Home » News

Welcome to the Latest News page where you will find the latest news and information on the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency. This page is updated regularly, so check back often.

Crisis Response Warmline:  410-768-5522
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Anne Arundel County Local Behavioral Health Authority (LBHA) Monthly Newsletters

May 2022

April 2022

March 2022

February 2022

January 2022

December 2021

November 2021

 

Anne Arundel County, Maryland

EXECUTIVE PROCLAMATION

On Behalf of the Residents of Anne Arundel County

WHEREAS May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity to bring greater awareness to this health issue, and support individuals in their pursuit of mental wellness; and

 

WHEREAS Nearly one in five adults in America live with a serious mental illness, and one in five youth report that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health; and

 

WHEREAS, Diminishing the stigma associated with mental illness can help individuals access needed services and supports; and

 

WHEREAS, Anne Arundel County represents a diverse population with various mental health needs, and addressing health disparities and improving cultural competencies throughout our provider community can improve patient outcomes; and

 

WHEREAS, Mental illness is treatable and recovery is possible.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEUART L. PITTMAN, County Executive, do hereby proclaim May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Anne Arundel County and call upon all of our residents to recognize and commend its observance, and to find their own ways to give back to their communities. Given Under My hand and the Great Seal of Anne Arundel County this 1st  Day of May in the Year of the Lord, Two Thousand Twenty Two.

 

STEUART L. PITTMAN

County Executive

May 1, 2022

Posted: 05/03/2022

The Grand Prize Winner of Our "What is Your Super Power" Youth Contest has been announced! 

We would like to congratulate the winner- 7th Grader Alexis H.

Her video animation, "Upstander Man" can be viewed HERE 

 

Posted: 05/03/2022

In partnership with Childrens Mental Health Matters, we have created a youth activity calendar for May. Every day, they will have an opportunity to explore Super Powers such as self esteem and adaptabilty along with journal prompts.

CLICK HERE to view the daily activity calendar.

Posted: 05/02/2022

The Anne Arundel County Community of Practice (CoP) will be holding a series of monthly sessions from May 2022-December 2022. Person-Centered Approaches to Working with Individuals with Co-Occurring Disorders will be eligible for CEUS and will be held virtually. There is no cost to attend.

To view the monthly dates, topics, and learning objectives or to register, CLICK HERE.

For questions regarding this series, please contact Jeanette Cohen at jcohen@aamentalhealth.org or Kris Wright  at kris.wright@som.umaryland.edu

Posted: 04/07/2022

NAMI Anne Arundel County has announced a free 8-session education program called Family-to-Family. This series is designed to help family, partners, friends, and significant others understand and support their loved one living with mental illness while maintaining their own well-being.

The course includes information on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and other mental health conditions, and will be held from April 27th to June 15th, 2022. For more information, CLICK HERE

Posted: 04/04/2022

The Anne Arundel County Mental Health Taskforce's goal is to address the mental health needs of children and adolescents in Anne Arundel County.

Recognizing that the issues surrounding the mental health of children and the work to be done to combat those issues is bigger than any one agency, Dr. George Arlotto, Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, collaborated with County Executive Steuart Pittman on this effort.  They decided that this joint task force should be co-chaired by Ryan Voegtlin, Director of Student Services, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, and Adrienne Mickler, Executive Director, Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency.  

Click here for the full Summary Report

Posted: 10/08/2020

Parent CRAFT is an online video course that teaches parents the skills they need to meet the risks of substance abuse. This program provides ways to address adolescent and transitional-age youth (TAY) substance abuse through highly engaging online video segments that include structured suggestions for practicing the skills.

This project is made freely available to parents in Maryland by the National Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with funding from the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Components of Parent CRAFT include:

1. Understanding teen’s triggers for use, maintaining factors, and potential negative long-term consequences.
2. Learning communication skills for discussing concerns about teen’s drug use: use of understanding statements, accepting partial responsibility, and use of specific behavioral examples.
3. Using positive reinforcement to influence and change behavior.
4. Allowing for natural consequences to unfold (stopping enabling and protecting).
5. Suggesting professional help.

To access the course, CLICK HERE

Posted: 01/26/2022

SMART is the first tool designed specifically to help community behavioral health organizations to assess the extent to which their organizational and clinical processes are affected by racism, and to use that information to create measurable progress in becoming anti-racist at all levels.

The tool is intended to encourage behavioral health providers to implement concrete organizational change in multiple domains, challenging community behavioral health providers to be proactively and intentionally anti- racist in their operations.

Note that although SMART was designed specifically for community behavioral health organizations, in accordance with the mission of the AACP, we expect other types of human services organizations will find the tool to be useful – in whole or in part – for helping them to become proactively and intentionally anti-racist as well.

On Tuesday, September 21st, 2021, Dr. Rachel Talley and Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka gave a SMART Tool presentation at the Anne Arundel County Behavioral Health Providers Symposium.

CLICK HERE to access general instructions from the American Association of Psychiatry for using the SMART tool within your organization 

Posted: 10/08/2021

Adrienne Mickler and Catherine Gray, both from the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, recently held a virtual presentation with Ryan Voegtlin (Director of Student Services, Anne Arundel County Public Schools). The topic was School and Community Behavioral and Mental Health Resources. To view the recording of this presentation, CLICK HERE.

Posted: 12/23/2021

During the pandemic, data has continued to show a concerning rise in youth suicide. To help make adults and professionals more aware of this growing reality, the Maryland Office of Suicide Prevention has developed a toolkit, "Keeping Our Kids Safe" to address youth suicides.  This comprehensive resource is also appropriate for teens looking to learn more about how to ask for help. 

To download the toolkit, CLICK HERE

Posted: 12/16/2021

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health Gun Violence Intervention Team (GVIT) has released a Youth Gun Safety Toolkit. 

The resources on this page are intended for adolescents seeking resources and support. Parents and caregivers can also use the information in this toolkit to learn more about what they can do to make their homes and communities safer, and how to talk about gun safety with children, teens and other parents.

To access the toolkit, CLICK HERE

 

Posted: 11/17/2021

Anne Arundel County Local Behavioral Health Authority

     

FY 22 Annual Plan

Posted: 09/27/2021

On July 1, 2021, certain executive orders issued during the State of Emergency were terminated. One of the orders was Executive Order 20-04-01-01, which expanded the use of telehealth and audio-only services. This order is replaced by the Preserve Telehealth Act (SB 3).

CLICK HERE to view a list of FAQs regarding this update.

If you have a behavioral health question related to post COVID-19 telehealth services, please contact bha.inquiries@maryland.gov with additional questions or concerns, or contact your Local Behavioral Health Authority

Posted: 08/12/2021

The Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency's Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was updated on March 2, 2021.

Click here for our current MOA.

Posted: 03/03/2021

Preregistration and appointment links are below:

Anne Arundel County Department of Health:
https://aacounty.org/covidvax

Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center:
https://living.aahs.org/community-vaccine-clinics/

University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center:
umbwmc.org/getthevaccine

Giant Food (Glen Burnie and Annapolis):
https://giantfood.com/pages/covid-info

For Veterans, VA Maryland Health Care System:
https://www.maryland.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

Maryland Department of Health Vaccination Site Locator:
https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=0dbfb100676346ed9758be319ab3f40c&find=

Posted: 02/03/2021

Click HERE for our updated Privacy Notice.

Posted: 01/28/2021

From the Maryland Department of Labor:

On December 27, the federal COVID-19 relief package, called the “Continued Assistance for Unemployment Workers Act” that extends the CARES Act programs and provides additional federal unemployment benefits, was signed into law. Labor has reviewed the legislation and is working with the vendor to begin programming the four new and On extended programs in the BEACON system. 

However, the department is waiting to receive complete and detailed guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor for each program before it can be implemented and paid in Maryland. States cannot move forward without this critical guidance and it is likely that guidance will be issued early in the new year. As the guidance is received, Maryland will modify the BEACON system and implement each program as quickly as possible to bring much-needed relief to eligible claimants. 

Please note that while there will be no gap in benefit eligibility because the PUA, PEUC, FPUC, and MEUC programs are retroactive to the week ending Saturday, January 2, 2021, for eligible claimants, there may be a delay in the receipt of payment. However, rest assured that eligible claimants will receive ALL benefits they are owed backdated to their earliest date of eligibility within the extended and additional programs. 

 Click here for an overview of the four programs.

Posted: 01/05/2021

Innovative solutions to address the mental health crisis: Shifting away from police as first responders

The Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency's Crisis Response System was featured in a Brookings Institute Report on innovative solutions to address mental health crisis.

Click here for the full report.

Posted: 12/01/2020

The Maryland Behavioral Health Administration has updated the Provider Application for Licensure Under COMAR 10.63 Community-Based Behavioral Health Programs and Services.

Application for Licensure Under COMAR 10.63 Application (revised 10/2020)

For more information, visit the BHA Accreditation and Licensing Information website.

Posted: 11/06/2020

Visit the OpenArundel website for current data on the Anne Arundel County Cross-Departmental COVID-19 Response.

Posted: 11/04/2020

Tips, helpful books, activities and journal prompts for children and parents.

Click here to see the full list.

Posted: 10/29/2020

Take an online depression screening.

Whether for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or depression, health screenings provide a quick and easy way to spot the first signs of serious illness and can reach people who might not otherwise seek professional medical advice.

Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting 6.7% (more than 16 million) of American adults each year.[1]

Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare.

Why Screen For Depression?

• Clinical depression is a serious medical illness.
• Clinical depression can lead to suicide.
• Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a "normal part of life."
• Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups.
• Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. [2]
• Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions.
• Screenings are often the first step in getting help.

Who Should Get Screened?

People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

• A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
• Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Restlessness or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.

Learn More About Depression:

Depression

Life with Depression

Co-occurring Disorders and Depression

 

Sources

[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings, NSDUH Series H-49, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4887. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014.

[2] Pratt LA, Brody DJ. Depression in the U.S. household population, 2009–2012. NCHS data brief, no 172. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2014.[2] Pratt LA, Brody DJ. Depression in the U.S. household population, 2009–2012. NCHS data brief, no 172. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2014.

Posted: 10/08/2020

The Maryland Behavioral Health Administration has issued their 2020-2021 Behavioral Health Plan.

Click here for the Plan Memo.

Click here for the Plan Document.

Posted: 10/06/2020

Crisis Response Warmline - (410) 768-5522

Network of Care - Mental Health Provider Directory for Anne Arundel County

Behavioral Health Resources Page - Anne Arundel County

Posted: 10/02/2020

Click here to view the infographic.

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
• 1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34

Crisis Response Warmline - (410) 768-5522

Posted: 10/02/2020

TCM III and 1915(i) Services 

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has made several changes to the 1915(i) Intensive Behavioral Health Services program and the Targeted Case Management (TCM) for Children and Youth Level III participant enrollment criteria that will go into effect October 1, 2020. These changes will affect the types of services provided by 1915(i) facilities (PT 89) as well as participant enrollment criteria for both 1915(i) and TCM Level III services. The intent of these changes is to expand access and utilization of these services to eligible individuals. 

Click here for the Provider Alert.

Posted: 10/01/2020

Click here to read the September 4, 2020 letter from the Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health.

Posted: 09/15/2020

PRP Frequently Asked Questions and Training Opportunities

Optum Maryland and the Maryland Department of Health have developed a Frequently Asked Questions document which will serve as an ongoing resource for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) providers.

Click here for the Provider Alert.

Posted: 09/15/2020

Posted: 07/17/2020

It is with tremendous pride that I would like to announce that the Anne Arundel County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) was selected for the 2020 CIT International Crisis Intervention Team Award.  Through the partnership and teamwork of the Anne Arundel County Police Department and the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency’s Crisis Response System, they are able to work collaboratively to de-escalate critical situations and identify the needs of an individual or group in crisis.   By doing so, they are able to take an unmanageable situation and bring it to a safe and favorable resolution by exhibiting extraordinary professionalism, compassion and respect. There were many outstanding nominations, but the exceptional work that this team performed throughout the year stood out above and beyond all others.  Their abilities and contributions are an important key to the success of the Crisis Response System.  The citizens of this county are fortunate to have these dedicated individuals who make this county a place where people want to live, work and play--truly the best place for all.

Congratulations to being the 2020 International CIT of the Year!  Their work is greatly respected and appreciated!

Adrienne J. Mickler, Executive Director

Posted: 07/14/2020

In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, many individuals and families have been affected. As a result, Catholic Charities of Baltimore has launched a bilingual SNAP telephone hotline to assist with SNAP applications.

Help is available by calling the bilingual SNAP hotline at 667-600-2291 between 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday.

Benefit Counselors are also available at 667-305-6024 or 443-885-9707 to assist with additional benefits.

Pandemic EBT Frequently Asked Questions

SNAP Online FAQ

Beneficios de emergencia están disponibles

Posted: 07/09/2020

Click here to see the letter from the Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health.

Posted: 07/09/2020

The purpose of this tool is to assist behavioral health providers in planning for safe, long-term organizational preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are universal preparedness questions that all providers should consider, however, there is not a one size fits all approach to planning for continuity of operations.

Click here for the checklist.

Posted: 06/19/2020

The Maryland Behavioral Health Administration issued responses to questions on their FY 21 Crisis Response Services Request For Proposals.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 06/11/2020

PROVIDER ALERT

Letter from BHA Deputy Secretary

June 5, 2020

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) regularly releases updated guidance, resources and FAQs on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 
 
Today, BHA is releasing a letter from Deputy Secretary Dr. Aliya Jones to the behavioral health community summarizing the actions BHA has taken over the last month. The letter also addresses the past week’s civil unrest.
 
Read the letter from BHA Deputy Secretary Dr. Aliya Jones.
 
Updated COVID-19 resources: 

• FAQs for Behavioral Health Partners (updated June 4)
• FAQs for Opioid Treatment Programs and Buprenorphine Providers (updated June 4)

BHA will continue to update behavioral health COVID-19 related FAQs on the BHA website. Please visit frequently for the latest information. Also, please submit any COVID-19 related questions here or you can email bha.inquiries@maryland.gov.
 

Posted: 06/08/2020

Anne Arundel County Local Behavioral Health Authority

     

FY 21 Annual Plan

Posted: 06/04/2020

This week we honor those law enforcement officers who protect and serve the public during National Police Week, Sunday May 10 – Saturday May 16.  Our officers on the front lines are increasingly vulnerable to contracting the COVID-19 virus, yet they continue to serve all of us with dedication, honor and dignity.  These men and women are true heroes of our community and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.  Members of the community can honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 at 8:00 pm Eastern at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memoral Fund website. 

Posted: 05/12/2020

In the last month, as the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically slowed the U.S. economy,more than 50 0 Maryland families asked Catholic Charities for help with expenses.

In response, on April 22, Catholic Charities expanded its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, hotline to reach a wider community throughout the state, and added Spanish-language capability.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 05/12/2020

Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam

The Social Security Office of the Inspector General has received reports that Social Security beneficiaries have received letters through the U.S. Mail stating their payments will be suspended or discontinued unless they call a phone number referenced in the letter. Scammers may then mislead beneficiaries into providing personal information or payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash, to maintain regular benefit payments during this period of COVID-19 office closures.

Social Security will never:

• Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.
• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
• Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.
• Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem.
• Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 05/12/2020

Updated COVID-19 FAQ and Resources

May 5, 2020

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) has released new and updated resources on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):

New

• BHA created an interactive Telehealth Map outlining known behavioral health providers now offering telehealth services across the state.

Update Resources:

• FAQ for Telehealth (updated May 4)
• Recovery and Wellness Support Resources (includes an updated list of virtual self-help an dother support for those seeking or in recovery) (updated May 4)
• Mental Health Supports
  • BHA developed an extensive list of webinars, trainings, support groups, info guides for clinicians, and info guides for the general public.  This resource is updated regularly here.  If you see a resource that w ehave not included, let us know:  bha.inquiries@maryland.gov.

BHA will continue to update behavioral health COVID-19 related FAQs on the BHA website.  Please visit frequently for the latest information.  Also, please submit any COVID-19 related questions here or you can email bha.inquiries@maryland.gov.

Optum Maryland would like to reassure providers that all of our services are operating as normal during the current national response to COVID-19.  Providers can continue to contact us at 1 (800) 888-1965.  After-hours and holidays will be covered by clinical night staff for crisis and emergency services.

Thank you,

Optum Maryland Team

Posted: 05/06/2020

Since 2004, Oasis has been offering a safe and supportive refuge for individuals and families seeking
relief. Our team of board-certified experts works to help every patient become a better version of
themselves. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, let Oasis: The Center for Mental Health
help you find peace. Contact us today for a free screening and to set an appointment.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 04/29/2020

New eviction prevention program first of its kind in the state 

Annapolis, MD (April 15).  Today County Executive Steuart Pittman announced a new Eviction Prevention Program that will help renters struggling to pay rent or utility bills because of recent job loss or employment disruption in the wake of the COVID-19 public health crisis.  

Click here for the full news release.

Posted: 04/27/2020

April 20, 2020 marks the 3 year anniversary of the Safe Stations program!  Safe Stations has assessed 3,461 in the first 3 years of the program.  Thanks to this unique partnership, we anticipate continued success in the future.

Posted: 04/20/2020

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Network of Care team is working with our content partners to ensure that every Network of Care website provides comprehensive, continually updated resources at the local, state and national levels. Please find this content in your local Network of Care website at the red “Coronavirus (COVID-19)” bar near the top of every page.

Click here for the full press release.

Posted: 04/14/2020

PROVIDER ALERT:  Advice for Submitting Uninsured Requests

April 3, 2020

Optum Maryland would like to share with providers some important information on the correct way to submit Uninsured requests in order to avoid delays in processing.

Click here to view the full alert.

Posted: 04/06/2020

Anne Arundel County Police Department compiled the following list of resources:

Posted: 04/01/2020

Updated COVID-19 FAQs for Telehealth, BHA Partners, and OTPs

March 27, 2020

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) has released updated FAQs on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):

Click to view:

• FAQs on Telehealth (March 27)

• FAQs for Behavioral Health Partners (updated March 26)

• FAQs for Opioid Treatment Programs (updated March 26)

BHA will continue to update the COVID-19 related FAQs every Tuesday and Friday. Please submit your questions here or you can email bha.inquiries@maryland.gov.

Optum Maryland would like to reassure providers that all of our services are operating as normal during the current national response to COVID-19. Providers can continue to contact us at 1 (800) 888-1965. After-hours and holidays will be covered by clinical night staff for crisis and emergency services.

Thank you,

Optum Maryland Team

Posted: 03/30/2020

Managing Suicidal Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 03/30/2020

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The Maryland EIP and our partners are taking measures to support public health during these difficult times. We acknowledge the stress of coping with COVID-19 among providers, consumers, friends, and family. To that end, please find specific resources below on coping with COVID-19 and adjusting during this time. As a reminder, there are also helpful early psychosis resources that are available online at www.MarylandEIP.com.

General Resources and Info on Protecting Your Mental Health

• The Mental Health Association of Maryland has compiled a list of resources to protect your wellbeing at this time (this will be updated daily).

• The Maryland Coalition for Families has resources for recovery supports during this pandemic, including for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Gamblers Anonymous (GA) groups.

• The Suicide Prevention Resource Center also has a number of resources for coping with COVID-19.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness has also released a comprehensive guide to answer frequently asked questions regarding the intersection between COVID-19 and mental health, in addition to an article on coping skills to use during this time.

• For general information on COVID-19 and information on ways to protect your mental health, please visit our partner’s resource guide at the National Center for School Mental Health.

• SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline also provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. More information can be found here.

  • If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.

For Providers

• The Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration has a comprehensive list of resources for the community and providers.

• Behavioral Health System Baltimore has COVID-19 Prevention and Response Resources for providers, including specific state guidance on mental health services. Further Baltimore-specific resources can be found here.

• Maryland Association of Behavioral Health Authorities also offers county-specific information for providers in Maryland.

• The American Psychological Association has a free office and technology checklist for telepsychological services and has also made their Telepsychology Best Practice 101 Series freely available.

 Early Psychosis Resources

• Our website now has a revamped Resource area with extensive early psychosis information for providers, consumers, family, and friends.

• Maryland’s Behavioral Health website has 24 free modules on early psychosis for individuals interested in supporting youth/young adult mental health

Please follow us on Facebook for weekly updates and more information.

Take care,

The Maryland EIP

Posted: 03/30/2020

The Institute for Innovation & Implementation has released two Special Guidance Reports on Wraparound and FOCUS modifications to effectively support young people and families during COVID-19, while also adhering to public health and safety standards.

Posted: 03/27/2020

Optum has released a Provider Alert: Telephone Services Authorized During State of Emergency for Mobile Treatment and ACT Services

Click here to see the full alert.

Posted: 03/27/2020

Tips for Caregivers on Media Coverage of Upsetting Events

These tips include information on Understanding Media Exposure and What Parents/Caregivers Can Do to Help.  This resource has been translated into the following languages:

• Arabic
• English
• French
• Spanish
• Swahili

Posted: 03/26/2020

There is a need for health care personnel who are in close contact with ill patients to have adequate protection.  Given the unprecedented demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), extraordinary measures to conserve PPE were issued on March 23, 2020 by the Maryland Secretary of Health Robert Neall.

Click here for the full order.

Posted: 03/25/2020

Toolkit for Responder Self-Care/Psychological First Aid (PFA)

Responder self-care is a critical component of Psychological First Aid. Responders deploy on short notice, face terror and destruction, and work long hours. These challenges make normal mechanisms of self-care difficult to access and easy to overlook.

It is imperative for responders to tend to their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Without adequate self-care, fatigue, adrenaline, and a desire to help can lead to ineffective, or even regrettable, decisions and practices.

Self-care includes actions taken before, during and after deployment.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 03/24/2020

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) released three communications with guidelines for expanded telehealth services as a result of COVID-19 during the state of emergency on March 21, 2020.

• Telephone Services Authorized for General Health Care Services [attachment 4a]
• Telephone Services Authorized for Behavioral Health Services [attachment 4b]
• Telehealth Services Authorized for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs (PRP) [attachment 4c]

These documents are posted on the BHA website as well.

For questions about the information included in these guidelines, please email BHA at ivajean.smith@maryland.gov.

Posted: 03/23/2020

Notice - As of March 19, 2020, Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency's main office located at 1 Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD will be closed to the public.  For assistance, please call (410) 222-7858.

As always, our Crisis Response System Warmline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (410) 768-5522.

Thank you.

Posted: 03/18/2020

On March 5, 2020, a state of emergency and a catastrophic health emergency was proclaimed
in Maryland. Recognizing that this may impact the State’s ability to timely process renewals of
expiring permits, licenses, and registrations, Governor Hogan issued an Executive Order
governing said licenses. The Executive Order extends licenses that would expire during this
period of a state of emergency.

Click here for the full memo from the Behavioral Health Administration.

Posted: 03/19/2020

Click here for the FY 18 Annual Report and FY 20 Annual Plan.

Posted: 06/13/2019

The 2019 Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) report about Anne Arundel County is now available.

Posted: 02/27/2019

Click here for more information.

Posted: 06/12/2019

Updated list of the sites where individuals can go and receive assistance with applying for insurance (Medicaid, QHPs through Maryland Health Connection). Please reach out to Kristina Dickinson, at kristinadickinson@aacounty.org, with any questions you may have.

Click here to view the updated list.

Posted: 02/01/2019

This chapter:

A. Prohibits inappropriate sexual behavior in covered programs; and

B. Adopts awareness and prevention training and reporting requirements regarding inappropriate sexual behavior that a covered program shall fulfill in order to be licensed by the Department or any of its Administrations, or approved by the Department or any of its Administrations to receive funding to provide services in Maryland.

For more information on this chapter of COMAR, please visit the following website:

COMAR 10.01.18

Reporting Form (MDH 4749)

Posted: 01/31/2019

Please click here for an important message from the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners regarding new requirements for Criminal History Record Checks for Renewal.

Posted: 07/02/2018

Please click here.

Posted: 02/12/2018

Please click here to see the attached notice from Beacon- Fentanyl

Posted: 01/17/2018

Beacon Provider Alert Balancing Incentive Program DLA-20 Training and Implementation Update CLICK here.

Posted: 12/23/2016

The National  Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Anne Arundel County(AACO) will be conducting a free online 8-week Family to Family Education course beginning on Wednesday, April 14th(6:30-9:00 PM ). 

   More Information

Posted: 03/26/2021

This training is part of a series designed  to provide a standardized set of trainings and
supervisory supports to service providing organizations that will:

1. improve outcomes for patients who have co-occurring disorders

2. Improve organizational outcomes, staff morale, and organizational efficiencies.
 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

? Describe the vital importance of self-care of behavioral health professionals.
? Explore strategies to prioritize self-care especially during a pandemic.
? Understand how self care mitigates the inevitable impact of providing co-occurring disorder treatment.

PRESENTER

Anthony Estreet, PhD,
LCSW-C, LCADC,
Executive Director, Next
Step Treatment Center

To view the registration flyer, click HERE

   More Information

Posted: 07/22/2021