Please note that the William James INTERFACE Referral Service will be operating on a limited schedule to allow our staff to enjoy the holidays. The INTERFACE Referral Service will be open with limited staffing on Monday, 12/23/24, Friday, 12/27/24, and on Monday, 12/30/24. All calls will be returned during these times.

The INTERFACE Referral Service will re-open for our typical hours on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

We at the William James College INTERFACE Referral Service are keenly aware of the shortage of mental health providers of color and how racial inequities exist in medical and mental health care. The College’s Black Mental Health Academy, Center for Multicultural and Global Mental Health, and other programs and academic offerings are playing a critical role in reversing this trend. We invite you to read a statement from our Black Mental Health Graduate Academy Scholars, and to stand with us as allies to drive change and address systemic racism.

Ayer-Shirley

Mental Health Topics

The Ayer-Shirley region is home for many clubs, organizations and activities for youth and families. Visit the Ayer Recreation Department and the Shirley Recreation Commission to access information regarding various activities for children and youth.

Community Resources

Schools

General Resources

Ayer Recreation Department
Ayer Council on Aging
Shirley Council on Aging
Ayer Library
Shirley Library
YWCA of Central Massachusetts
Bullying prevention info
Family Partnerships
Shirley Charitable Foundation
Emergency Service Provider (ESP) (For Both Towns): Community Health Link, Inc. 800-977-5555
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
Ayer Veteran Services
Shirley Veteran Services

HELPLINE

888-244-6843 (toll free); 617-332-3666 (local)
Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am – 5pm
Tues, Thurs, 8am – 6pm
What to Expect When You Call

Recent News

Moving in Childhood Contributes to Depression, Study Finds, by Ellen Barry, The New York Times, Jul 17 2024.
New Study Shows Which Antidepressants May Cause the Most Weight Gain, by Christina Caron, The New York Times, Jul 1 2024.
The Youngest Pandemic Children Are Now in School, and Struggling, by Claire Cain Miller and Sarah Mervosh, The New York Times, Jul 1 2024.

Massachusetts is leading the way in assessment and early identification of mental health concerns in children. Pediatricians are seeing a significant increase in visits for primary mental health needs, and William James INTERFACE is supporting families in making early connections as research has shown that early intervention leads to better outcomes.