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)
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.
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
- 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