Resources: Tips, Guidelines, and Where to Get Help
Crisis Resources
When you have concerns about your child’s safety and require immediate support, the following resources are available for you and your child.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255; https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
- The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your family, and best practices for professionals.
Suicide now replaces homicide as the second leading cause of death nationally for youth and young adults ages 10-34. In Howard County, suicide was the #1 leading cause of death for youth ages 15-19 from 2014-2016. (Source, Howard County Health Department )
If you or someone you love is considering suicide:
- Talk with a pediatrician or doctor
- Get a referral to see a mental health counselor
- Talk with school support staff and school counselors
- Connect with family and friends for support
- Contact Grassroots for 24-hour resources
- Visit the National Suicide Prevention website
- Preventing Youth Suicide Tips for Families (Español, 中文, 한국어)
Substance Use Supports
HCPSS strives to support students prior to disciplinary infractions involving substances. Student services members are available to support and discuss with students and families, In addition, supportive actions may include, but are not limited to: free, non-disciplinary, non-punitive, individualized services such as counseling; mental health services referral, increased monitoring or supervision; parent conferences, referral to the Student Support Team (SST), and referral to Student Assistance Program (SAP).
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is an intervention program used in schools that provides a systematic procedure of early identification, intervention, referral and follow-up for students displaying potentially unsafe behaviors related to involvement with Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD).
The goal of SAP is to identify and refer those students whose immediate health and safety may be compromised by involvement with substances. Parent/guardian(s) and students who are concerned should make a referral to their school’s Student Support Team (SST) by completing a Student Assistance Form and submitting to Student Services staff. If a parent or community member is concerned either before or after a referral is made, you can also reach out to your school counselor for support. SAP referrals may result in the following outcomes for students and families: sharing of community resources and/or referral for a free assessment through Integrative Counseling or Grassroots. For additional questions or information contact Kami Wagner, Coordinator for Student Support Programs at kami_wagner@hcpss.org or Kate Cramer, Resource Psychologist, at kate_cramer@hcpss.org.
Substance Abuse Resources
Behavioral Health Navigator and Referral Form – Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members, providers, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community. This is a free resource through the Howard County Health Department. Behavioral Health Navigator – 410-313-6240 during regular business hours.- Grassroots – Crisis and Urgent needs
- 24 hour hotline – 410.531.6677
- Free Walk in services are available at any time. Substance abuse counselors are available daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm.
- Services include: substance use screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment (SBIRT). This is an evidence based approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment for people with substance abuse disorders and those at risk for developing these disorders.
- A stabilization room is available for those in immediate need, in addition to follow up until you are connected to the services/supports that you need.
- Network of Care Website
- Provided by the Howard County Health Department, Bureau of Behavioral Health, and the Local Behavioral Health Authority
- Provides up to date information in the whole range of human services including behavioral health, basic needs, and community resources.
- Materials are available in over 100 languages
- HC DrugFree offers a variety of free educational resources for students and parents, including parenting classes, life skills classes for middle and high school students, educational programs, a Teen Advisory Council, medication disposal, and an electronic newsletter to keep the Howard County community informed of events and news regarding substance use and behavioral health. For more information, to find resources, or to receive the newsletter, visit www.hcdrugfree.org.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
24 Hour Crisis Hotline – 410-531-6677
- Individuals may call for a variety of reasons including suicide, family and relationship problems, shelter needs, violent or threatening domestic situations, loneliness or depression, and chemical dependency issues, among others.
Mobile Crisis Team – 410-531-6677
- This two-member team of master’s level mental health professionals who respond with the police to psychiatric emergencies, family crises, and other traumatic events in the community. Operates from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.
Walk-in counseling
- Anyone in need of immediate assistance may walk in to the agency at any time to see a counselor. An appointment is not needed to receive services. There is no fee for the service. Find out more about their services →
HoCo Opioid Help
410-531-6677; www.HoCoOpioidHelp.com
- Anyone seeking help for opioid addiction may call or visit the website for additional resources.
MD Youth Crisis Text Line
Text to 741741
- Anyone may text this number for immediate access to a counselor. All text messages are anonymous. Text messages are free for AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon customers. Charges may apply with other carriers.
Maryland Crisis Connect Line (2-1-1 plus 1)
Call 2-1-1 and select option 1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit MDcrisisConnect.org
- This resource from the Maryland Department of Health is available 24/7 to provide support, guidance, and assistance.
Youth Behavioral Health Road Map
www.howardcountymd.gov/local-childrens-board/youth-behavioral-health
- The Youth Behavioral Health Road Map is a resource for families, health practitioners, school-based professionals, service providers, and other affiliates to provide accessible and comprehensive information to better navigate youth behavioral health supports in Howard County.
- This roadmap was developed with the assistance of Mental Health Community Advisory Council and outlines the four tiers in the continuum of behavioral health.
Tips and Guidelines
- Resources for Speaking with Children About Traumatic Events
- Children’s Mental Health Matters
- American Psychological Association Resilience Guide for Parents and Teachers
Additional Mental Health Resources
- HCPSS School Psychologists
- HCPSS School-based Counseling Services
- HCPSS School Social Work Services
- The CARE Line for Howard County Families
- Family Coalition for Families and Children’s Mental Health
- HC Drug Free
- Howard County Health Department
- Howard County Health Department Directory of Behavioral Health Services For Youth
- Maryland’s Network of Care
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Main Site
- NAMI – Howard County
- NIDA for Teens