Gov. Healey spreads the word about mental health care availability in New Bedford visit

NEW BEDFORD — Gov. Maura Healey visited Child & Family Services in New Bedford in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month Wednesday.

The visit was also in recognition of the mental health treatment available right now in communities across the state.

And to spread the word.

Non-profit social service provider Child & Family Services' office at 965 Church St. provides a Community Behavioral Health Center.

There are 30 centers across the state

It's one of 30 across the state providing free mental health crisis care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Mobile crisis services are also available, if you can't get to a clinic.

Healey said the Community Behavioral Health Center program was "incredible."

She said her administration is working to expand mental health services around the state.

That's in response to the crisis in mental health, both here and nationally, particularly with young people.

"We know there's a crisis in mental health. We hear it every day from people around the state and national data. We hear it from young people, from their families, from their educators, from providers."

Getting the word out that help's available

Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh said they wanted to get the word out that the CBHCs were here to help - the local emergency room doesn't have to be the default location in a crisis.

"We want everyone in Massachusetts to know that there's an alternative to emergency rooms for mental health crises, and that you can get comprehensive, compassionate, confidential crisis care right in your own community, right here in New Bedford," Walsh said.

The new program is available "just in time," she said.

"We are experiencing a youth mental health crisis," she said.

But, "we have a place to treat them. We have CBHCs," she said.

Treatment available whether you're 16, six, or 60

"So whether you're 16, six, or 60, visiting alone or coming with a loved one or family member, CBHCs can provide you high quality, timely care for mental health crises," Walsh said.

She added, "If you're in crisis, call 988 (suicide and crisis lifeline), or visit mass.gov/cbhc and find your nearest center. Walk right on in.

Child & Family Services CEO Wendy Botelho said the CBHCs "have fundamentally changed the way we have done business here at Child & Family."

10,000 people have been seen

They've seen 10,000 people through the CBHCs, and average about 12 new intakes every day.

Previously, she said, they had a six- to nine-month waiting list.

"I'm grateful that Child & Family is a part of this service-care delivery system," she said.

Challenges pervasive, complex - but solvable

Mayor Jon Mitchell said it's not an overstatement to say there's a mental health crisis today.

The challenges are pervasive and complex, but they are solvable, he said.

"The good news is we have folks doing a lot about it here at Child & Family Services with the new Community Behavioral Health Center," he said.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Gov. Healey talks mental health care availability in New Bedford visit