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Behavioral and Mental Health Services

The Bureau of Behavioral Health is the mental health authority for the administration of state-funded services for people with mental illness residing in Baltimore County and is available to help residents in receiving medication assistance, assist in completing applications for services, and provide resources for mental health services.

The Bureau does not provide direct, clinical services, rather, it accesses local funding from state grants and medical assistance (MA) for its operations, to provide services via contractual arrangement with private, typically nonprofit, mental health agencies.

A Core Service Agency

The Bureau has been designated by the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration as a Core Service Agency (CSA) for the County. The CSA is responsible for:

  • The planning, development and monitoring of the public mental health services for County residents
  • Overseeing a network of providers offering outpatient clinics, day and residential rehabilitation services, case management, crisis services and a host of specialized programs for various age groups and special populations
  • Working in partnership with the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration and Optum, its contracted administrative services organization, to facilitate the access to care for clients and the service authorization and payment to providers. Contact Optum regarding billing for publicly-funded mental health services.
  • Identifying or responding to complaints and concerns related to the provision of services
  • Working closely with County departments and private sector groups to develop and refine services for the shared populations they all serve

Services Offered

Learn more about the services we offer for:

For Emergencies

The Crisis Mental Health System helps individuals in crisis remain in the community by avoiding an unnecessary hospitalization or removal from the natural environment. To receive any of the services listed below, call 410-931-2214.

  • 24-hour Operations Center
  • Mobile Crisis Teams
  • In-Home Intervention Team
  • Urgent Care Clinic
  • Non-Mental Health Emergency Housing
  • Critical Incident Stress Management

For Adults

The Adult Services Team:

  • Provides oversight and consultation to mental health programs in Baltimore County
  • Maintains the active waiting list and coordinates referrals to the County's Residential Rehabilitation Program
  • Completes authorizations in Optum Health Options for the Supported Employment Program
  • Approves extensions for crisis beds

If you are covered by a private insurance plan, you must contact your insurance company for a list of covered providers.

For Children, Adolescents and Young Adults, and Family Services (CAYA)

The CAYA Team in the Bureau of Behavioral Health and Core Service Agency contracts for and monitors publicly-funded services for children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral problems who are at risk for out-of-home placement and their families. Learn more about the services offered by CAYA.

For the Elderly

The Geriatric Services Team works with seniors and their families who need help coping with typical problems that arise with aging such as depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts and difficulties coping with loss and other life changes. Services include:

  • Pre-screening evaluations
  • Consultations
  • Counseling
  • Discussion groups
  • Home visits

For access to Geriatric Services, call Tymeka Jones of Hope Health Systems, Inc. at 410-265-8737

PEERS: Seniors in Partnership by the Mental Health Association of Maryland also helps elderly individuals cope with isolation and depression. To learn more, call Kim Burton at 443-901-1550, extension 210.

For Providers

Call the Quality Assurance Team at 410-887-3828 to become a licensed mental health services provider or to be added to our provider contact list to receive information regarding provider meetings, trainings and other events that our agency offers.

File a Complaint

To file a complaint regarding services received in Baltimore County, call 410-887-3828 and ask to speak to a Quality Assurance Team member.

Additional Resources

View additional local, state and national resources.

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Contact Us

Behavioral Health Services

6401 York Road, Third Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21212

Hours:

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone:

 

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