Massachusetts Department of Mental Health

Thanks to William James College Haitian Mental Health Network (HMH Network) for hosting the Massachusetts Behavioral Help Line (BHHL) at the 2026 Conference on Haitian Mental Health—“Lakay Se Lakay” (Home Is Home)! It was an honor to collaborate and participate in meaningful conversations with community leaders, students, clinicians, cultural practitioners, scholars, and more. Learn more about the BHHL at: https://www.masshelpline.com/

Tonight! Join Express Yourself Inc.and DMH at the Boch Center Wang Theater for BLOOM!

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us for the 2026 Certified Peer Specialist Award Ceremony:“Grounded in Lived Experience: Peer Specialists Growing Together.”

This year’s celebration will be held at the College of the Holy Cross Hogan Campus Center.

June 29, 2026
11:00am-2:00pm

Invitations to follow for Certified Peer Specialist training alumni, employing agencies, community partners, and stakeholders.

[Image Description: A flyer with a purple background and yellow and white text sharing information about the award ceremony. The flyer features the Kiva Centers logo, including a turquoise feather and the words “Kiva Centers” in white text. Following a photo of one of last year’s awardees.]

We had such a great time! Thanks for having us.

DMH Commissioner Emily Bailey was sworn in by Governor Maura Healey on Monday, May 11th with her family by her side. Congratulations Commissioner Bailey, and thank you Governor Healey!



Image credit: Office of Governor Maura T. Healey

DMH Commissioner Emily Bailey addresses the crowd at the Brockton Multi Service Center's Wellness Fair. The Mental Health Month event is sponsored by DMH's young adult access center 'All Things Possible,' BAMSI, and the Parent Information Network. The Fair aims to increase mental health awareness and encourage community connection.

Next Friday, May 8th! Visit The Greenhouse at Taunton State Hospital's 3rd annual Farmer's Market. In addition to local vendors, you'll find a selection of plants grown by participants in the hospital's vocational program as well as tables with local mental health resources. This is the perfect way to celebrate spring and at the same time.

May is Mental Health Month! Whether you’re feeling grounded, overwhelmed, energized, or something in between, your mental health matters - on good days and hard ones. Learn more nurturing your well-being and supporting the people around you:

What's on your mind? Learn about caring for your mental well-being

Yesterday, we were proud to celebrate two of our own at the Massachusetts Coalition for Su***de Prevention (MCSP) Leadership in Su***de Prevention Awards at the Massachusetts State House.

Congratulations to Larry Berkowitz and Jim McCauley, co-founders of Riverside Trauma Center, on receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their longstanding contributions to su***de prevention and postvention.

Debbie Helms of Samaritans of Merrimack Valley spoke to the impact of both honorees' work. Tamiya McAuley — whose decision to pursue her MSW was influenced by Jim's mentorship — accepted his award and read his remarks. Larry received his award in person, joined by his family and colleagues from the Riverside Trauma Center team.

In his remarks, Larry took a moment to address state legislators in attendance, highlighting the importance of funding the 2014 Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 71, § 95), which established a framework for su***de prevention training for school staff but has not been funded or fully implemented statewide. He also encouraged clinicians to advocate within their licensing boards and professional organizations to make su***de assessment and prevention training a standard part of graduate education.

Thank you to Acting Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Commissioner Beth Lucas, Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, and all who attended. Congratulations, Larry and Jim, on this well-deserved recognition. ***dePrevention