Mental health is a continuing concern within our community for people of all ages. In 2023, 17.1% of Hampshire County youth reported engaging in deliberate self-harm, while 15.5% had seriously considered suicide. A survey from 2018 estimated that 35% of individuals in Northampton aged 65 and older experience depression, significantly worse compared to the state estimate of 31.5%. These statistics highlight the ongoing need to seek effective and equitable mental healthcare for all members of our community.
Admissions from Northampton are over twice the state average. Our 22-bed inpatient adult unit offers a safe, nurturing environment for intensive assessment and treatments including evidence-based small-group and peer-to-peer programs, as well as music therapy. In FY2024, the unit treated 559 patients, a 2% increase from FY2023 and a 12% increase from FY2022.
One common barrier to seeking help is mental health stigma. This refers to the stereotypes and negative perspectives that are perpetuated against people with mental health conditions. When someone adopts these negative beliefs against themself, sometimes called “self-stigma,” the result is typically isolation and distress over not knowing where to turn to with such difficult experiences. Sometimes it takes months or years for someone to reach out for help, and at that point the difficulties they are facing are often more complex and even harder to address. This has real impacts on the remainder of someone’s life.
We can all take steps to fight against mental health stigma in our community. These include:
- Being mindful of the way we talk about mental health to avoid perpetuating shame and bias.
- Reflecting on our own specific biases about different mental health and substance use-related conditions, so that we don’t unknowingly perpetuate stigma.
- Practicing empathy towards others regarding their mental health conditions.
- Engaging in open conversations with our friends, neighbors, and families about mental health, so that people feel it is okay to discuss their own issues without having to hide.
- Learning about local groups and social programs for building connection and community.
At Cooley Dickinson, we are committed to supporting mental health with compassion and excellence. Whether through our 22-bed inpatient unit or our revitalized Emergency Department, we are constantly enhancing our services and partnerships to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. We believe that true community health goes beyond physical care — it includes nurturing mental well-being, and we are proud to play a role in fostering that for our patients.
Mental Health Resources
If you are experiencing a behavioral health emergency, call 911. In Hampshire County, call 413-586-5555. Cooley Dickinson’s Emergency Department is open 24 Hours/Day, 365 Days/Year if you need immediate help.
- Massachusetts Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
- Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline
Call or text 833-773-2445 to chat - Clinical & Support Options (CSO)
Crisis services 24 hours/day, 365 days/year, therapy, and support services for youth, families and adults at locations in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Worcester counties
Call: 413-586-5555 - Center for Human Development
Mental health counseling and support services in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties
Call: 844-CHD-HELP - River Valley Counseling Center
Adult, child, and adolescent outpatient services in Hampden and Hampshire counties
Call: 413-540-1234 - ServiceNet
Counseling services for individuals, couples and families of all ages in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties
Call: 413-584-6855 - Psychology Today: Find a Therapist