Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) are psychiatric institutions that are designed to care for, treat and educate children whose problems are so severe and chronic that they require an environment that is supervised 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. While most youth can be served in their homes and communities, others have more complex issues and at times may pose a danger to ..

Informed by our work with thousands of Maryland families, MCF staff participate on more than 100 committees and boards at the state and local level. We advocate to improve systems that impact individuals with behavioral health challenges, and work to ensure the needs and perspectives of families are heard. Beginning this month, we’ll be sharing profiles on some of the ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC The vibrant season. Chroma of amber and rust. Nature’s masterpiece. – Robyn Noble When we read this 3-line haiku poem on autumn, images of this season emerge in a different but very vivid way. Perhaps your memories of poetry involve school day English classes with required memorization that ..

Bullying can have both short- and long-term effects on everyone involved. While most research on bullying has been about children and adolescents who have been bullied, those who bully others are also negatively impacted. There is even research that shows witnessing bullying can impact us. This National Bullying Prevention Month learn more about the consequences of ..

Baltimore City and Baltimore County parents and caregivers of school-age children with mental health challenges are invited to join other caregivers in a free, two-day retreat to empower you to be a stronger advocate for your child The retreat, held November 2 and 3 at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, provides a welcoming space for you to learn how to help your child by: c ..

MCF's Board of Directors is seeking nominations for volunteers to serve on its Board. Our Board consists of both caregivers and professionals who share a passion for MCF’s mission. We are currently seeking nominations for individuals with any of the following skills, experiences or attributes: Parents or caregivers who care for children or young adults with substan ..

Maryland recently introduced a new (and easier to remember) crisis hotline number: call 211 press 1. This hotline handles calls related to both mental health and substance use concerns, and provides support, guidance and assistance. Help is available 24/7. This hotline number replaces the previously used 1-800-322-0009. Additional crisis resources: Texting - In ad ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC The other day I took a few minutes to myself during a busy day to sit outside. I closed my eyes, and turned inward. Following my own breath and engaging my senses, I noticed the amazing waves of sound as the cicadas called to one another. Very soon I felt calmed and grounded by this experience. The sound came and went, ..

Did you know, that in the US: Suicides consistently outnumber homicides In recent years the suicide rate has increased Suicide is the second leading cause of death for American youth ages 15-19 and the third leading cause for youth ages 10-24 49% of people struggling with gambling disorder have thoughts of committing suicide During this, Sui ..

Share your perspective through art Youth and young adults aged 11 to 25 with behavioral health issues, including mental health and substance use challenges, are invited to share their perspective on stigma or recovery through art. Artwork will be shared with the community through a free event this Fall and electronically. Submissions are open to written and visual works. Th ..