About

Behavioral Health Network, Inc. (BHN) is a nonprofit regional provider of comprehensive behavioral health services for adults, children, and families. Originating from the Child Guidance Clinic established in 1938, BHN has expanded its network over the decades to serve communities across Massachusetts.

BHN serves those with life challenges due to mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Across all programs, BHN offers support, guidance and tools that help individuals make positive changes and live fulfilling lives.


Today, BHN serves over 33,000 individuals annually at over 40 locations across Massachusetts and employs over 2,400 people. 

Mission

BHN’s mission is to help individuals, families and communities improve the quality of life for those with behavioral and developmental challenges.


All BHN programs offer support, guidance and tools that help individuals make positive, life-altering changes. Whether a person has intellectual or physical disabilities, struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, or is challenged by mental illness, BHN helps people develop more fulfilling lives. 


History

A series of mergers throughout the 20th century culminated in 1992 when four entities came together under the name Behavioral Health Network, Inc. These organizations were the Agawam Counseling Center (Est. 1971), the Child Guidance Clinic (Est. 1938), Community Care Mental Health Center (Est. 1968), and Hampden District Mental Health Clinic (Est. 1953). The Carson Center (including legacy Valley Human Services) merged with BHN in 2015, deepening BHN’s service offerings and expanding geographic reach from the Westfield catchment in the west to the Ware and Quaboag Hills region in the east. 


BHN’s addiction and recovery division experienced rapid growth, establishing services in Franklin County in 2016 and extending its reach to Suffolk County in 2021. In 2025, BHN further strengthened its services with the acquisition of five Medication Addiction Treatment (MAT) programs in the Greater Boston area. 


In 2025, BHN expanded community-based child and family services into Central Massachusetts as part of Together for Families; and statewide supporting families involved with the Department of Children and Families. BHN also significantly expanded its Autism support services, with new diagnostic assessments and the opening of two new Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) centers in Fall River and Springfield.


As new needs and service models evolve, BHN is continuously working to collaborate and innovate while at the same time sustaining programs that have a history of positive impact on our participants and the communities of Massachusetts.

Value Statement

Our values guide and motivate us—they bring meaning to our work, shape how we show up for one another, and provide a foundation for thoughtful, compassionate decision‑making. When shared across a community, values become a unifying framework that strengthens our collective impact.


At BHN, we serve with HEART. These core values shape how we serve and how we treat one another, and everyone at BHN is encouraged to carry them into all aspects of their work.

BHN HEART Values

What Do Our HEART Values stand for?


  • HUMANITY: We honor the intrinsic worth and dignity of every person and incorporate equity in our engagement.


  • EMPOWERMENT: We recognize each individual’s human right to make progress towards their life goals. We are proactive in removing barriers and working “with” and not “for.”


  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We take responsibility for our work and uphold BHN’s values through our behavior.


  • RESPECT: We create a stigma free environment where every voice is included, recognized, and valued.


  • TEAMWORK: We are stronger together—a diverse community growing and supporting one another to do our best.