By
Eileen Weber
June 1st, 2025
Lydia Todd is executive director of NFI Massachusetts, one of the organizations that operates two of the facilities.
Massachusetts, like so many other states, is struggling with a behavioral health crisis. A staff shortage, lack of psychiatric beds, and emergency room boarding are among its issues.
Then, in January, Governor Maura Healey’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget slashed funding, notably approximately $20 million in mental healthcare for children and adolescents. Backlash ensured, including about proposed cuts to three facilities that care for these age groups.
The cuts would see two 15-bed residential treatment programs for adolescents in the Westborough area shut down. Also shuttered would be a clinically intensive residential treatment program in Belchertown that aids children ages six to 12.
State officials cited low patient counts and inadequate ...
