Investment will Enable Community-Based Mental Health Providers in Historically Underserved Areas to Make Critical Services More Widely Available and Accessible

BOSTON - On July 16, 2024, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $2.8 million in grant awards to six community-based clinics to make mental health urgent care more widely available in high-need areas, including Brockton, Roxbury, Northbridge, Fitchburg, Lowell, and Worcester. The grants will enable mental health centers to expand their capacity to provide Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) services and guarantee extended night and weekend hours, as well as same-or next-day appointments for walk-ins. 

BHUC centers work similarly to Urgent Care centers that address physical health but provide immediate care to those struggling with mental health and substance use needs. BHUC services include substance use treatment, medication management, same or next day therapy appointments, and extended hours for night and weekend appointments.

"Our administration is committed to ensuring that every Massachusetts resident can receive the behavioral health care they need where and when they need it,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will provide critical resources for Behavioral Health urgent care centers in high need communities to hire more staff, extend their hours and take other step necessary to expand access to care.”

"With this $2.8 million investment, providers in historically underserved areas will be able to expand their essential services, creating holistic care for those who need it most," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This is a significant stride towards equitable mental health care in Massachusetts.”

“We have the responsibility of ensuring that mental health care is accessible in every community in our state, especially those that have been historically underserved,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. “This investment paves the way for enhanced Behavioral Health Urgent Care services, ensuring extended hours, telehealth. appointments, and timely care for those in need.”

“At MassHealth, we work to ensure every member receives the quality care they deserve, when and where they need it,” said Mike Levine, Assistant Secretary for MassHealth. “The investment in expansion of service delivery among community-based mental health clinics is part of our mission to break down barriers to comprehensive healthcare services.”

The grants will make it possible for new BHUC centers to hire and retain staff, cover licensure or certification fees, and enhance technology to support extended hours. Extended hours are determined by each BHUC provider and are posted to their profiles on the?Massachusetts Behavioral Health Access (MABHA) website?.

Providers receiving this one-time funding are:

- Brockton Area Multi Service Center (BAMSI) in Brockton - $98,495
- Casa Esperanza in Roxbury - $488,505
- Family Continuity in Northbridge - $448,000
- L.U.K Crisis Center in Fitchburg - $358,161
- Trinity Care Associates in Lowell - $1,115,000
- Youth Opportunities Upheld, Inc. (YOU, Inc.) in Worcester- $295,500

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Expansion for Underserved Communities Grant gave priority to community mental health centers (CMHCs) with strong ties to underserved populations, specifically those with underserved language needs and including individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Funding was designed to help more CMHCs become MassHealth-recognized Behavioral Health Urgent Care providers.