Mental Health Crisis Response in Maryland

Suicide.org provides a list of local hotlines in Maryland, and you can find the one nearest you by visiting their site. You may also call the Maryland Crisis Hotline at 1-800-422-0009. Alternatively, you may call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24/7.

The State of Mental Health in Maryland

Maryland currently ranks 5th in the United States for mental healthcare. Their strong standing is highly attributable to the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and Maryland’s Public Mental Health System (PMHS). The PMHS works diligently to make mental healthcare accessible to underserved communities by alleviating some, or all, of the financial burden associated with obtaining treatment or therapy with a licensed counselor, therapist, or psychologist. The BHA is responsible for improving upon their current mental healthcare system, in order to provide the resources necessary to build resilience in their communities. The BHA is working on improving accessibility in all phases of mental illness, from prevention, to treatment and recovery.

BHA ensures all residents access to the resources that promote their well-being and ability to prosper. This includes access to therapists, psychologists, and counselors. Maryland values culturally-sensitive care and holds providers to higher ethical standards. The BHA is intent on building bridges between different agencies so there’s a more seamless transition for providers and clients who are receiving integrative care. There is also research being conducted on co-occurring conditions through various communities in Maryland. This information will give the BHA a better understanding of unique patterns, and will be used to allocate resources where they are needed the most. This ensures an evolving public policy surrounding mental health issues, improving the delivery of services, and raising Maryland’s rank.

For assistance in navigating treatment for substance abuse, call the Maryland Crisis Helpline at 2-1-1.

If you are LGBTQ+ and you need support, contact The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386.

NAMI Maryland

The National Alliance for Mental Illness, or NAMI, is open to anyone struggling with mental illness. NAMI is an inclusive and community-based resource geared towards raising awareness and supporting group members on their journey to recovery. With group counseling sessions led by a trained member with a diagnosis (past or present), meetings follow a set of 12 principles for support. NAMI meetings are meant to complement your existing treatment plan with your counselor or psychologist. There are many chapters of NAMI that meet in Maryland, including virtual meet-ups. Find yours here.

Personalize your search and find the therapist near you that best suits your healing and development needs. By using our match tool, you can view counselors that specializes in your area of concern, and that are armed with the expertise and modalities needed for you to begin your journey to wellbeing.

Our Therapist Directory