One in five children experience a diagnosable mental health disorder each year, yet only 20% are identified and receive treatment. We need your help to raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health and connect parents and caregivers across the state with resources. Join the 2018 Children's Mental Health Matters! (http://www.childrensmentalhealthmatters ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC Winter has come! Last week brought the full fury of winter down on many parts of the country, particularly the East Coast. You might think the world is coming to an end with dire weather reports announcing the arrival of “bomb cyclones” and another polar vortex. Parents scramble to occupy their children at ho ..

Bringing together legislators, families, youth, policymakers and providers Join us on Thursday, February 22 to advocate for young people with behavioral health needs, including mental health and substance use challenges. Don't miss this opportunity to: Learn about relevant legislation and committee work in Maryland's House and Senate Visit legislators and/or their  ..

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has announced that it will be offering services under the new Community Supports Waiver. The program will provide individual and family supports for people of all ages with developmental disabilities on the DDA Waiting List. The Community Supports Waiver is similar to the Family Supports Waiver (http://www.mdcoalition ..

Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24. Youth who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT), are at significantly greater risk of attempting suicide than non-LGBT youth. Increased bullying by peers, parental rejection and societal stigma all contribute to this greater risk. The results from the 2014-2015 Youth Risk Beha ..

MCF’s work supporting families of young people with substance use challenges has been recognized with a national award for innovation in programming. Presented by FREDLA (the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association), the award recognized MCF for expanding its work to provide family peer support to parents and caregivers of young people with sub ..

Beginning this month, MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC, will be sharing helpful hints for parents and caregivers to help practice self-care and wellness. We’re kicking off this series with Ronnie’s top five self-care practices to help you start off the New Year. Taking care of ourselves through the practice of self-care helps us not only to sur ..

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has announced that it will be offering services under the new Family Supports Waiver. The program will provide individual and family supports for children birth to age 21 with developmental disabilities on the DDA Waiting List. DDA expects services under the Waiver to start by February 2018, which will reduce the waitin ..

The Nutritional Neuroscience Lab at American University is conducting a study to assess the effects of food additive consumption in children ages 8-12 years old with and without ADHD. This study will test the effects of MSG and food coloring, alone and in combination, on behavior, cognitive function, and brain activity. The study consists of a 5-week dietary intervention, w ..

Your Veteran is a hero. Now it’s your turn. Wives, sisters, uncles, grandparents—anyone can be a hero to their returning Veteran simply by gaining a better understanding of the common challenges they face when adjusting to post-deployment life. Family of Heroes (http://www.familyofheroes.com/maryland), a free, award-winning interactive role-play simulation, shows yo ..