NSCS is a leader in providing culturally and linguistically responsive behavioral services for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Our staff specializes in identifying and responding to the unique needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, including Children of Deaf Adults.
From clinical treatment to peer support, NSCS provides a fully accessible continuum of care across our Residential, Addictions, Outpatient/CBHC, and Psychiatry divisions. Services are delivered by staff fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and other methods of communication.
Our Services:
Addiction Services For Deaf Individuals
Recovery Coaching: Work one-on-one with a Deaf Recovery Coach who understands the unique needs of the Deaf community and build a recovery support network tailored to personal goals. Flexible, community-based services help individuals access resources and navigate recovery services with guidance from an experienced peer.
Residential Recovery Treatment: Meridian House and Hanton House residential treatment programs have staff trained in ASL and offer adaptive resources including videophone, bed shaker alarm clock and bed shaker fire alarms. The programs also offer self-help groups with a Deaf clinician via Zoom.
Group Therapy Services: NSCS offers a virtual co-occurring ASL group on Tuesdays from 2-3 p.m. with Deaf clinician Kyle Murphy. Interpreter services are available for outpatient appointments and groups, including Evening IOP and Conexions Day Treatment. Interpreter services are also available to promote interaction with peers and engage in programming.
ASL Individual Therapy: Available virtually or in-person at Freedom Trail Clinic in Boston. Our culturally competent, trauma-informed approach provides support for mental health, substance use, trauma, grief and life transitions.
Email referrals for D/HH Addictions Services to dhhsud@northsuffolk.org
Mental Health Services For Deaf Individuals
Outpatient Services: The Deaf Services Program at North Suffolk’s Freedom Trail Clinic in downtown Boston provides fully accessible psychiatric and counseling services for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH). Our staff specializes in identifying and responding to the unique needs of the D/HH community and those of Children of Deaf Adults. Our counselors can communicate in signed English, ASL, visual gestures as well as use of tactile sign. Interpreters are provided for clients meeting with Freedom Trail Clinic psychiatric providers. Priority access is given to community members in the Metro Boston area and the clinic is accessible via public transportation.
To access outpatient services, individuals and providers may contact Admissions at 866-781-NSCS (6727).
Adult Community Clinical Services: ACCS provides recovery services to adults diagnosed with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders who are referred by the Department of Mental Health (DMH). Services are provided in independent or provider-based housing and other community settings, including shelters.
North Suffolk’s ACCS Maverick 1 Team, located in East Boston, offers weekly oversight, clinical support, and rehabilitative services to Deaf/Hard of Hearing adults living independently in the community as well as D/HH clients living in NSCS group homes. This ACCS team features:
- Deaf and ASL-fluent Direct Care staff who are highly knowledgeable in Deaf culture, Deaf services, mental health recovery, and co-occurring disorders;
- A Deaf master-level Clinical Coordinator who provides clinical guidance and support planning;
- A Housing Specialist who assists individuals in preparing for and transitioning to independent living;
- A Registered Nurse who provides ongoing health and wellness support;
- Peer Specialists who are Deaf or ASL-fluent professionals with lived experience in recovery. They provide culturally accessible, hope-based, strengths-focused support that promotes empowerment, confidence, and self-advocacy.
Residential Services for Deaf Individuals
Bay House: For more than four decades, NSCS has operated Bay House in Revere, a DMH-supported group home for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH). Bay House offers a structured, recovery-focused environment for Deaf adults of all genders with mental health and/or co-occurring substance use needs. This single-family home features five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fireplace, and is situated in a safe, quiet, commuter-friendly neighborhood. Bay House helps residents strengthen independent living skills, build coping strategies, and work toward transitioning into their own housing. Other features include:
- An ASL-accessible, culturally affirming environment;
- Daily rehabilitative structure and support;
- Life-skills development and community integration;
- Coordination with outpatient providers and recovery resources;
- A focus on supporting residents toward increasing independence.
All referrals come through the Department of Mental Health (DMH). Bay House works closely with North Suffolk’s ACCS Maverick 1 Team in East Boston, which offers weekly oversight, clinical support, and rehabilitative services to Bay House residents and Deaf adults living independently in the community.
Groups and Community Engagement for Deaf Individuals
Bay House residents and Deaf community members served by NSCS ACCS teams are invited to participate in ongoing groups and community engagement activities that support connection, independence, and routine building. Current groups include a monthly bowling group and a monthly cooking group. Other groups have focused on wellness, social interaction, and skill-building.
