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Support for Massachusetts Families in Your Home and Community
If your child is covered by MassHealth and is experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges, there is a program designed to help, right in your home and community. Northeast Family Services delivers Children's Behavioral Health Initiative services across Massachusetts.
- Available in Massachusetts.
MassHealth Funded
No referral needed
Insurance accepted
Why Children's Behavioral Health Initiative?
When a child is struggling, getting them the right support should not be complicated. The Children's Behavioral Health Initiative, known as Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI), is a MassHealth-funded program that brings mental health and behavioral services directly to children and families in Massachusetts. Instead of asking families to navigate waiting rooms and office schedules, Northeast Family Services brings specific treatment by skilled team members to you.
Northeast Family Services has more than 20 years of experience providing Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) services. Our providers and paraprofessionals work with children, teens, and families in the home and community, creating personalized support plans and involving the whole family to foster meaningful, lasting change.
If you are not sure whether your child qualifies or where to start, that is exactly what our team is here for. You do not need to understand the system before you reach out.
- What Is Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI)?
The Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) is a state-funded program administered through MassHealth. It was created to ensure that children and adolescents in Massachusetts who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges can access the services they need, regardless of whether they can get to a traditional office setting.
CBHI services are home- and community-based, meaning providers come to your family rather than the other way around. Services are covered for children enrolled in MassHealth who meet eligibility criteria. A referral or screening is typically required to get started, and our team can walk you through that process.
Services Available Through Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI)
Northeast Family Services provides three core Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) services in Massachusetts:
A therapist comes to your home to provide individual or family counseling. Ideal for children and families who benefit from support in a familiar environment. In-home therapy is especially helpful when transportation is a barrier or when a child struggles to engage in a traditional office setting.
A hands-on behavioral approach delivered in the home by a trained specialist. Focused on identifying and addressing specific challenging behaviors, and coaching parents and caregivers on strategies they can use every day. Different from in-home therapy, which is a clinical mental health service.
One-on-one mentoring for children and teens delivered in community settings. A trained therapeutic mentor works alongside your child to build coping skills, navigate social situations, and develop confidence in real-world environments. Often delivered alongside therapy as part of a broader CBHI plan.
Many families receive more than one of these services as part of a coordinated Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) plan. Our team will help you understand what your child may qualify for and how the services work together.
Who Qualifies for Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI)?
Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) is available to children and adolescents in Massachusetts who are covered by MassHealth and are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. Eligibility is based on your child's clinical needs and MassHealth enrollment status.
In-home services are a good fit for families where transportation is a barrier, children who struggle to engage in traditional office-based settings, households where a parent or caregiver needs direct support alongside their child, and children whose behavioral or emotional challenges are affecting home life, school, or community participation.
Not sure if your child qualifies? Fill out our form, and our team will walk you through the eligibility process at no cost and with no commitment.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) through Northeast Family Services is straightforward. Fill out our Massachusetts request form, and tell us a little about your child and your family. Our team will reach out to walk you through eligibility, MassHealth verification, and what to expect from the services.
You do not need to know which specific service your child needs before you contact us. That is what our team is for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) stand for?
Children's Behavioral Health Initiative. It is a MassHealth-funded program in Massachusetts that provides home- and community-based mental health and behavioral services to children and families who qualify.
Does my child need a diagnosis to receive Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) services?
Eligibility is based on your child's mental health and behavioral needs and their MassHealth coverage. A formal diagnosis is not always required to begin the intake process. Our team can help you understand what is needed.
What Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) services do you provide?
Northeast Family Services provides three Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) services in Massachusetts: Therapy in Your Home, In-Home Behavioral Therapy, and Therapeutic Mentoring. Many families receive more than one service as part of a coordinated plan.
Can my child receive more than one Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) service at a time?
Yes. Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) is designed to provide coordinated, wraparound support. Children often receive a combination of therapy, behavioral intervention, and therapeutic mentoring as part of a single plan.
How is Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) different from regular outpatient therapy?
Outpatient therapy takes place in a clinical office. Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) services are delivered in your home and community. They are designed for families who need more flexible, accessible support and for children who benefit from being seen in their natural environment.
How long does it take to get started?
Timeline varies depending on eligibility verification and MassHealth authorization. Our intake team will keep you informed throughout the process and work to get your family connected to services as quickly as possible.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
You do not need to have a referral in hand before contacting us. Fill out our form, and our team will guide you through any steps required for your child's specific situation.
Ready to get started?
No referral needed. We'll match you with the right therapist.
State Availability
- Massachusetts
Insurance Accepted
CBHI services through Northeast Family Services are funded by MassHealth for eligible children and families in Massachusetts. There is no cost to families who qualify.
Our team can help you verify your child's eligibility before your first appointment.
Why Northeast Family Services?
- Founded 2003
- Hundreds of providers
- CARF accredited
- Serving 4 states
Ready to find out if your child qualifies for CBHI services through Northeast Family Services?
Fill out our Massachusetts request form and we will take it from there.