Parent’s FAQ

What can Wayside do for me?

Wayside Youth & Family provides a wide variety of services ranging from our 24-hour residential programs to in-home therapy and family support. Our Community Services provide a wide variety of mental health counseling, family support, skill-building, mentoring, and care coordination services that promote the resiliency and health of children, adolescents, and their families. Wayside’s Residential Programs provides a range of short and long-term treatment programs for adolescents who require a structured day program or a 24-hour a day group home setting.

How do I find a therapist?

Wayside operates counseling centers in Framingham, Milford, Waltham, Watertown and Arlington.

Where can I find specialized therapists/therapy (DBT, CBT, etc.)?

Call your insurance company for a list of certified therapists in your area or visit psychologytoday.com

How can I get help for services at school (I.e. IEP help.)?

We recommend checking out the Federation of Children with Special Needs and Spanmass.org to find an educational advocate.

Where can I find other parents who are going through what I’m going through?

Wayside’s Parent Partnership Program offers guidance, resources, and direct support to parents, guardians, and caregivers of children/adolescents who may experience social, emotional, behavioral, learning differences or mental health challenges. Regular Support groups for parents are held in Milford and Framingham.

How can I find housing for my transition age youth (17-25)?

Our Tempo program addresses the urgent need for services for youth at the critical point of transition into adulthood. The Tempo Young Adult Resource Center houses multiple supports and services for young adults (ages 17 – 24) in an easily accessible downtown location.

How do/can I access DMH services?

The best source for information on DMH services is the State’s website.

https://www.mass.gov

Are you going to be able to come to me (in my town)?

Wayside’s two Family Based Services programs are FamilyWorks- which covers the MetroWest, Blackstone Valley and Worcester areas and has offices in Framingham and Milford, and HomeBase- which covers Greater Boston and the Northeast areas and has offices in Waltham and Malden.

What is DMH, DBT etc.?

Click here for a list of common acronyms and what they mean.

Do you offer parenting classes (DCF mandated, young parent)?

A 6-week workshop designed to enhance practical parenting skills for parents of children ages 3-11 are held evenings 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Milford and Framingham. Call (508) 478-6888, ext. 168 or e-mail Denise_barry@waysideyouth.org to register or for more information.

What do I do in an emergency? / What is a mental health emergency?

A situation in which the person puts him/herself or others at risk should be approached in a calm and neutral manner. The local emergency service provider should be contacted and a Mobile Crisis Intervention Team may be dispatched to help.