Frequently Asked Questions About the HOPE Clinic

General Questions

When is your clinic open?

We are open to see patients in the clinic on Mondays from 1pm-4:30pm and Wednesdays from 9:30am-4pm in the Cox Building, 1st floor, Suite 110.

Our program staff are also available to support you daily when the HOPE Clinic is not in session. You can get in touch when we are not open by calling 617-724-4643 or emailing hopeclinic@partners.org.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Please call 617-724-4643 to reach our patient service coordinator. Please leave a message and you will receive a call back within two business days to gather additional information.

What happens if I need to reach the clinic on days when the clinic is not open?

You can reach us every day by calling 617-724-4643. Our program staff will be available to answer calls during business hours. After hours, you will be directed to the on-call services for obstetrics, pediatrics, addiction and primary care providers, who are available 24 hours a day to answer any urgent concerns.

What happens if I am late for my appointment?

We know things can come up in life. Please call the clinic at 617-724-4643 as soon as you know you will be late. If you are running very late, we will do our best to reschedule the visit later in the day, but we cannot guarantee you will be seen for your planned appointment. If we cannot reschedule your appointment, we will discuss other options with you to make sure you get the care you need. You will be registered for any necessary lab work and testing.

Prenatal Care

I love my current obstetrician or nurse-midwife. Can I still receive care at the HOPE Clinic?

Yes. We are happy to provide consultations to supplement your current prenatal care. We can also offer comprehensive addiction treatment services, including medication treatment, behavioral therapy and psychiatry from clinicians with expertise in management of substance use and mental health disorders during pregnancy.

Substance Use

Do I have to be on medication through the HOPE Clinic to receive care?

No, you do not need to be on medication treatment with our program to receive prenatal care, substance use disorder treatment, behavioral treatment or psychiatric care in our clinic. We are committed to meeting you wherever you are in your recovery.

What is the clinic policy around drug testing?

Drug testing is used as part of the usual treatment plan for patients receiving controlled substances to ensure they are taking the medication as directed. When drug testing results identify a recurrence of drug use, we will work with you to ensure the safety of you and your children. We also work with you to step up your addiction treatment.

Pediatrics

Can my other children be seen at the HOPE Clinic for routine care?

Yes, we are available to provide routine and urgent care on HOPE clinic days to pediatric patients and their parents. If your child gets sick or needs to be evaluated more frequently than weekly, we will help you schedule an appointment with Mass General for Children in the Yawkey building on the Mass General main campus.

Psychiatry

How can I access my psychiatric care?

A perinatal psychiatrist is available to meet with you in person on clinic days or virtually using a secure telehealth technology to be able to best meet your mental health needs.

Child Welfare

I am nervous about the Department of Children and Families (DCF) process. How do I learn more?

Mass General is required to notify DCF about all newborns who are exposed to non-prescribed drugs at delivery. Massachusetts also requires that hospitals report infants who have been exposed to prescribed treatments for opioid use disorder, such as methadone or buprenorphine.

We understand the confusion and anxiety this generates for our patients and their families. In preparation for this, we will work with you during pregnancy to prepare a Recovery Portfolio that highlights the strength of your recovery to DCF. This Recovery Portfolio meets the requirements of a Plan of Safe Care, which is required by DCF in cases of substance-exposed newborns. Although the HOPE Clinic team does not have control over the decisions made by DCF, we will support you and will advocate for you throughout this entire process.

If I do not have custody of my child, can I still be part of the clinic postpartum?

We want to take care of you during this time in your life, whether or not you are actively parenting at any given time. If you lose custody of your child while you are both receiving care at the HOPE Clinic, we will strive to maintain relationships with you and your infant. The HOPE Clinic is also available as a location for supervised visits and meetings.

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Additional Resources

Learn more about substance use and pregnancy: Journey Recovery Project