Behavioral & Mental Health Resources

Behavioral Health: Different phases of life bring different stressors, and we hope you will find refuge in one of these resources below. Remember that PDPA, the Faculty/Staff Assistance Office, and the Office of the Ombuds are available to help if you aren’t sure where to go. These resources are available to all postdocs regardless of employee status:

Depression, Anxiety, Suicide

Substance Abuse

Postpartum Depression/Family Stress

Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence

LGBTQ Violence

Food Access: Depending on your living or family situation, you might find it challenging to make ends meet. You should know that there are options to help you access food –

  • The Project Bread Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 helps callers find food resources near them and determine eligibility for and complete SNAP applications. They can provide information in 160 different languages.
  • The SNAP program helps individuals and families stretch their food dollars. Learn if you are eligible for SNAP and how you can apply at MA SNAP Resource Website. You can stretch your food stamps funds even further at farmers markets- click here to learn more about the Bounty Bucks program.
  • The WIC program provides access to food, education, and other resources for families who qualify. Learn if you qualify and how to find a nearby clinic by visiting the MA Gov WIC Resource Website or calling 1-800- WIC-1007.
  • The National Hunger Hotline (1-866-3 HUNGRY or 1-866-348-6479) can help you find emergency food assistance, food pantries, and more. The Greater Boston Food Bank,  and BMC (for patients) offer great tools to help you find pantries, community meals, and other food resources in your area.
  • HR offers the DASH for Health Nutrition Program, which is designed by physicians at BU and BMC. It’s an online nutrition and weight-loss program that is free for all BU employees.

Parenting & Other Support for Families: Postdocs at BU come from all walks of life. There are resources available to help you support your children or other family members.

  • New mothers may benefit from HR’s list of lactation rooms on the Charles River and Medical Campuses. Massachusetts Family Resource Centers offer multi-cultural parenting programs, support groups, early childhood services, information and referral resources, and education for families whose children range in age from birth to 18 years of age.
  • Speak with your school system about a Summer Meals program for children and to learn about Free or Reduced Price School Meals for school-aged children. Senior citizens need support too – resources such SNAP, home delivery, and other support exist as well.
  • The BU Faculty Staff Assistance Office offers workshops to balance home life, including one for new parents. Their website has a number of resources specifically tailored to parenting.
  • Childcare: In addition to the following resources, you may also find care.com to be useful. At CRC: BU Children’s Center accommodates children of BU students, faculty and staff. Children may attend the center if they are between the ages of two and five years old. Admission is based on the number of spaces available each year. At BUMC: Little Sprouts is an early-education and child care school on the ground floor of the Medical Students Residence at 815 Albany Street.