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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:

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 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

Additional Mental Health Resources