HSMP’s Behavioral Health Action Team (BHAT) formed the Family Education Subcommittee to develop a resource “menu” that links youth mental health resources to families. On this page, you will find training, workshops, parent help lines and more to help you navigate your child’s mental health needs.
The Community Behavioral Health “Warmline” serves as a single point of contact for people who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis or need resources. The Warmline is available 24/7 to help with non-emergency calls and assists with mental health, substance misuse, grief counseling, and referral services. The Warmline coordinates calls as needed with police, fire, EMS, and other community agencies that address crisis matters.
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. 988 Lifeline is also available by chat and text.
Call or text 9-8-8.
Additionally, the Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741.
2-1-1 Maryland is a statewide resource that connects residents to health and human resources through the telephone, Internet, and text message. Call, text or go online.
Southern Maryland Crisis Response Team can be reached by calling 877-618-0074.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) film, “It’s Real” for college, high school and is intended to be used as part of a school’s educational program to encourage help-seeking. This workshop is intended as a group presentation and must be presented by a facilitator. Contact Greg Reuss (reussohana@aol.com) to schedule a presentation!
AFSP’s Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs help students and adults build social-emotional skills—like nurturing positive relationships, managing emotions, and setting goals—so they can thrive in school and in life.
The American Academy of Pediatrics & The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention developed Suicide Prevention Resource Guides for both Parents & Caregivers and Teenagers.
Crisis Walk-In Services are offered at St. Mary’s County Health Hub (21625 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park), Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Walk-in services include short-term counseling, professional assessment of mental health needs, assistance in coordinating ongoing treatment, connection to peers with lived experience, and more.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training is for participants to be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide and question, persuade, and refer people at risk for suicide for help. Contact stmaryspartnership@gmail.com if interested.
SOS Signs of Suicide is an evidence-based youth suicide prevention program that improves a students’ knowledge and adaptive attitudes about suicide risk and depression.
Gizmo 4 Mental Health is a mental health curriculum for Elementary School Children (ages 4-11). It’s name is inspired by a cute little therapy dog named Gizmo.
Charlie Health offers free, virtual support groups. There is a weekly group for therapists and a bimonthly group for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one from suicide.
PFLAG of Southern Maryland offers youth and adult support groups for the LGBTQ+ community, their family members, and allies.
Maryland Coalition of Families offers a wide variety of virtual and in-person support groups for families.
R U OK? is media campaign intended to bring awareness, education and information to the community on how to identify, approach and interact with someone who may be suffering from a behavioral health crisis. Suicide, depression and other mental health issues can be awkward topics to discuss with someone you care about. R U OK? empowers individuals to connect with the people around them, and offer support to anyone who may be in need of help.
Seize The Awkward is a media campaign that encourages individuals to initiate conversations with their friends and loved ones on mental health.
SMART Medicine is a media campaign that focuses on prescription medication safety.
St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Mentoring Connection Program offers care coordination for at-risk youth (ages 7-17) who are facing issues at home, in school, or in the community, including mental health concerns and risky behaviors.
