This is a hard time that affects us and our loved ones in lots of different ways. While physical health is really important during this time, mental health is just as important and is something worth taking care of. Just like how we wash our hands and wear a mask for our physical health, there are lots of practices we can put in place to support our mental health. 

Everyone needs different things to support their mental health, but here are a few things you can try to see what works for you:

  • Try meditation using Calm or Headspace

  • Take slow, deep breaths when you’re anxious or stressed

  • Go for a walk and turn to nature for inspiration

  • Listen carefully when there’s no sound and lean into the silence

  • Draw or create something with your hands

For those on MassHealth or another insurance:

Cambridge Health Alliance:

Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Services

617-665-3458

Riverside Outpatient Center:

Free for youth ages 3 through 20 with MassHealth insurance

Actively accepting new patients during COVID-19

617-354-2275

Or Contact Emily Scolaro, In-Home Therapy Intake Coordinator 617-284-5131

Somerville Support Now--Looking Glass Counseling:

Free 45-minute COVID-19 related counseling sessions for adults (students over 18) living in Cambridge or Somerville

Samaritans 24/7 Crisis Services:

Anonymous Mental Health Screening

Call or Text 877-870-4673

For those without insurance:

De Novo Center for Justice and Healing

De Novo services are for folks who are uninsured or having difficulty accessing affordable counseling through their insurance. Fees range from $2 to $60 per visit. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. Certain refugee and immigrant victims of crime such as domestic violence, political trauma and torture, are able to receive counseling and social services free of charge.

If you are in need of legal or counseling services, call Intake and Referral Line at 617) 661-1010 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Call Paul Goldmuntz, Clinical Director, at 617-405-5463, to learn more about pricing policies if a student does have insurance and processes.

Other Resources:

More options from Find It Cambridge

Tips for Families During COVID-19

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Resources Available:

SafeLink: Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free, multi-lingual domestic violence hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic violence can be accessed by calling 877-785-2020.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Advocates are available 24/7 at 800-799-SAFE(7233) in more than 200 languages. All calls are free and confidential.

BEST Team (Boston Emergency Services Team): 800-981-4357 (800-981-HELP)

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK

National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts: 617-580-8541

Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741

Cambridge Hospital 1493 Cambridge St. 617-665-1560 or 911

Boston Children’s Hospital 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, 617-355-6000