Institute for Health and Recovery: Trauma-Informed Behavioral Health Services
The Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR) is a leading Massachusetts-based organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health treatment and support, with a specialized focus on individuals and families impacted by substance use, mental illness, trauma, and homelessness. Operating for over 35 years, IHR is committed to family-centered, strength-based approaches, ensuring that services are gender-responsive, anti-racist, and trauma-informed.
Holistic and Family-Centered Care
IHR provides a range of direct services, including outpatient behavioral health treatment, which can be delivered in a location that best suits the client—whether at home, in the office, or within the community. This flexibility ensures accessibility for those in need. The organization is particularly known for assisting pregnant and parenting individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders, offering statewide access to necessary services.
One of the cornerstone programs is the Women and Family Referral Center (WFRC), which connects pregnant and parenting people with essential treatment and recovery supports. IHR helps over 3,000 families each year, working to foster resilience and support lasting recovery. Their clinical philosophy centers on collaborative models that empower individuals through their recovery journey.
Beyond Direct Treatment
The Institute for Health and Recovery extends its impact through critical support services for the broader recovery community. They offer extensive training and capacity building for other professionals and organizations, focusing on topics such as trauma-informed care, person-centered approaches, and working with youth and young adults impacted by co-occurring disorders.
IHR is also a trusted provider of postvention services, offering online and on-site support to enhance the ability of staff at contracted programs across Massachusetts to recover after a critical incident. Their dedication to program development ensures that they remain at the forefront of clinical and educational topics in the behavioral health field.
Contact and Locations
IHR serves clients across Massachusetts, with multiple locations to ensure broad access. The organization can be reached statewide via a central telephone number.
Key Locations:
- IHR Boston: 105 Chauncy Street, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02111
- IHR Watertown – Main Office: 75 North Beacon Street, Second Floor, Watertown, MA 02472
- IHR Worcester: 29 East Mountain Street, Worcester, MA 01606
For inquiries regarding behavioral health services or to make a referral, prospective clients or partners are encouraged to contact the main office at 617-661-3991.
FAQs About IHR
What types of conditions does IHR treat?
IHR specializes in treating substance use disorders, mental health issues, and trauma, particularly in the context of family dynamics and homelessness.
Does IHR only provide services in an office setting?
No. IHR provides family-centered outpatient behavioral health treatment and can arrange to meet with clients in the home, office, or community to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility.
What is the Women and Family Referral Center (WFRC)?
The WFRC is a program within IHR that connects pregnant and parenting individuals struggling with substance use with appropriate treatment and comprehensive recovery supports.
What is IHR’s approach to treatment?
IHR utilizes a collaborative, strength-based, and family-centered approach. Treatment is integrated with gender-responsive, anti-racist, and trauma-informed care models.

