wellness
Boston Health Services Offer Direct Access Through Established Programs
Residents can reach primary care, mental health support and shelter services via city-supported networks and hotlines.
How we reported this
Boston Public Health Commission delivers more than 40 programs that include family health, recovery services and emergency shelter as the city's official health department.
Community Health Centers Network
Boston HealthNet operates as an integrated system of 14 community health centers that deliver primary care, specialty care and dental services across Boston neighborhoods and surrounding areas. The Mayor's Health Line functions as a free confidential multilingual referral service for health insurance, primary care physicians and community clinics with phone access at 617-534-5050 or 800-847-0710 during Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Crisis and Behavioral Health Support
Boston Medical Center's Community Behavioral Health Center supplies 24/7 mental health and substance use crisis support through the line 1-800-981-HELP along with walk-in hours from Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. These options connect directly to local care without requiring prior appointments in many cases.
Services for Homeless Residents
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program provides walk-in health care to nearly 2,500 homeless women and children at the location 780 Albany Street with clinic hours Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm and extended hours on Thursdays. This program addresses immediate medical needs at a fixed site in the city.
The listed services exist to connect residents with existing local resources rather than creating new systems. Contact the Mayor's Health Line or the behavioral health center line during listed operating hours to receive referrals matched to individual needs. Walk-in options at the Albany Street site and the behavioral health center remain available on the stated schedules for those seeking same-day access.