Needham Youth & Family Services


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Needham Youth & Family Services operates as a mental health resource by providing professional and confidential clinical and programmatic services to Needham's youth and their families. We provide support, information, and guidance on a myriad of issues relating to family, social life, peer interactions, stress, substance use, bereavement, pandemic-related challenges and other youth-related concerns. Read more about our clinical services here.


Register for all programs, events and workshops at www.needhamprograms.com 


We've switched to a new registration platform on MyRec (www.needhamprograms.com) which lists all of the available programs, workshops, and events from Youth & Family Services! Register directly on MyRec and keep up to date with everything that we have going on by clicking Programs on the home page and scrolling to find 'Youth & Family Services Programs'.

Follow us for updates on Facebook at Town of Needham Youth & Family Services and on Instagram @needhamyouthservices!


Upcoming Events: Peer Tutor, Youth Mental Health First Aid,

Candid Conversations for 4th and 5th Grade


Peer Tutor Program

Elementary and middle school students in grades 3-8 and high school students in grades 10-12 can apply to become a tutor and tutee pair, meeting once weekly for academic support at the Needham Public Library from October to March. Tutors will be matched with one tutee and receive community service credit for their participation. Tutors must register in order to be eligible for the application and interview process. Spots are limited for both tutors and tutees.

To read more about the new structure of the program and to register, please click here.

Peer Tutor (1)


Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid (yMHFA) is an interactive course that teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents and teens aged 12-18. Participants will learn common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, how to interact with those in crisis, and how to connect youth to help. There is also expanded content on trauma, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying. Teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth leaders, and anyone who works directly with youth should absolutely take advantage of this opportunity.

To register for free and see dates/times, please click here.

yMHFA sign up draft 2


Candid Conversations for 4th and 5th Graders

Candid Conversations is a free group for 4th and 5th graders to come together and focus on social skill-building and developing self-awareness with friends in a fun, relaxing environment. We'll play interactive games and make new connections. Group meets once weekly on Thursdays from 4:00-5:00pm for a total of six sessions starting September 28th until November 2nd. 

To register for Candid Conversations, please click here.

Candid Convo Sept-Oct 2023


Helpful Information:

Riverside Emergency Services are available by calling 1-800-529-5077. Riverside's locally based emergency services are available 24/7 to help individuals in a mental health crisis and/or with an urgent substance use concern. Riverside's services are an alternative to a hospital emergency room visit.

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line is available by calling or texting 1-833-773-2445. MA BHHL is a 24/7 clinical hotline staffed by trained behavioral health providers and peer coaches who offer clinical assessment, treatment referrals, and crisis triage services. When appropriate, Help Line staff directly connect callers with their nearest Community Based Health Center and perform a warm hand off. The Help Line is available in more than 200 languages, 24/7, 365 days a year. Visit masshelpline.com for more info.

MetroWest Care Connection is your hub for health and social services. They can connect you with mental health and substance use services, primary care doctors, and social services such as housing and food. You can speak with a Care Navigator to help connect you to services by calling 1-844-528-6800 or you can use their online tool to search for a wide range of supports  https://www.mwcareconnection.info/


Contact & Social Media Information

Residential Employment Information

Youth can sign up to be hired by Needham residents for various jobs including lawn care, snow removal, and odd jobs. *Please note: Youth, along with their parent/guardian, must fill out the form(s) linked below and email needhamyouth@needhamma.gov to receive a Participant Waiver and Release Form to be signed prior to being hired.

Youth Residential Employment sign-up: 

NEW Work Permit Process for Business Employment:
To apply for and obtain a work permit for business employment, families are directed to visit NHS Web Resources for Jobs page for information, instructions, and links to forms. 

All work permit requests are to be submitted via email to: workpermits@needham.k12.ma.us