If you or someone you know needs help with alcohol or drug use, call or text the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline at 800-327-5050. It is free, available 24/7, and can connect you with treatment, recovery, and harm-reduction services. If you are unsure what kind of help is needed, or mental health concerns are also involved, call or text the Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445. You do not need insurance to contact either service.
Choose the right first step
Start with the route that best fits the situation. These services can help you work out a next step even if you are not sure what type of care to seek.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Need | Start here | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Substance use treatment, recovery, or harm-reduction information | Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: 800-327-5050 | Call or text for statewide navigation and possible warm handoffs to services. Online chat is also available. Massachusetts Department of Public Health |
| You are unsure what service is appropriate, or substance use and mental health concerns overlap | Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL): 833-773-2445 | Call, text, or use online chat for support, an initial assessment, and referrals. It is available to Massachusetts residents with or without insurance. Massachusetts BHHL FAQ |
| Immediate behavioral health crisis support | Contact a local Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC); BHHL can help connect you | CBHCs provide in-person crisis support around the clock, regardless of insurance. Call 911 when immediate safety requires emergency response. Massachusetts Community Behavioral Health Centers BHHL FAQ |
| Search for services near a town or by service type | BHHL Treatment Connection directory | Search mental health and substance use listings, then contact providers to confirm services and openings. Massachusetts DMH resources and guides |
| Medication treatment linkage for opioid or alcohol use disorder | BMC Addiction Warmline: 617-414-4175 | The state lists this free, 24/7 connection service for medication treatment and referrals, including methadone. A callback may be needed depending on when you call. Massachusetts Department of Public Health |
| Cost, insurance, or uninsured access questions | Call the number on your insurance card and ask the provider; a helpline can help you navigate | Coverage and costs depend on the plan and service. Massachusetts says BSAS provides access to treatment for uninsured people. BSAS Finding Mental Health Support in Massachusetts |
Call a statewide helpline
Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline
Call or text 800-327-5050 for help finding substance use treatment, recovery support, or harm-reduction services. The Commonwealth describes the helpline as free and available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Specialists can explain options and provide a warm handoff when appropriate. You can also use its online chat. See the Massachusetts helpline details.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteBehavioral Health Help Line
Call or text 833-773-2445, or use BHHL online chat, if you need broader behavioral health guidance, an initial assessment, or referrals for outpatient, urgent, or crisis services. BHHL is free to Massachusetts residents and does not require insurance. Its staff can help identify a next step and may stay connected as you move toward it. Read the BHHL FAQ.
#1 Best Overall
For a crisis, connect with in-person support
Community Behavioral Health Centers provide in-person crisis services around the clock, regardless of insurance. They also offer services that may include evaluation, individual or group therapy, peer support, medication for addiction treatment, and referrals. BHHL can help connect you to crisis support. If someone faces immediate danger or needs emergency response for immediate safety, call 911; a helpline is not a replacement for emergency services. Find information about Massachusetts CBHCs and BHHL crisis connections.
Search local services and confirm availability
The BHHL Treatment Connection directory lets you search mental health and substance use services by location and service type. Use it to identify possible providers, then contact each one directly to verify that it offers the service you need, has an opening, and can work with your insurance. Listings are updated often, but a directory entry does not guarantee current availability. If you need help using the directory, call or text BHHL at 833-773-2445. Open the DMH resources and guides page.
Ask about coverage and cost before ongoing care
Ongoing treatment, therapy, and medication services may be paid through MassHealth, a Health Connector plan, or private or employer insurance. If you have private insurance, call the number on your insurance card to ask about covered services. Also ask the provider whether it participates in your plan and what costs or authorization requirements apply; these details vary by plan, provider, and service. Massachusetts says the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) provides access to treatment for people who are uninsured. Helpline support is free, but that does not mean every routine treatment service is free. BSAS information and Massachusetts guidance on finding support.
Recommended Free Tools
CBHC crisis services are available regardless of insurance. For ongoing CBHC services, Massachusetts says all MassHealth plans and some commercial plans provide coverage; check whether the particular service is covered by your plan. See the CBHC service and coverage information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Consider medication linkage and peer support
Medication treatment connections
The BMC Addiction Warmline, 617-414-4175, is a specialized route for rapid connection to medication treatment for opioid or alcohol use disorder and related referrals, including methadone. The state lists it as free and available 24/7, but callers may receive a callback depending on the time. It is a connection service, not a promise of immediate prescribing; a qualified clinician must assess individual treatment needs. Check the state helpline listing.
Peer Recovery Support Centers and family resources
Peer Recovery Support Centers are free, peer-run places for people in recovery and their families to connect, take part in self-help groups, and join activities. They can add community and peer connection alongside clinical care, rather than replace it. The state also lists family and community options such as Learn to Cope, Al-Anon/Alateen, Allies in Recovery, MOAR, and Nar-Anon. Confirm a center’s current hours and activities before visiting. Explore Massachusetts recovery and family support resources and peer support information.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
