September 19, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – The Hampden County Addiction Taskforce (HCAT) hosted its latest meeting on Wednesday, September 10 to spotlight community resources supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder and behavioral health challenges. Guest speakers from Compass Recovery and Behavioral Health Network (BHN) provided in-depth presentations on available treatment, crisis stabilization, and outreach services.

Compass Recovery: Outpatient Addiction Treatment in Western Massachusetts

Representatives from Compass Recovery, including Chief Operating Officer Dino Bedinelli, Clinical Directors Michelle Maclagan and Chris Maschino, and Community Outreach Specialist Michela Snape, introduced the organization’s mission and programs.

Compass Recovery operates outpatient treatment centers in Feeding Hills (975A Springfield St.), Hatfield (65D Elm St.), and West Springfield (117 Park Ave.), licensed by the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). Rooted in accountability, empathy, compassion, and connection, the centers offer structured 11-week programs blending evidence-based therapies with holistic approaches such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.

Programs include Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and Outpatient (OP) treatment, with flexible scheduling to support clients’ daily lives. Compass Recovery accepts most major insurance providers and all MassHealth plans at its West Springfield site. Admissions can often be completed within 24-48 hours, allowing clients to begin treatment the same day.

To reach Compass Recovery, call 844-844-2988 or go to compassrecoverytreatment.com.

Behavioral Health Network: Community Behavioral Health Centers and Crisis Support

Amanda Rivera, Hospital Liaison for BHN, outlined the role of Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) and the MCI Support Program in connecting individuals to urgent, emergent, and routine mental health care.

Through Access Centers in Springfield (417 Liberty St.) and Westfield (77 Mill St.), BHN provides urgent outpatient services, crisis stabilization, and referrals. The model integrates mobile crisis teams, comprehensive assessments, and short-term therapy (8-10 sessions), ensuring timely care and linkage to long-term supports.

Rivera emphasized the distinction between crisis intervention and the MCI Support Program, which helps stabilize individuals in pre- or post-crisis stages through supportive phone contact, therapy, and resource coordination.

Continued Commitment

HCAT’s mission is to convene partners from across Hampden County to address substance use and behavioral health challenges through collaboration, education, and prevention.

“Every time HCAT meets, we see the depth of commitment that local providers bring to the table,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “It’s not about isolated programs. It’s about weaving together a safety net so people struggling with addiction or mental health challenges know there’s a place to turn, right here in their community.”

For more information about HCAT or to get involved, contact HCAT Co-Coordinator Halie Matthews at halie.matthews@mass.gov.