How We Help

Information, Referral, and Crisis Intervention

All of us encounter moments and challenges that no one should have to face alone. Challenges can include workday stress, physical or sexual abuse, thoughts of suicide, financial issues, and the lingering effects of major life events like death or divorce. 

In times like these, MHA’s 24/7 Call Center provides:

• A caring and supportive voice

• Resources and information that show the way forward

• Help in the midst of a crisis

• Services free of charge and available to everyone

301.662.2255 Frederick County Hotline
211 Maryland
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

In moments of crisis, our Mobile Crisis Services team meets people where they are, 24/7, offering immediate, no-cost support in the community. 

A team of mental health professionals will respond to provide: 

• De-escalation of current crisis  

• Assessment of safety and behavioral health needs 

• Resources to address presenting concerns 

• SUD Peer Recovery Support 

Access by calling: 301.662.2255 

Often the first step for individuals seeking help, our Walk-In Crisis Care Center provides crisis intervention services in a welcoming, therapeutic environment.  

This service is available 24/7 to community members of all ages at no cost (those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a guardian)

Walk-In Crisis Care Center
340 Montevue Lane
Frederick MD

Common concerns addressed at Walk-In: 

• Emotional, behavioral, psychiatric, or relationship crisis 

• Thoughts of suicide, homicide, or self-harm 

• Substance use disorder 

• Resource connections to a therapist, psychiatrist, or other programs 

Other services offered include:  

• Navigation – collaboration with clients to identify long-term providers and other services as needed 

• Peer Recovery Specialist – a person with lived experience of substance use disorder recovery who helps navigate the steps to achieving recovery goals 

• Urgent Medication Evaluation/Management – short-term administration of medication while connecting to long-term providers 

Counseling Services offers culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care in a safe, confidential space. We work alongside each person to support healing, growth, and overall well-being.  

Services offered include: 

• Individual, group, family, and couples therapy  

• Medication evaluation and management 

• Telehealth options available 

The program accepts Maryland Medicaid and Medicare. 

• Individuals who are uninsured may qualify for a sliding scale fee based on household income and size. 

For more information or to complete a telephone intake, please call 301.663.6135. 

A program providing a wide variety of solutions for new and existing early childhood professionals offered at low or no cost.  

Services offered include: 

• Training and professional development 

• Practice-based coaching and technical assistance 

• Business coaching for family child care and child care centers 

Growing Opportunities for Family Child Care (GOFFC) guides potential educators through the licensing process while supporting them in building a strong business foundation and high-quality child care program. 

Participation is free and includes all of the required training, access to knowledgeable coaches, and a variety of resources to support you in opening and operating your in-home child care business. 

For more information, fill out this online request.

PERKS supports children’s emotional well-being in early learning settings. By working alongside teachers and families, we provide on-site guidance that helps children thrive and remain in stable, quality child care. 

Services offered include: 

• Coaching for early education staff  

• Resources and strategies to help decrease challenging behaviors in the classroom 

• Parent trainings 

• Regulated child care programs with children, from birth to 5 years old, who exhibit social, emotional, or behavioral concerns 

To learn more about PERKS, contact us at 301.662.4549.

PERKS is a service provided by Child Care Choices and funded by the Maryland State Department of Education. 

Building Resilient Families (BRF) works alongside individuals in Frederick County as they move forward after challenges like incarceration, substance use, or involvement with the child welfare system. We offer goal planning, personalized support, and help connecting to community resources. 

Services offered include:  

• Family advocacy  

• Parent mentorship/group facilitation 

This program is provided at no cost. Clients may self-refer, or referrals can be made by any member of the community. 

For more information, call 301.663.0011 ext. 147. 

Building Resilient Families is a program of the Mental Health Association of Frederick County and is funded in part by the Frederick County Office for Children and Families, home of the Local Management Board. 

MHA operates CASA in both Frederick County and Carroll County. CASA prepares and supports volunteer advocates to speak up for children navigating the court system after experiences of abuse, neglect, or complex needs, so they feel seen, heard, and supported. 

Services offered include:  

• Gathering information and presenting reports to the court 

• Regular visits with child 

• Interviewing caregivers, family members, and service providers, and assisting the court in securing a safe and permanent home  

Cases are court-referred only. 

For more information about becoming a CASA, please contact Jennifer Fuss at 301.663.0011 ext. 118

This nationally accredited, voluntary home visiting program supports first-time parents in Frederick County with compassionate, family-centered care. We offer guidance, encouragement, and connections to community resources at no cost to help families grow strong and children thrive. 

Families can enroll during pregnancy or within the first three months after birth. Once enrolled, support continues until a child turns five or begins kindergarten. 

For more information, call 301.663.6183 or email mspencer@fcmha.org. 

Download and complete the Healthy Families screen/referral form by following this Healthy Families screen/referral link.

Spanish Speaking Staff Available

This program offers goal planning and one-on-one mentoring to support families in their parenting journey.  

Services offered include: 

• Goal planning 

• Case coordination 

This program accepts self-referrals, court orders, and referrals from the Department of Social Services. 

Please contact the Program Manager at fcpsreferrals@fcmha.org or call 301.663.0011 ext. 147 

A monthly gathering for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. In a safe and supportive space, participants can share, listen, and walk alongside others on the path toward healing. 

• Group is peer facilitated and meets once a month at MHA’s main location in Frederick.  

• This is a closed group with a screening process. Adults only at this time. Contact Taylor Hahn at thahn@fcmha.org for more information. 

Systems Navigation helps enrolled FCPS students and their families navigate services in Frederick County, offering no cost support for those experiencing multiple or complex needs related to behavior, development, education, health, or mental health. 

Systems Navigators collaborate with families to identify strengths and needs, reduce barriers to care, and coordinate with community partners to connect families to supportive services, including: 

• Coordination of services 

• Support 

• Information and referral 

• Advocacy 

• Empowerment 

• Follow up 

Services are provided at no cost to the family if referred by a Community Agency School Services (CASS) Coordinator. Self-referrals are also accepted. Navigators stay connected with families until stress is reduced and the need is met.  

For more information, call 301.663.0011 ext. 147 or email fcpsreferrals@fcmha.org.  

Participants must be students within the Frederick County Public School (FCPS) system. 

Telephone Reassurance is a no-charge program that provides a regular phone call, a caring listener, and a friendly connection for Frederick County senior citizens who are 60 years of age or older and are: 

• Living alone and have few regular contacts 

• Couples, at least one of whom is disabled 

• Temporarily homebound following an illness, surgery, or hospital stay 

• Alone while regular caregivers are out of town 

For more information or to enroll, please email kbarnhouse@fcmha.org or call 301.663.0011. 

Visitation and Transfer Services provides provides a safe, supportive space for children to spend time with a parent they don’t live with, helping strengthen connection and family bonds. 

Services offered include:  

• Monitored Transfer 

• Monitored Visitation  

• Supervised Visitation 

• Therapeutic Supervised Visitation (TSV) 

The program accepts self-referral and court orders. 

Therapeutic Supervised Visitation must have a current court order that specifies TSV at the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. 

For more information regarding hours of operation, fees, or eligibility, email the Program Manager or call 301.663.0011 x147