Resources for Families

BU/BMC Memory & Aging Clinic

The BU/BMC MAC specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of various thinking and memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and other forms of dementia. As part of this multidisciplinary clinic, comprehensive neurological and neuropsychological diagnostic evaluations are performed to provide timely and accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. Ongoing monitoring and care are provided based on the individual needs of each patient. The MAC is an affiliate of the BU ADRC and BU Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center. The MAC closely integrates patient care and research, providing patients and family members with the opportunity to participate in an array of research studies. 

Concussion Legacy Foundation HelpLine

The CLF HelpLine provides personalized support to those struggling with the outcomes of brain injury, as well as their families. If you or a loved one have suffered a recent traumatic brain injury, are struggling with lingering symptoms, or are concerned about CTE, we recommend that you fill out their online form. In addition, for more information on physicians in your area who work with those suffering from brain trauma, please use the Concussion Clinics search tool, and for various support groups, please visit their page.

Brain Injury Association of America

The Brain Injury Association of America has a resource database full of helpful articles with topics ranging from caregiving, to lifestyle changes, to new research on TBI recovery. Many states also have local chapters that host events for survivors and families, conferences, and provide individualized case management services. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‘HEADS UP’ Campaign

HEADS UP is a brain injury awareness campaign that provides videos, concussion training courses for parents and coaches, and other educational materials. 

Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies

The Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies has a database to find a certified cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT) in your area. 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 or 1-800-273-TALK[8255])

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. They’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. You can call either 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

NFL Life Line (800-506-0078)

Individuals in the NFL community can simply call 800-506-0078 or chat online to be connected with a counselor. These caring professionals are trained to understand the specific issues that may arise during or after a professional career in football, as well as a variety of general problems that can affect anyone. No confidential information about individual calls or callers is shared with the NFL, teams, or any other organization. The NFL Life Line is managed by a team of leading experts in crisis counseling and health communications: The Jed Foundation, and the Education Development Center. Other contributing collaborators are the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

Alzheimer’s Association Helpline (800-272-3900)

The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline is available around the clock, 365 days a year to help people living with Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia. Call 800-272-3900 to:

1. Speak confidentially with master’s-level care consultants for decision-making support, crisis assistance, and education on issues families face every day.
2. Learn about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
3. Find out about local programs and services.
4. Get general information about legal, financial and care decisions, as well as the Alzheimer’s Association treatment options.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP[4357])

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. They also have an online treatment locator that can help you find a treatment center in your area. If you aren’t insured, they can also refer you to state-funded treatment programs free of charge. Call 1-800-662-HELP(4357) for more information.

National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine (1-800-950-NAMI[6264])

The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. This helpline is open from 10am-10pm, Monday through Friday. You can call or chat with them by calling 1-800-950-NAMI(6264) or texting 62640 to make contact. 

The Veterans Crisis Line (988 ext. 1 or 1-800-273-TALK[8255] ext. 1)

The Veterans Crisis Line serves Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. They connect callers with people qualified to support veterans 24/7, 365 days a year. Dial 988 and press 1 to make contact.

Mac Parkman Foundation

The Mac Parkman Foundation for Adolescent Concussive Trauma was created to honor Mac Parkman who took his life after struggling with mental illness because of extensive exposure to concussive and subconcussive trauma from sports activities. The Mac Parkman Foundation serves to provide a centralized community of trust for parents, coaches, athletic trainers, and athletes to learn about the risks of subconcussive and concussive related trauma for youth.

Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation

The Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation honors Patrick Risha who was diagnosed with CTE after taking his own life. Patrick played football for many years and the foundation aims to provide information to parents about head trauma and the dangers of sports.

Dave Duerson Athletic Safety Fund, Inc.

David Duerson is a two-time Super Bowl Champion who played in the NFL for 11 years and was diagnosed with CTE after taking his own life. The Dave Duerson Athletic Safety Fund was started by his brother, Michael Timothy Duerson, to educate students on concussion awareness and detection and to provide neurocognitive testing.

PINK Concussions

PINK Concussions aims to provide “pre-injury education and post-injury medical care” for women and girls suffering from brain injuries. The organization aims to implement gender-specific methods of identifying, treating, and supporting women and girls with brain injuries.

CTE Talk Podcast

The CTE Talk Podcast aims to shed light on and raise awareness of CTE. It is hosted by Trisha Bell (whose husband is a former NFL player) and Georgia Young (a PhD student studying the experiences of CTE patients and caregivers). The CTE Prevention Protocol, created in collaboration with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, is an evidence-based set of recommendations for preventing CTE in contact sports. The CTE Prevention Protocol, created in collaboration with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, is an evidence-based set of recommendations for preventing CTE in contact sports.

RehabSpot is a network of rehabilitation providers for anyone struggling with addiction including but not limited to alcohol, opiates, and stimulants. They can connect you with a care provider, help you find support, and help finance these services. To learn more go to www.rehabspot.com or click on the button below.

RetireGuide is a health and wealth website dedicated to providing accurate information and research on a variety of retirement topics. Medicare covers several services related to Alzheimer’s disease and RetireGuide has published an easy-to-understand guide about Medicare and Alzheimer’s disease. This free resource provides information about typical coverage throughout each stage of the disease.

 NIH Infographic

The infographic linked below was created by the National Institutes of Health to help describe and specify the steps of  Advanced Care Planning. Advanced care planning can taker place at any age and allows individuals to prepare for the possible need for long-term care. View the infographic below or visit www.nia.nih.gov/acp

Northern Illinois Recovery Center is a treatment facility for individuals suffering from drug or alcohol addiction in Chicago and surrounding counties. The center helps individuals at any stage from detox to recovery and offers various types of therapy treatment options, hospitalization and outpatient programs, an aftercare program, and family therapy programs for loved ones. Please reach out to Outreach Specialist Alexa Montgomery at alexa@thedigitalintellect.com for more information.

Crestview Recovery in Portland, OR, offers diverse addiction treatment programs, including residential and outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. They specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, addressing co-occurring mental health disorders.

DisabilityGuidance.org is a website that helps individuals learn more about their disability and provides resources to help obtain their disability benefits.

The Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP) from Mass.gov provides services to eligible people with external traumatic brain injuries, including skills training, adult companions, residential services, shared living, and brain injury community centers.

Alcohol Rehab Guide is an informational web source dedicated to supporting and helping anyone battling alcoholism or co-occurring behavioral and mental health disorders.

If you would like to be added to our resource list, please contact our Social Media & Digital Marketing Specialist, Amanda Cabral (avcabral@bu.edu).