Substance Use Services

The Department of Health (BCDH) provides treatment through community providers for substance users and their families, and develops, coordinates and monitors a countywide network of substance use prevention and disorder treatment services. Free language assistance services can be provided to persons with limited English proficiency.

FREE SCREENINGS AND REFERRALS

County residents—and individuals who have Medical Assistance that are seeking residential treatment services—can receive a free substance use screening and referral at our walk-in clinic at the Eastern Family Resource Center. 

UNINSURED ADULTS

Funding is available to pay for treatment for uninsured County residents. Contact the Department for information regarding how to access treatment and to schedule an appointment for a screening to determine what type of treatment will be most effective for you. 

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ASSESSMENTS FOR DEFENDANTS

The Department provides alcohol and drug assessments for defendants in Circuit and District Court. Education, assessment and referral services are provided for inmates in the Detention Center. 

ADOLESCENT TREATMENT SERVICES

The Department offers specialized services for adolescents. Services include assessment, referral and education. Call 410-887-6465 for more information.

A counselor will assess the adolescent to determine the extent of his or her substance use. If necessary, the counselor will refer the adolescent to the appropriate level of care in a treatment center convenient to his or her home.

Adolescent Education Program (AEP) is a six-hour series of classes discussing the long and short-term effects, and legal ramifications of substance use, along with decision-making skills exercises. AEP is designed for the first-time offender of a drug or alcohol violation or youth in the experimentation phase of substance involvement.

Classes are held in the early evenings in Arbutus, Rosedale and Towson. AEP is also available in Baltimore County's alternative schools.

RICHARDS BUILDING RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER

Addiction is an illness that is both preventable and treatable. Treatment saves lives. The Richards Building, located at 10225 Jensen Lane in Owings Mills, is the first County-owned residential facility and will be a valuable tool in our arsenal to combat opioid overdose deaths.

Medium- and high-intensity residential drug treatment for patients 18 years and older is provided around the clock. Services include family counseling, transition planning and after-care referral. The average length of stay is 90 to 120 days. The expectation is to serve approximately 300 individuals and their families annually.

SERVICE PROVIDER

Treatment services rendered at the facility are provided by Gaudenzia, a private drug and alcohol treatment organization, as part of a three-year County service agreement approved by the County Council in the summer of 2019. Gaudenzia has provided similar treatment services in the past and has a history of producing positive results in the lives of patients served.

COST OF SERVICES COVERAGE

Patients utilize various payer resources to cover costs including private, commercial and Medicaid insurances.

The facility is set off from other areas in the community. The County maintains responsibility for ground maintenance, trash removal, utilities and general site upkeep. The County is working to ensure that negative impact to the community is negligible.

SECURITY

Similar services provided at this location in the past did not negatively affect security in the community. History notwithstanding, renovations at the facility include an internal and external security monitoring system and cameras.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

Community members may call 443-425-8285 with any questions or concerns.

HOTLINES, SUPPORT GROUPS AND OTHER RESOURCES

Learn how to start your recovery and more from the resources below.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA): 410-337-3889 or 410-472-1264