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 ..

Like other chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, substance use disorders can be successfully managed with proper treatment, yet less than 10% of people in need of treatment receive it. September, recognized as National Recovery Month (https://www.recoverymonth.gov/), offers an opportunity for each of us to help raise awareness and understanding of substan ..

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 ..

People with mental health disorders are more likely than others to experience an alcohol or substance use disorder. The term “co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder” is used to describe this. Research around co-occurring disorders in young people is limited, but it is estimated that 60 to 75 percent of adolescents who have mental health issues also have subst ..

“Stay encouraged.” If you talk to MCF Family Peer Support Specialist Sherri Allen by phone or email, you’ll hear these words at the end of the conversation. It’s one way she reminds you that, no matter how hard things feel now, she’s there to support you in staying hopeful. You’ll hear that same message of hope—in their own words—from every member of MCF ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC We are deep into the summer now. Phew! What do you do with those kids when the temperatures soar and school is out? How do you keep your sanity and enjoy your family time as much as possible? We often get so preoccupied getting kids scheduled and constructively occupied that we forget that the down time of the summer  ..

On the last day of the 2018 Maryland legislative session, in response to the school violence that has been occurring across the country, “The Safe to Learn Act of 2018 (http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb1265&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2018RS)” passed. The bill requires a number of measures that are aimed at improving school safety ..

Last month we shared examples of stigmatizing language around substance use disorders (/blog/changing-stigmatizing-language-around-substance-use-disorders) and changes we can each make to our language to help combat stigma. There is also language around mental health disorders that is stigmatizing. We each have an opportunity to make changes to the words we use in describin ..