You don't have to do this alone.
When everything feels heavy and the world seems too quiet, there are people who want to listen. Below are resources we've gathered — crisis lines, counseling options, and communities of parents who understand exactly what you're going through.
In immediate danger? Call 911 now.
If you, your child, or someone you love is in immediate physical danger — or you are having thoughts of hurting yourself — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In Massachusetts, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7.
If you need someone right now
These lines are open 24/7. You can call about anything — panic, despair, loneliness, or just needing to talk to someone who won't judge. That's what they're there for.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
Free, confidential, 24/7. Call or text.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Trained crisis counselors by text. Anytime, anywhere.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
Support for anyone experiencing abuse. 24/7, confidential, multilingual.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD
If you are worried about a child's safety. Crisis counselors available 24/7.
Printable safety plan & emergency checklist
A simple, fill-in worksheet you can print and keep somewhere you can find it fast — a wallet, the glove box, a trusted friend. It covers warning signs, who to call, Massachusetts crisis numbers, and a go-bag checklist for you and your children.
Free. No email required. Fill it out on a calm day — it's easier than trying to think clearly in a crisis.
Help close to home, organized by what you're facing.
These are Massachusetts-based hotlines, programs, and clinics. Pick the topic that matches what's hardest right now. It's okay to reach out for more than one.
Mental health crisis (MA)
- MA Behavioral Health Help Line — 833-773-2445
Call or text 24/7. Free, confidential clinical support and referrals statewide.
masshelpline.com ↗ - Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs)
Walk-in mental health and addiction urgent care across MA, 24/7. No appointment needed.
Find a CBHC near you ↗ - Samaritans Statewide Helpline — 1-877-870-4673
Call or text, 24/7. Compassionate listening — no script, no judgment.
Domestic violence & safety
- SafeLink — MA Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-877-785-2020
24/7, free, confidential, multilingual. TTY 877-521-2601. - Jane Doe Inc. — MA Coalition Against Sexual Assault & DV
Statewide directory of local DV programs, shelters, and legal advocates.
janedoe.org/find_help ↗ - Casa Myrna (Boston, Spanish-speaking support) — 1-800-992-2600
Children & youth (MA)
- Mobile Crisis Intervention for Youth
Free 24/7 in-person crisis response for anyone under 21 across MA. Dial 833-773-2445 and ask for the Youth Mobile Crisis team. - Parental Stress Line (Parents Helping Parents) — 1-800-632-8188
24/7 confidential support for any parent feeling overwhelmed. - DCF Child-at-Risk Hotline — 1-800-792-5200
If you fear a child is being abused or neglected, including after hours.
Free & low-cost legal help (MA)
- MassLegalHelp
Plain-language guides for custody, divorce, restraining orders, and DCF cases.
masslegalhelp.org ↗ - Legal Resource Finder (MLAC)
Find free civil legal aid in your county based on income and issue.
mlac.org ↗ - Court Service Centers (MA Trial Court)
Free help understanding forms and procedures in family and probate court.
mass.gov/court-service-centers ↗
Housing, food & basics
- Mass 2-1-1 — Dial 211
24/7 connection to housing, food, fuel assistance, and social services anywhere in MA. - Project Bread FoodSource Hotline — 1-800-645-8333
Help applying for SNAP and finding food pantries near you. - HomeBASE & Emergency Family Shelter
Emergency housing for families with children.
Apply / learn more ↗
Counseling in Massachusetts
- William James INTERFACE Referral Service — 1-888-244-6843
Free mental health referral matching for residents of participating MA towns.
interface.williamjames.edu ↗ - Mass General Brigham Outpatient Psychiatry
Sliding scale options and family-focused therapy in Greater Boston.
Learn more ↗ - NAMI Massachusetts Compass Helpline — 617-704-6264
Peer-staffed information & referrals, M–F. Also runs free family support groups.
namimass.org ↗
Talking to someone who gets it can make the unbearable feel possible.
Parental alienation can leave deep wounds — for the parent shut out, and for the child caught in the middle. A therapist trained in family trauma or high-conflict separation can help you process grief, rebuild your footing, and learn how to stay steady for your kids.
Find a trauma-informed therapist
Psychology Today's directory lets you filter by specialty, insurance, and location. Look for therapists experienced in family trauma, high-conflict divorce, or parental alienation.
Search therapistsReunification-focused counseling
Some therapists specialize in repairing and rebuilding parent-child relationships after alienation. Ask potential counselors about their experience with reunification and family systems work.
Find family professionalsOnline therapy options
If in-person visits are hard to manage, platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace connect you with licensed counselors by video, phone, or messaging. Some accept insurance; many offer sliding scales.
Explore BetterHelpSupport groups for targeted parents
Sometimes the most healing conversation is with someone who's lived it. The Parental Alienation Study Group and local Facebook communities can connect you with peers who truly understand.
Visit PASGThere's a whole world of parents fighting the same fight.
Isolation is one of the hardest parts of alienation. These communities — online and in person — remind you that you are not crazy, you are not alone, and your love for your child still matters.
Our Skool community
Private message board, weekly Zoom calls, and member-only resources for Massachusetts parents. This is where Court Watch lives day to day.
Join on Skool ↗Parental Alienation Awareness
A national nonprofit offering education, events, and a network of parents and professionals working to raise awareness.
Learn more ↗Mothers of Lost Children
A support network for mothers separated from their children through family court failures, alienation, or unjust custody decisions.
Find support ↗Take care of yourself, too.
You can't pour from an empty cup. While you're fighting for your family, please remember to eat, sleep, move your body, and let people in. Here are small things that help:
Move your body — even a 10-minute walk can clear your head.
Write it down. Journaling helps process anger and grief without carrying it alone.
Talk to someone. A friend, a therapist, a support group — connection is medicine.
Set boundaries. You don't owe anyone explanations about your custody case.
Celebrate small wins. A returned text. A smile in a photo. These moments matter.
Remember: your child loves you, even when they can't show it right now.
A gentle note: The Massachusetts Court Watch is a grassroots community, not a law firm or licensed mental health provider. The resources listed here are for information and support only. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. We care about you. Please take care of yourself.
Still looking for something specific?
We're building this list together. If you know of a counselor, support group, or resource that's helped you, we'd love to add it. Your experience could be the light someone else needs.
Suggest a resourceStand with us.
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