EASTON — Superintendent Lisha Cabral and Town Administrator Connor Read are pleased to announce that the Easton Public Schools and Town of Easton have partnered with William James College to bring INTERFACE, a free outpatient mental health referral service program, to students in the district and all Easton residents.
INTERFACE Referral Service is a free and confidential mental health resource and referral Helpline administered by William James College in Newton. The program helps provide avenues for individuals to access outpatient mental health providers by breaking down the “silos” that exist between various agencies, mental health providers and systems, often hindering access to mental health and wellness services.
“Navigating the process of getting help when help is needed can be a daunting and discouraging undertaking,” said Easton Director of Health and Community Services Kristin Kennedy. “We are so pleased to be able to offer this resource that helps people navigate the process of finding help and supports them each step of the way in their efforts to improve their or their loved one’s mental health.”
Helpline callers will work with a Resource and Referral Counselor. Callers will complete a confidential intake conversation, and the counselor will provide matches to services and providers that meet the caller’s concerns. Referral matches are based on specialty need, availability, insurance or cost, and location. This matching process can take up to three weeks.
Once a provider match has been identified, the counselor will share the provider’s information. They will also provide links to guides that may be helpful in the process of seeking services. Once residents are provided a matched referral, counselors will follow up within one to two weeks to check on the status of the referral. Residents may call the Helpline as often as needed to find a provider that meets their needs or for additional support. Click here to learn more about what to expect when you call.
“As a clinician, I see firsthand the challenges and barriers that seeking out therapy can bring. This service will alleviate the stress in picking up the phone to take the first step to access treatment and resources in a timely manner,” said Stephanie Cantave, Town of Easton Community Mental Health Liaison. “I’m thrilled this service is available to our residents and am happy to be part of the movement to de-stigmatize mental health and enhance wellness.”
The partnership launched for the Town of Easton on July 1, and residents are now able to access the Helpline. With the initiative in place, school staff, town personnel, or first responders can provide the INTERFACE contact information to residents or parents/guardians, who can then receive a timely referral for counseling or mental health services. The school district will officially launch the service with all staff and begin referring families when school opens in September.
“INTERFACE provides our students and families with a wealth of resources for all ages and concerns,” Superintendent Cabral said. “This new service will be an extraordinary benefit for our students and families, and will ease the burden of trying to find resources when in need.”
Added Easton Public Schools Director of Special Services Craig Davidson, “The partnership between the Town of Easton and William James College will provide our community with support in breaking down the ever-growing barriers of finding available mental health services for our children.”
Any Easton resident may contact the Helpline and does not have to be referred to access the service. The Helpline operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
To reach the Helpline, call 888-244-6843.
Importantly, the Helpline is not a hotline, nor an emergency service. If you or the person you are seeking to assist requires immediate confidential support and crisis counseling, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7. If you believe you or the person you are seeking to assist is in immediate physical danger and requires a crisis response to meet immediate safety needs, call 911, go to your local emergency room, or contact the local Emergency Service Program at 508-580-0801.
To learn more about the William James INTERFACE Referral Service, click here.
