Massachusetts looks to improve access to mental health services with new community-based centers

WAMC Northeast Public Radio | By Paul Tuthill

Published January 9, 2023 at 10:46 AM EST

Scientists say they're learning more about how to keep stress from damaging mental health.

Referrals are available 24/7 with a call or text

Massachusetts has launched a new initiative to address the growing mental health crisis.

More than two-dozen state-designated Community Behavioral Health Centers have opened with walk-in hours evenings and weekends and counselors available 24/7 with a phone call, text, or online chat.

Springfield-based Behavioral Health Network is one of the new centers.

WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with BHN’s President and CEO Steve Winn.

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Paul Tuthill

The record-setting tenure of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. The 2011 tornado and its recovery that remade the largest city in Western Massachusetts. The fallout from the deadly COVID outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. Those are just a few of the thousands and thousands of stories WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill has covered for WAMC in his nearly 17 years with the station.

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