In addition to sitting on a number of coalitions, CMHC serves as lead convener of stakeholders and subject matter experts to create policies, practices, and resources that support our work in expanding and strengthening the children’s behavioral health system.
Use our contact form to let us know if you are interested in joining any of the following workgroups.
School-Based Behavioral Health Advisory Group
The School-Based Behavioral Health Advisory Group focuses on school-based behavioral health (SBBH) in Massachusetts with the goals to share essential components and models of school-based behavioral health and improve equitable access to services and supports for all students across the state. We are convening educators, advocates, school leaders, providers, caregivers, students and leaders in the field to help make equity-informed recommendations for services across the three tiers of intervention (promotion and prevention, early intervention, and targeted intervention).
Read more about school-based behavioral health.
Addiction Free Futures Project
This national project works to expand prevention and early intervention of unhealthy substance use by youth. This effort combines cost-effective screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment with the power of consumer-led advocacy. Through Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT), we can begin to have frank, sensitive discussions with adolescents at a time when they may be more receptive and amenable to change. And, when we’re able to have honest conversations with young people about alcohol and drugs, we can help them stay on the path to a bright future—or get back on track if they need help.
Read more about substance use prevention.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Workgroup
IECMH is critical to ensuring children have the tools and supports to grow up well. Our work stems from our ongoing commitment to have IECMH as a core component in systems supporting young children and families, including Early Education & Care (EEC), Early Intervention, pediatrics, family support, and behavioral health. Every other month, we convene public and private entities to discuss issues pertaining to IECMH with an emphasis on breaking down silos and making sure everyone is up to date on our collective work to promote equitable access to services, increase public awareness of IECMH, and strengthen the IECMH workforce.
Read more about Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.
Urgent Care Advisory Group
Pediatric behavioral health urgent care aims to provide children and adolescents with treatment outside of emergency departments, where children may wait hours or days for care, which is particularly important for children with ASD/IDD, as they are more likely than their neurotypical peers to come into contact with emergency responders and visit the ED for psychiatric concerns. The Urgent Care Advisory Group develops strategies for the implementation of behavioral health urgent care in the Commonwealth with the goal of responding to the needs of children in crisis and diverting children from the emergency department. Our most recent report highlights these strategies and creates a set of goals for implementation.