides additional support for students with disabilities attending RHS programs. This advisory supplements the regulations related to RHS programs, 603 CMR 54.00, adopted by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in February 2017.

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Additional Information

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact Riverside Mental Health Clinic  or call 781-329-0909

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