MASSACHUSETTS CONTINUUM OF CARE

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Treatment, Recovery Housing, Stabilization & Support Resources

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Understanding the system can be difficult—especially when you are trying to determine whether you need detox, Clinical Stabilization Services (CSS), Transitional Support Services (TSS), residential treatment, recovery housing, outpatient care, or behavioral-health crisis support.

This guide provides a starting point for navigating Massachusetts treatment, recovery, behavioral-health and support systems.

Up & At Em Community Initiative provides resource navigation and referral support. We do not provide clinical treatment, medical detoxification, or residential treatment ourselves.

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WHERE DO I START?

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL)

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If you are not sure what type of help you need, the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line can help identify appropriate mental-health and substance-use services and connect you with care.

Call or Text: 833-773-2445
Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Online: masshelpline.com

Use this resource for:

• Mental-health concerns

• Substance-use concerns

• Crisis support

• Finding treatment

• Finding community services

• Connecting with a local Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC)

Official Resource:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/behavioral-health-help-line-bhhl-faq

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1. DETOXIFICATION & WITHDRAWAL MANAGEMENT

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Acute Treatment Services (ATS)

Massachusetts BSAS describes 24-hour withdrawal-management services as medically supervised services that manage withdrawal symptoms and may include nursing and medical supervision.

These services may be provided in freestanding or hospital-based settings.

When this level may be appropriate:

• Someone is actively withdrawing from alcohol or drugs

• Medical monitoring is needed

• A person needs detox before entering another level of treatment

• Medication-assisted treatment may need to be initiated or continued

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Massachusetts BSAS

The Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) oversees the statewide substance-use treatment and recovery-support system and licenses substance-use treatment programs.

BSAS Information:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/bureau-of-substance-addiction-services

Massachusetts Treatment & Recovery Resources:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/resources-for-substance-use-disorder-treatment-recovery-services

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2. CLINICAL STABILIZATION SERVICES (CSS)

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What is CSS?

Clinical Stabilization Services are 24-hour services provided in a nonmedical setting with supervision, observation and support.

CSS can provide additional time for stabilization following detoxification or for individuals who meet the clinical criteria for this level of care.

Typical services may include:

• 24-hour supervision and support

• Clinical counseling

• Recovery planning

• Case management

• Relapse-prevention planning

• Connection to continuing treatment

Massachusetts BSAS identifies CSS as an ASAM Level 3.5 service.

Official Massachusetts description:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/substance-addiction-services-descriptions

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High Point Treatment Center

High Point operates multiple levels of substance-use and behavioral-health services in Massachusetts.

Current listed programs include:

Meadowbrook CSS
30 Meadowbrook Road, Brockton, MA
Phone: 508-742-4400

Meadowbrook ATS
30 Meadowbrook Road, Brockton, MA
Phone: 508-584-9210

TSS — New Bedford
44 Kilburn Road, New Bedford, MA
Phone: 508-984-1697

High Point:
https://hptc.org/

High Point Contact/Locations:
https://hptc.org/contact/

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3. TRANSITIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES (TSS)

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What is TSS?

Transitional Support Services are short-term residential support services for people who need a safe and structured environment following detoxification.

TSS can serve as a bridge between acute treatment and:

• Residential rehabilitation

• Outpatient treatment

• Recovery housing

• Other continuing-care services

Massachusetts BSAS specifically identifies TSS as a short-term residential support service.

Official Massachusetts description:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/substance-addiction-services-descriptions

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High Point Treatment Center

High Point currently lists a TSS program in New Bedford:

Transitional Support Services
44 Kilburn Road
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: 508-984-1697

https://hptc.org/contact/

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Spectrum Health Systems

Spectrum Health Systems operates substance-use treatment and recovery services throughout Massachusetts. Its Westborough campus has historically included multiple levels of addiction treatment and transitional services.

Because program locations and levels of care can change, individuals should verify current availability directly with Spectrum or through the Massachusetts treatment system before referring someone.

Spectrum Health Systems:
https://www.spectrumhealthsystems.org/

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4. RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE-USE TREATMENT

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What is Residential Treatment?

Massachusetts BSAS describes residential rehabilitation as structured substance-use-disorder treatment in a 24-hour residential setting.

Residential treatment may provide:

• A structured living environment

• Counseling

• Recovery education

• Case management

• Life-skills development

• Relapse-prevention planning

• Discharge and aftercare planning

Official Massachusetts description:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/substance-addiction-services-descriptions

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Gavin Foundation

The Gavin Foundation operates several residential programs in the Boston area.

Its residential programs include:

Gavin House
Licensed residential recovery program for adult men.

675 East 4th Street
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-268-5517

https://gavinfoundation.org/programs/gavin-house/

Hamilton House
Licensed residential recovery program for adult men.

25 Mount Ida Road
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-288-1584

https://gavinfoundation.org/programs/hamilton-house/

Charlestown Recovery House
Residential treatment for adult men recovering from substance-use disorder.

15 Bunker Hill Street
Charlestown, MA
Phone: 617-242-0088

https://gavinfoundation.org/programs/charlestown-recovery-house/

Eileen's House for Women
Residential treatment for women age 18 and older recovering from substance-use disorder.

2200 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester, MA
Phone: 617-269-2933

https://gavinfoundation.org/programs/eileens-house-for-women/

Gavin Foundation Residential Programs:
https://gavinfoundation.org/programs/residential-programs/

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5. RECOVERY HOMES & SOBER HOMES

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Understanding Recovery Housing

Recovery housing is different from medical detoxification or clinical treatment.

Massachusetts has a network of recovery residences and sober homes, including homes certified through the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH).

MASH-certified homes follow National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and undergo independent inspection.

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Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH)

Certified Sober Home Directory:
https://mashsoberhousing.org/certified-residences/

This should be the primary statewide directory used when looking for a MASH-certified sober home.

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Chelsea's House

Chelsea's House operates recovery homes in several Massachusetts communities, including Lynn, Chelsea, Malden and East Boston.

Current listed locations include:

• Lynn

• Chelsea

• Malden

• East Boston

Headquarters:
649 Broadway
Malden, MA 02148

Phone: 781-666-3752

Website:
https://www.chelseashouse.com/

Contact:
https://www.chelseashouse.com/contact-us-sober-living-homes-in-boston

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Todisco Sober Homes

Todisco Sober Homes is a recovery-housing provider associated with the Lynn recovery community.

Listed address:
12 Sagamore Street
Lynn, MA 01902

Contact information should be verified directly before referral because individual home availability and locations can change.

For statewide certified-home searches, use the MASH directory above.

6. COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS (CBHCs)

Community Behavioral Health Centers provide community-based mental-health and behavioral-health services throughout Massachusetts.

CBHC services can include:

• 24/7 crisis services

• Walk-in behavioral-health support

• Individual therapy

• Group therapy

• Medication management

• Peer support

• Community Crisis Stabilization

• Connections to additional treatment and community resources

CBHC crisis services are available 24/7.

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Find a Massachusetts CBHC

Official CBHC Finder:
https://www.mass.gov/find-a-cbhc

You can search by:

• City or town

• County

• ZIP code

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7. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES & DMH

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Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH)

DMH serves people with serious mental-health needs and provides access to specialized mental-health services and supports.

DMH:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health

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Applying for DMH Services

Individuals seeking DMH services can review eligibility requirements and submit an application through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.

Apply for DMH Services:
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-dmh-services

Metro Boston DMH Application Questions:
617-626-9200

DMH Information Line:
800-221-0053

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8. OUTPATIENT, DAY TREATMENT & INTENSIVE SERVICES

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Outpatient services allow individuals to receive treatment while living in the community.

Depending on the provider and clinical need, services may include:

• Individual counseling

• Group counseling

• Substance-use treatment

• Medication-assisted treatment

• Intensive outpatient services

• Structured day treatment

• Case management

• Recovery support

• Psychiatric services

 

 

Important Massachusetts terminology

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Massachusetts BSAS explains that PHP and IOP are not themselves BSAS license categories. BSAS outpatient services can include intensive day treatment and other structured outpatient services.

Therefore, people should verify the actual licensed service and level of care with the provider rather than assuming that every program labeled "PHP" or "IOP" is a BSAS program.

Official BSAS licensing information:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/information-for-initial-sud-program-licensure

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9. HOSPITAL & ACUTE MEDICAL CARE

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Hospitals may be appropriate when someone requires emergency medical or psychiatric evaluation, acute medical treatment, or a higher level of care that cannot safely be provided in a community program.

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Massachusetts General Hospital

Massachusetts General Hospital provides medical, psychiatric and addiction-related services.

Its Program in Substance Use & Addiction Services provides specialized addiction-care resources.

Mass General Addiction Services:
https://www.massgeneral.org/psychiatry/treatments-and-services

Mass General Addiction Recovery Management Service:
https://www.massgeneral.org/psychiatry/treatments-and-services/addiction-recovery-management-service

Main Hospital:
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114

Main Phone: 617-726-2000

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Emergency

For an immediate medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

For a behavioral-health or substance-use crisis, Massachusetts residents can also call or text the Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445, available 24/7.

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10. MEDICAL & PHYSICAL REHABILITATION

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Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is an important Massachusetts rehabilitation resource, but it should not be listed as a detox, CSS, TSS or substance-use residential treatment provider.

Spaulding specializes in medical rehabilitation, including physical, occupational and speech therapy and rehabilitation following serious illness or injury.

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston
300 1st Avenue
Boston, MA 02129
617-952-5000

https://spauldingrehab.org/

This resource may be appropriate when someone needs medical rehabilitation—not as a substitute for addiction treatment or detoxification.

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11. ADULT DAY HEALTH SERVICES

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Revere Adult Day Health Center

Revere ADHC provides community-based adult day health services, including nursing, social services, recreational therapy and rehabilitation services.

Address:
765 Revere Beach Parkway
Revere, MA 02151

Phone: 781-629-1699

Website:
https://www.revereadhc.com/

Important: This is an Adult Day Health program and should not be presented as a substance-use PHP or detox program.

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HOW UP & AT EM COMMUNITY INITIATIVE CAN HELP

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Navigating Massachusetts' behavioral-health, recovery and housing systems can be confusing.

Up & At Em Community Initiative can help individuals understand their options and identify appropriate resources.

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Our resource-navigation role may include:

• Identifying potential levels of care

• Helping people understand the difference between detox, CSS, TSS and residential treatment

• Connecting individuals with behavioral-health resources

• Helping locate recovery housing and sober-home resources

• Helping people identify CBHC services

• Providing information about community resources

• Helping individuals prepare for referrals and intake processes

• Helping bridge gaps between treatment, housing and community support

• Connecting individuals with employment, basic-needs and other support resources

Up & At Em does not replace medical, clinical, legal or emergency services.

Our goal is to help people find the right door and understand what steps may come next.

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IMPORTANT RESOURCE NOTICE

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Information on this page is provided for educational and resource-navigation purposes.

Programs, eligibility requirements, locations, admission procedures, insurance requirements, availability and contact information can change.

Always confirm current program information directly with the provider or through an official Massachusetts resource before making a referral or traveling to a program.

Up & At Em Community Initiative does not guarantee admission, availability, eligibility, treatment outcomes or placement.

If someone is experiencing an immediate medical or safety emergency, call 911.

For Massachusetts behavioral-health or substance-use support, call or text the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line: 833-773-2445, available 24/7.

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UP & AT EM COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

James A. McGillicuddy, Founder

Helping people navigate resources, recovery, housing and community support.

Phone: 617-308-9878
Email: upatemcommunity@gmail.com
Website: upatemcommunity.wixsite.com/help