Caring for a child with mental health challenges can be stressful and isolating. The Family Support programs offer guidance, educational resources, and support to parents of children and adolescents with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs.

Led by parents, caregivers, and guardians of children/adolescents and young adults that have firsthand experience navigating service systems, they are professionally trained to help you find what you need.

Where can I find a support group?

The Department of Mental Health funds Family Support Programs in each of its five areas across the state. This service is open to any parent who is caring for a child with mental health needs.  

• Boston Area

  • The Parent Support Program at The Home for Little Wanderers

  • https://thehome.org/psp

• Southeast Mass

  • The Parent Information Network (PIN) at BAMSI

  • https://www.bamsi.org/program/parent-information-network-pin/

• Worcester Area and North County

  • Central Mass Family Support run by PPAL

  • https://ppal.net/ppal-central-ma/

• Central Mass South County, Westborough and Canton

  • Parent-Peer Partnership Program at Wayside Youth and Family Support Network

  • https://www.waysideyouth.org/forfamilies/parentsupportservices/

• Western Mass

  • The Support Network of the Western Mass Training Consortium

  • https://childrensemotionalhealth.org

• Northeast Mass

  • Parent-Peer Partnership Program at Wayside Youth and Family Support Network

  • https://www.waysideyouth.org/forfamilies/parentsupportservices/

How much do they cost?

The support groups are free.