Community Healthlink

What Community Healthlink does

Community Healthlink (CHL), founded in 1977 and headquartered at 72 Jaques Avenue in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a not-for-profit behavioral healthcare provider affiliated with UMass Memorial Health. It operates as the designated Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) for the Worcester County North and Central regions under Massachusetts' Behavioral Health Reform Roadmap, serving more than 22,000 adults, children, and families annually across mental health, substance use disorder, and homelessness needs. The organization runs a multi-tiered service continuum spanning 40+ programs, including 24/7 crisis care (phone, online, and walk-in), mobile crisis intervention for adults and youth, outpatient counseling and psychiatric services, residential recovery homes (e.g., Beryl's House at 25 beds, Green House at 30 beds, Safe Haven at 13 beds), detoxification and transitional support, homeless outreach (HOAP), permanent supportive housing, children's counseling, early intervention, school-based services, juvenile court clinic, tenancy preservation, and specialized programs for developmental disabilities and geriatrics. Operationally, services are delivered through walk-in clinics in Worcester and Leominster, a 24/7 phone line, mobile crisis teams, school sites, and Worcester Housing Court, with multiple residential group homes distributed across the region.

The underlying technology stack is standard healthcare information systems with no proprietary platform, API, or AI/ML components documented; CHL holds CARF three-year accreditation (highest level) and a clinical partnership with UMass Chan Medical School. Revenue is generated through a hybrid model combining insurance reimbursement (MassHealth, Medicare, Commonwealth Care Alliance), third-party payer contracts (including Health Home Management for One Care members), government grants (Massachusetts EOHHS, City of Worcester, MassDevelopment), and a sliding fee scale for self-pay patients; services are provided regardless of ability to pay. As of April 2026, parent UMass Memorial Health announced the pending closure of CHL with 78 layoffs, following failed takeover negotiations with Open Sky Community Services and an LOI signed by Clinical and Support Options to assume select services in Leominster and Fitchburg.

Name

Community Healthlink

Legal name

Community Healthlink, Inc.

Website

https://communityhealthlink.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Closed

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Community Healthlink is a Worcester, Massachusetts-based not-for-profit behavioral healthcare provider and designated Community Behavioral Health Center serving 22,000+ adults, children, and families annually across mental health, substance use, and homelessness programs, operating as an affiliate of UMass Memorial Health.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Behavioral Healthcare Services

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities (6232), Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities (623220), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) & Public Behavioral Health Providers (HLAFACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Residential Mental Health Treatment Centers (HLAFACAC), Behavioral Health for Children & Adolescents (Youth Services) (HLAFACAL), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGAEAH)

Keywords

• Behavioral health services
• Mental health treatment
• Substance use recovery
• Community crisis intervention
• Residential recovery programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Worcester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: Community Healthlink receives government grants from various sources including the City of Worcester ($208,000 for Shower Program, $50,000 from MassDevelopment for cafeteria renovations) and state grants ($700,000 for facility renovations). Funding supports capital improvements and specific programs addressing behavioral health services.
2. Insurance Reimbursement: Services are billed to insurance companies including MassHealth, Medicare, and Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA). The organization serves patients regardless of ability to pay with sliding fee discounts based on family size and income.
3. Third-party Payer Contracts: As part of UMass Memorial Health, Community Healthlink participates in payer contracts with state health agencies and manages Health Home Management services for One Care program members eligible for MassHealth and Medicare benefits through CCA.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Community Healthlink is a designated Community Behavioral Health Center providing integrated mental health, substance use disorder, and homelessness services to adults, children, and families across Worcester County North and Central Massachusetts. The organization delivers a comprehensive continuum of care that includes 24/7 crisis intervention, mobile crisis teams, outpatient counseling, residential recovery programs, addiction treatment, children's mental health services, and supported housing. Services are delivered regardless of ability to pay via a sliding fee scale, with revenue drawn from insurance reimbursement (MassHealth, Medicare, Commonwealth Care Alliance), state and municipal grants, and referral contracts.

Product overview

Community Healthlink (CHL) is a designated Community Behavioral Health Center providing a comprehensive, integrated behavioral health services portfolio for Worcester County North and Central regions. Operating since 1977 as part of UMass Memorial Health, the organization offers a multi-tiered continuum that includes: 24/7 crisis care and mobile crisis intervention (AMCI/YMCI); outpatient counseling and psychiatric services; residential recovery programs (Beryl's House, Green House, Safe Haven, STAR, Orchard Street, and multiple group homes); addiction treatment (Detox, TSS, CCS, OBAT, Recovery Coaches); homeless outreach and housing programs (HOAP, NCSHP, North Village Community Housing, Worcester Community Housing); children and family services (Children's Counseling, Early Intervention, Together for Kids, School-Based Outpatient, STEP Clinic); and specialized programs for developmental disabilities, geriatrics, and juvenile court. Walk-in clinics operate at Queen Street (Worcester) and Spruce Street (Leominster). The organization serves more than 22,000 adults, children, and families annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) Provides community supports for adults 18+ living with chronic mental health needs.
• Adult Outpatient Counseling Centers Integrated behavioral health services including individual, family, and group psychotherapy, psychiatric consultation, and medication management, with locations in Worcester, Leominster, and Fitchburg.
• Adult Mobile Crisis Intervention (AMCI) Crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization services delivered in homes and community settings for adults 18 and older.
• Youth Mobile Crisis Intervention (YMCI) Crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization services in homes, schools, and community settings for youth through age 20.
• 24/7 Crisis Care Round-the-clock confidential crisis care, site-based or through mobile assessment, connecting individuals (children, adolescents, adults) experiencing mental health or substance abuse problems with services within 24 hours.
• Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) Designated CBHC for Worcester County North and Central regions, providing mental health and substance use disorder services as part of Massachusetts' Behavioral Health Roadmap. Offers expanded walk-in clinic hours and coordinates diversion from hospital emergency departments.
• Detox Detoxification program from alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids for individuals with substance use disorders.
• Transitional Support Services (TSS) A 24/7 step-down substance use disorder recovery program providing inpatient substance abuse treatment and transitional support.
• Community Crisis Stabilization (CCS) Post-detox short-term (up to 30 days) intensive treatment for individuals in early stages of substance abuse recovery.
• Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) Intensive community-based treatment for individuals living with pervasive mental health diagnoses, located in Worcester, Leominster, and Fitchburg.
• Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) Allows individuals to work with medical and behavioral health providers in outpatient clinics to recover from opioid use.
• Recovery Coaches Peer-based support where individuals in recovery help others navigate their recovery journey, offering a more personal connection than traditional clinical services.
• Peer Support Peer-based relationships providing support when individuals feel stuck in recovery or experience stress coping with life events.
• Homeless Outreach & Advocacy Project (HOAP) Established in 1985, links the region's homeless to comprehensive services including screenings, assessments, counseling, health care, rehabilitation, and referrals.
• Beryl's House Residential Recovery Homes A 25-bed, six-month residential recovery home for women providing safe, supportive recovery communities that promote empowerment, personal accountability, and life skills.
• Green House Program A 30-bed residential program providing supportive, safe environment for adult men experiencing homelessness with substance abuse and/or mental illness diagnoses.
• Safe Haven A 13-bed transitional housing program for chronically homeless adults who are dually diagnosed, generally suffering from untreated mental illness and substance abuse.
• Stabilization Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Program Alternative shelter for individuals who are unable or unwilling to utilize traditional services or placement.
• Orchard Street Residential Recovery Home A 9-12 month residential treatment program serving mothers pursuing addiction recovery and their children, specializing in reunification with Department of Children and Families involvement.
• Chelsea House An 8-bed residential program helping residents learn basic skills to transition more independently into residences meeting their needs.
• Granite Street House A DMH-referred 11-bed group home for adults with mental health concerns.
• Maria Ave House A 6-bed residential program designed to help residents develop skills for independent living.
• Windsor Street House An eight-bed DMH-funded closed referral program serving adults who struggle with persistent mental illness.
• Sagamore Road Program A 6-bed residential recovery-focused treatment program helping residents develop skills for independent transition to sober-living.
• Massasoit Road House Intensive medical group living environment serving persons with medical needs and those requiring significant daily task supervision.
• North County Supported Housing (NCSHP) Supports individuals 18+ referred through Continuum of Care, assisting with housing, mental health, and medical needs while promoting independent living in the community.
• North Village Community Housing Provides safe, permanent affordable housing for families in recovery from addiction, specifically families with custody of children or a reunification plan.
• Worcester Community Housing Program Safe, permanent affordable housing for families in addiction recovery who have custody of children or a reunification plan.
• Children's Counseling Counseling, support, and comfort services for more than 3,000 children, teens, and their families annually in Worcester and Central Massachusetts.
• Early Intervention (EI) Family-centered, community-based services for infants, toddlers, and families. Children birth to three may be eligible if they have identified disabilities or at-risk development.
• Together for Kids (TFK) Comprehensive mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention including behavioral health consultation for educators and families, trainings, and referrals for intensive services.
• STEP (Screening and Treatment of Early Psychosis) Clinic Clinical services for individuals ages 18-40 experiencing early psychotic symptoms.
• School-Based Outpatient On-site individual counseling for children and adolescents in school settings, with access to clinic-based psychiatry services.
• Juvenile Court Clinic Operates under agreement with Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and Trial Court, providing services for Worcester County Juvenile Court.
• Community Support Program (CSP) Short-term intensive outreach and care management to support individuals at risk of repeated psychiatric hospitalizations or inpatient substance abuse treatment.
• Health Home Management (HHM) Care management services for members eligible for the One Care program through Commonwealth Care Alliance, ages 21-64, coordinating benefits and access to services.
• Developmental Disabilities Unit (DDU) Programs for adults 18+ in Worcester County referred through the Department of Disability Services.
• Geriatrics Comprehensive mental healthcare services for seniors focused on preserving dignity, minimizing decline, and enhancing quality of life.
• Family Support and Training Services provided by Family Partners who are caregivers with experience raising youth with special needs.
• Tenancy Preservation Program (TPP) Clinical presence in Central Massachusetts Division of Housing Court providing short-term intensive case management for households with tenancy problems related to disability.
• Victim Services Program Psychotherapy and case management for children, adolescents, and adults exposed to violence, homicide, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, LGBTQ victimization, disasters, and other trauma.
• Randolph Road Services managing psychiatric symptoms, restoring independent living skills, promoting wellness and medical condition management, and supporting employment.
• Food Resources Compiled list of food resources throughout Worcester County to help individuals and families access food assistance, including SNAP benefit information.

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Clinical and Support OptionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2026Clinical and Support Options signed a letter of intent to assume some services in Leominster and Fitchburg following failed negotiations with Open Sky.
• Open Sky Community ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026Failed negotiations with Open Sky Community Services, which was supposed to take over several behavioral health programs serving the Worcester area. Talks broke down without reaching agreement on terms.
• SEIU 509minorOthers · 1 April 2024SEIU 509 representatives worked closely with CHL during planning for reopening of TSS, CSS, and Detox programs, providing important perspectives and insights.
• City of WorcestercoreOthers · 31 July 2023City of Worcester provided $208,000 grant to fund the Shower Program for homeless individuals, part of CHL's Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Project (HOAP).
• Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)coreOthers · 1 August 2021EOHHS provided $700,000 in grants for renovations at CHL's Worcester facility to address behavioral health crisis. CHL was designated as Community Behavioral Health Center for two Worcester County regions.
• UMass Memorial HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Healthlink is a proud member of UMass Memorial Health, the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Central Massachusetts. This affiliation provides access to world-class care and resources for CHL clients.
• UMass Chan Medical SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHL serves as clinical partner of UMass Chan Medical School, bringing unique and unparalleled access to world-class medical education and research for behavioral health services.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Clinical and Support Options: Multi-site community behavioral health and substance use provider in Western and Central Massachusetts that signed an LOI to absorb some CHL services. Operates the same CBHC-adjacent model with crisis, outpatient, and residential programs serving overlapping populations.
• Open Sky Community Services: Central Massachusetts behavioral health and human services nonprofit that was the failed acquirer of CHL programs. Operates residential, community-based, and recovery programs serving dually diagnosed and chronically homeless populations in the same Worcester County geography.
• Behavioral Health Network (BHN): Western Massachusetts behavioral health provider designated as a CBHC for multiple regions. Comparable scope of crisis, outpatient, addiction, and children's services and one of the 21 designated Massachusetts CBHCs alongside CHL.
• Riverside Community Care: Massachusetts-based community behavioral health and human services nonprofit offering CBHC, outpatient, residential, and developmental services. Comparable multi-county footprint and 24/7 access infrastructure similar to CHL's Front Door model.
• Eliot Community Human Services: Large Massachusetts behavioral health and human services nonprofit with CBHC, mental health, substance use, and developmental disability programs. Comparable continuum of services and designated CBHC status across multiple regions.
• Bay Cove Human Services: Boston-area nonprofit providing mental health, addiction, developmental, and housing services with CBHC designation. Comparable integrated model and government-grant-dependent funding mix to CHL.
• Aspire Health Alliance: Eastern Massachusetts community behavioral health nonprofit designated as a CBHC. Operates comparable crisis, outpatient, and recovery programs serving similar MassHealth-funded populations.
• Vinfen: Massachusetts-based behavioral health and human services nonprofit providing community-based mental health, recovery, and residential supports. Comparable scale and population focus (PACT, ACCS, residential) to CHL's adult services.

Regional players

• The Bridge of Central Massachusetts: Central Massachusetts mental health and peer support nonprofit operating in the same geography. Smaller scale than CHL but directly comparable mission and community-based model for adults with mental illness.

Broad incumbents

• UMass Memorial Health: CHL's parent system and the largest not-for-profit health system in Central Massachusetts. Operates the broader medical/psychiatric infrastructure that CHL plugs into; controls the strategic decision to wind down CHL and could absorb or transfer programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CommHealthLink

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community Healthlink