Youth and Families

Youth & Family Illustration

Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. 1 in 5 youth aged 13 – 18 years old live with a mental health condition. Adolescence is also the time when many people begin experimenting with substances. It’s important to support youth and families so that they can recognize and treat behavioral health conditions.

If you are a young person or a family member looking for immediate emotional support, call 988. Our specialists provide confidential care 24/7. 

Behavioral Health Services in School

BHSB works with Baltimore City Schools to ensure all youth and children have access to high-quality behavioral health care that promotes social-emotional health and academic success. If undetected or left untreated, early behavioral problems can develop into more serious mental health conditions that can impact learning and academic achievement. Behavioral health conditions experienced by youth correlate to negative educational outcomes, such as chronic absence, low achievement, disruptive behavior, and dropping out.

If you are a caretaker looking for early childhood mental health care, or to connect with a behavioral health specialist at your child’s school, please see our Expanded School Behavioral Health (ESBH) Services Directory.

Support for Families

Family Peer Support Specialist

One-to-one support for your family is available through a Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) Family Peer Support Specialist. Family Peer Support Specialists are training to help caregivers navigate and apply for services in your community. To connect with a Family Peer Support Specialist, call (410) 730 8267, press 1 or visit MCF’s Website. (A link to an external site)

Healthy New Moms

Between 15 and 25 percent of new moms suffer from some form of postpartum depression or anxiety. You are not alone. Healthy New Moms (A link to an external site) has resources and information to support your mental health.

Local Care Team

Are you a Caregiver or Parent who is dealing with any of the following issues?

  • Your child or family is involved with multiple agencies and you feel like you’re getting nowhere.
  • You think your child needs more services but you’re not sure where to turn.
  • You know what you need but you can’t seem to locate the service locally.
  • You feel overwhelmed and need a guide through the maze of reports and recommendations.

The Baltimore City Local Care Team is here to help! (A link to an external site