Governor Healey’s Budget Cuts Create Mental Health Care Crisis

A worried parent looking through documents related to mental health resources.

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News Summary

Governor Maura Healey’s proposed budget for fiscal 2026 is raising alarms as it aims to cut over $80 million from essential mental health programs, threatening the future of lifesaving services like the Three Rivers program for children. Families relying on specialized care for their children are concerned about the impact of these cuts, which could reduce staffing and access to necessary resources amidst a growing mental health crisis in the state.

Governor Healey’s Budget Cuts Spark Mental Health Care Crisis

Governor Maura Healey’s latest fiscal 2026 budget proposal is stirring up quite a commotion, especially among mental health care professionals and local lawmakers. The heart of the matter lies in proposed cuts that would slice over $80 million from crucial mental health programs. Such dramatic reductions could significantly affect vulnerable families in the state, particularly concerning specialized care for children.

One of the biggest concerns revolves around the well-known Three Rivers program, a specialized facility that’s been serving children ages 6 to 12 for more than two decades. It operates from Belchertown and is considered a lifeline for many families who struggle with severe behavioral challenges. The proposed $15.3 million reduction in the budget for the Department of Mental Health could force this vital program to close its doors, impacting the futures of many young lives.

The Situation for Families

The case of a nine-year-old boy named Tay Molnar highlights the critical role of the Three Rivers program. Tay has been facing severe behavioral issues, but his family found solace in the services provided by this specialized program. His mother, Erin, describes it as the best option for keeping her child safe. Imagine being in a parent’s shoes—searching high and low for suitable care to help your child thrive. The anxiety and stress can be overwhelming, to say the least.

Currently, the Three Rivers facility has the capacity to house up to 12 children at any given time, all funded by the state’s Department of Mental Health. While a proposed 7% increase may seem promising, many in the mental health field argue that it’s simply not enough to meet the soaring demand for services. Rising costs and challenges in providing care mean that additional funding is desperately needed, not cuts.

The Bigger Picture

State officials point out that the budget won’t adequately cover increasing payroll costs or the need for service expansions. The cuts have potential ripple effects, potentially jeopardizing residential care programs for adolescents as well as community-based mental health services. Alarmingly, half of the case managers, who currently assist near 7,000 individuals statewide, may also lose their positions if the proposed cuts go through. These case managers are the backbone of mental health support, guiding families through an often convoluted mental health care system.

In just the past year, the Department of Mental Health served around 29,000 individuals, including 4,100 youth. But right now, there are reports of 50 children awaiting placement in hospitals due to a lack of available behavioral health provider beds, highlighting a profound crisis in access to care.

Concerns About Future Access

Yet, despite ongoing conversations about necessary cuts, advocates are rallying around the call for improved access to care, not less. As the system stands, practical obstacles such as high vacancy rates, workforce shortages, and a complex referral process only complicate access to mental health services. Families like the Molnars were unaware of resources like Three Rivers until it was nearly too late. There is a desperate need for clarity and outreach in order to help families find what they need in a timely fashion.