DC Mental Health Providers and Crisis Services

The Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program is a twenty-four hour/seven day a week operation that provides emergency psychiatric services, mobile crisis services and extended observation beds for individuals 18 years of age and older. Services can be accessed by telephone or in person.

The Access HelpLine at 1 (888) 7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357 is the easiest way to get connected to services provided by the Department of Mental Health and its certified mental health care providers. This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone line is staffed by mental health professionals who can refer a caller to immediate help or ongoing care. The Access Helpline can activate mobile crisis teams to respond to adults and children who are experiencing a psychiatric or emotional crisis and are unable or unwilling to travel to receive mental health services.

Child and Family Services Agency
If child abuse or neglect is suspected, immediately call the CFSA reporting hotline at (202) 671-SAFE (671-7233). To make a report, you will need to provide the following information:

• Name, age, sex, and address of the child who is the subject of the report, any siblings, and the parent, guardian, or caregiver
• Nature and extent of the abuse or neglect, as you know it (and any previous abuse or neglect)
• Any additional information that may help establish the cause and identity of persons responsible
• Your name, occupation, contact information, and a statement of any actions taken concerning the child

Call the CFSA hotline immediately-even if all the information is not available to you. If requested, follow up with a written report to the Child and Family Services Agency.

Maryland Crisis Hotlines

• Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (240) 777-4417, (240) 777-3556 (TTY)
  Report child abuse and neglect to ensure the safety of children; 24-hour service. Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
• Youth Crisis Hotline (301) 738-9697
  Provides confidential and anonymous support by trained counselors for Montgomery County youth through a 24-hour telephone active listening and referral service. Mental Health Association.
• Operation Runaway Hotline (800) 204-8600
  Provides Montgomery County 24-hour telephone crisis intervention and brief counseling for youth on the run or youth considering running away; consultation for concerned parents or community members. Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health.
• Maryland Youth Crisis Line (800) 422-0009
• Montgomery County Crisis Center Hotline (240) 777-4000, (240) 777-4815 (TTY)
  Provides immediate responses to crisis situations for all residents of Montgomery County

National Crisis Hotlines

National Youth Crisis Hotline: Provides counseling and referrals to local drug treatment centers, shelters and counseling services. 800-442-HOPE (4673)

National Runaway Hotline (800) 621-4000, (800) 621-0394 (TTY)
Offers 24-hour national hotline service for parents and youth including crisis intervention, message service, educational information, referrals, and runaway searches. National Runaway Switchboard.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: A free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The call is routed to the nearest crisis center. 800-273-TALK (8255)

Covenant House Hotlines: Crisis line for youth, teens and families. Gives callers locally based referrals throughout the United States. 800-999-9999

National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy

Advocates for Youth

Center for Health and Health Care in Schools