Healthcare

Bringing healthcare to women who would otherwise go without.

Innovative in-house medical and recovery services respond to women’s physical and mental health needs.

MEDICAL CLINIC

Last year, over 300 guests received comprehensive healthcare services through our on-site women’s clinic.

Every day, our medical team provides free healthcare services under the supervision of our partners at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. All healthcare providers at Women’s Lunch Place are trained to respond to women who have experienced trauma and/or sexual violence. No advance appointments are required.

While insurance is not needed to make use of our medical clinic, it’s an important part of our guests’ long-term health and stability. WLP advocates help women secure health insurance through MassHealth and coordinate appointments with specialists and emergency care providers. Advocates will sometimes even accompany guests to appointments to provide emotional support and logistical assistance.

MENTAL HEALTH & RECOVERY

A full-time therapist, part-time psychiatric nurse practitioner, and visiting psychiatrists provide counseling and life-changing medication to WLP guests. We listen to our guests’ needs and partner with community health centers to provide presentations and informational workshops on topics that promote coping, healing, and recovery.

Every day, we also offer addiction recovery programs that help women move in the direction of health, healing, and sobriety. Our recovery programs are led by experts, peers, and women with lived experience—and guests have a better chance of succeeding because these programs are provided in a safe, women-only space—away from abusers and dealers.

THE BIGGER PICTURE…

Research shows that untreated mental illness—including that triggered by trauma—is a leading cause of homelessness among women. The majority of our guests report having a disability, and two-thirds are over the age of 50. Immediate access to healthcare and recovery services is a critical part of the path forward. We bring trauma-informed healthcare to our guests in a safe women-only environment, allowing them to finally heal.