DMH

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. DMH sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers and communities.

Did you miss our April 28th, 2021 remote Transition Fair? Good news: we’ve recorded DMH’s Canton Office presentation about adult services for you!

Click on the presentation image to view the slides that Brian Sullivan presented about children’s services AND the slides that describe DMH adult services. You can also click her image below to watch Cara Millette describe DDS adult services for those who are eligible. The DMH Young Adult Resource Guide for the Canton Office provides so many great resources, such as transportation, Social Security, LGBTQ supports, etc. Check it out below!

Contact Information

DMH Clinical Service Authorization Unit:
Central MA Area Office
361 Plantation Street

Worcester, MA  01605
Phone: 774-420-3140
Fax: 774-420-3166DMH Information and Referral Line:
1-800-221-0053 (Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM)
DMH website

All 3 of our King Philip towns fall within the Central DMH Area, with the local office in Canton. They have compiled this DMH Young Adult Community Resource Guide identifying those services and supports that may be helpful throughout a young adult’s journey so that they may achieve their goals of recovery and become successful, independent adults who live and thrive in the community.

Who is Eligible?

Individuals eligible for DMH:

  • must have one substantiated of several qualifying diagnoses
  • daily functioning must be directly impacted by substantiated qualifying diagnoses
  • must have a demonstrated need for a DMH service
  • the needed service is unavailable through other means
  • DMH must have the availability capacity in the needed service

Qualifying diagnoses include:

  • Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
  • Mood Disorders
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Disassociative Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Borderline Personality Disorder

**Not all disturbances of mood, affect, and behavior are qualifying diagnoses.

Support Services

DMH funded community services for adults include: Community Based Flexible Supports (CBFS) (which can include residential services); Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT); Clubhouses; DMH Case Management Services; Respite Care; Recovery Learning Communities; and Homeless Support Services. Of these, transition age youth can access CBFS, PACT teams, and clubhouse services.​

How to Apply

KP typically makes this referral for you through the Chapter 688 referral process {Link to 688 info}. Please talk to your student’s liaison, the Out-of District Coordinator, or the Transition Coordinator if you are unsure about whether or not the referral process has been initiated.

Please keep in mind that the chance for the Clinical Service Authorization process to be expedited will depend on the upfront availability of clinical records and the ability of the Clinical Service Authorization Specialist (CSAS) to locate and communicate with the applicant after the application has been submitted, particularly prior to hospital or other placement discharge. The role of the referral source is key to ensure timely assistance of both.

It is never too late to apply for DMH services. If, after high school, you would like to apply for DMH services:

  • Complete a DMH application, which can be downloaded here.
  • Open and print the appropriate service application. There are applications for children and adults in multiple languages. DMH provides translation services, as needed.
  • Print several of the two-way release forms for all past and current providers (i.e. therapist, psychiatrist, hospitalizations, school contact, etc.).
  • Send the application to the address below

The Process:

  • “Request for Services” packet is submitted
  • Once a “Request for Services” packet is processed the Clinical Service Authorization Unit will notify the applicant
  • The CSAS may attempt to schedule a Face-to-Face interview
  • Supporting clinical records are gathered using releases
  • CSAS reviews to determine authorization
  • Decisions are made once sufficient information is received or within 90 days.

The Ideal Request for Services Packet Includes:

  • Sufficiently authorized service request (including Legal Guardianship Petition/Verification when appropriate)
  • Clearly documented current, intended, or last known address if homeless
  • Current attending psychiatrist’s/outpatient provider’s/clinical team diagnoses and clinical formulation
  • Current admission paperwork/psychosocial summary
  • Any/all psychological, competency, and neuropsychological evaluations
  • Medical summary including most recent physical
  • Substance abuse summary
  • Psychiatric hospital discharge summaries
  • Completed Authorization for Release of Information forms (ideally including all mental health service providers within the past two years)