Fenway Health

The Ansin Building is in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. It’s across the street from Fenway Park and other local attractions. It's part of Fenway Health, a provider dedicated to elevating underserved populations with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. They provide care on an outpatient basis.

While they see people of all ages, anyone 18 or older needs to be a patient with a Fenway primary care physician.

What I find special about this clinic is that they provide more than addiction and mental health care for the LGBTQIA+ community. Several services are in place to address the community's needs, such as violence recovery and parenting support. A complete list of their services shows just how heavily invested they are in serving the underserved.

Joining Mental and Medical Care

Fenway Health has a truly impressive number of healthcare departments, from primary to specialized care. What's great about their behavioral health services is that they not only collaborate with these other departments, they can help you get seen by them.

Consolidating your care to as few locations as possible is more than a matter of convenience. It makes it much easier for your providers to communicate and coordinate care. However, the major appeal to me is that Fenway Health's dedication to minority communities extends to all its departments. If it's important to you that your care providers truly understand your lived experience, linkages like this may be to your liking.

Advocating For You

Ansin Building staff offer a number of medical social services. The main focus of these programs is advocating for your needs.

It isn't always easy to be heard, and if you feel like you aren't being heard, it can undermine your recovery efforts. Having an advocate in your corner means you'll have someone else echoing and directing your concerns to the right spaces. You should always have a voice in your care, and a medical advocate ensures you will.

Groups for LGBTQIA+

In addition to skills based groups, LGBTQIA+ specific groups are available. These are safe spaces to meet with peers and discuss the issues that impact you most. Whether you use it as a means to connect with others or to lend and get support, having a tailor made group can be a valuable asset in recovery.

Fenway Health accepts Medicaid and some private insurance plans. Services are also available at a reduced or no cost to those who qualify. However, do note that when games are taking place at Fenway Park, parking rates can soar higher than a flyball. Should your appointment fall on a game day, the staff recommends taking public transportation.