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What Is CBHI and How Does It Help Massachusetts Families?
If your child is struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, navigating the mental health system in Massachusetts can feel overwhelming. The Children's Behavioral Health Initiative, known as CBHI, was created to make it easier for families to access the right level of support without having to figure it all out on their own.
MassHealth Funded
No referral needed
Insurance accepted
Northeast Family Services has been providing Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) services to Massachusetts families for more than two decades. We want you to understand exactly what this program offers, who it is designed for, and how your family can get connected to the right support.
What CBHI Actually Is
CBHI is a Massachusetts state initiative that expanded access to community-based mental health services for children and adolescents enrolled in MassHealth. The program was designed to keep children at home and in their communities rather than placing them in higher levels of care whenever possible.
The services covered under CBHI range from in-home therapy and behavioral support to therapeutic mentoring and intensive care coordination. Each service is matched to where a child is in their mental health journey, which means families get support that fits their actual situation rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.
You can learn more about the program directly from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
- Who Qualifies for CBHI Services
To access CBHI services, a child must be under 21 years old and enrolled in MassHealth. A provider or care coordinator will conduct an assessment to determine which services are the right fit based on the child's needs and the family's circumstances.
Children do not need a formal diagnosis to begin the process. If your child is showing signs of emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges, that is reason enough to reach out and start the conversation. Many families come to Northeast Family Services unsure of where to begin, and our team is used to helping people take that first step.
What Services Are Available Through CBHI
The services available under CBHI are designed to meet families where they are. At Northeast Family Services, we provide home- and community-based therapy as part of the CBHI framework, which means a therapist comes to your home or meets your child in a community setting rather than requiring you to travel to an office.
This approach works particularly well for children who struggle with transitions, families with transportation challenges, or situations where observing a child in their natural environment leads to better insight and faster progress.
Other services available through the program include therapy in your home, in-home behavioral therapy, and therapeutic mentoring. The combination of services a child receives is based on their individual assessment, not a fixed package.
How Northeast Family Services Fits In
Northeast Family Services is a MassHealth-enrolled provider with locations across the state, including Dorchester, Worcester, North Andover, Fall River, and West Springfield. Our therapists are experienced in working with children and families through the CBHI system and can guide you through every part of the process.
We know that starting the conversation about your child's mental health is not always easy. Our team is here to answer your questions, help you understand what your child qualifies for, and connect you with the right provider from the start.
How to Get Started
Getting started with CBHI through Northeast Family Services is straightforward. You do not need a referral from a doctor to reach out, though many families do come to us through their child's pediatrician or school counselor.
Once you contact us, a member of our team will walk you through the eligibility process, explain the services that may be available to your family, and match your child with a therapist who has experience with their specific needs.
Your child deserves support that actually fits your family's life. If you think CBHI might be the right path forward, reach out to our team today and we will help you figure out the next step.
Ready to get started?
No referral needed. We'll match you with the right therapist.
Why Northeast Family Services?
- Founded 2003
- Hundreds of providers
- CARF accredited
- Serving 4 states
Ready to get started?
Fill out our the request form and we will take it from there.