Mental Health Navigation

• Find pediatricians, primary care doctors, and medical specialists
  
  

• Locate trauma-informed therapists, counselors, and mental health programs
  
  

• Schedule appointments and coordinate care
  
  

• Understand and apply for insurance (including Medicaid or MCHP)
  
  

• Connect with local clinics, school-based services, or mobile providers
  
  

• Access mental health resources for children, teens, and caregivers
  
  

• Support families coping with trauma, grief, or behavioral challenges
  
  

🛠 How We Help

• Listen to each family’s unique concerns and priorities
  
  

• Research and refer to local medical and mental health providers
  
  

• Assist with appointment scheduling and follow-up
  
  

• Help complete applications for insurance, therapy, or clinical services
  
  

• Provide reminders, transportation options, and interpreter resources (if needed)
  
  

• Stay connected through the care process to offer consistent support

📄 Maryland Mental Health Services Guide 

This guide highlights accessible mental health services for Maryland families: 

- Maryland 211 Mental Health Support: Call 2-1-1 and press 1 or visit www.211md.org 

- Behavioral Health Administration (BHA): https://health.maryland.gov/bha/Pages/Index.aspx   

- Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Services: health.maryland.gov/bha

 - County-based Mental Health Agencies: Visit your county website for local programs 

- University-Based Clinics: Many offer low-cost therapy via graduate programs 

Note: Always confirm provider availability, insurance coverage, and intake procedures 

📄 Step-by-Step: How to Find a Therapist in Maryland 

1. Start with your insurance provider: 

- Call the number on the back of your card or visit their website to search for in-network therapists. 

2. Use trusted directories: 

- PsychologyToday.com - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us 

- TherapyForBlackGirls.com - https://therapyforblackgirls.com/  TherapyForBlackMen.org - https://www.therapyforblackmen.org/ 

- OpenPathCollective.org (low-cost options) 

3. Use state-supported programs: 

- Public mental health clinics 

- School-based mental health programs 

- Local nonprofits (Catholic Charities, Pro Bono Counseling Project) 

4. Contact us at Bright Star Support Services for help navigating your search. 

📄 Behavioral Health Support for Children & Teens 

Supporting your child's emotional well-being is important. These programs can help: 

- Maryland Coalition of Families: Family peer support for behavioral/mental health Website: www.mdcoalition.org - https://www.mdcoalition.org/ 

- Sheppard Pratt: Outpatient therapy, in-home services, and crisis support Website: www.sheppardpratt.org - https://www.sheppardpratt.org/ 

- Kennedy Krieger Institute: Specialized behavioral health for children with developmental needs Website: www.kennedykrieger.org - https://www.kennedykrieger.org/ 

- School-based Mental Health Programs: Ask your child's school about on-site counseling or partnerships - Mobile Crisis Teams: Available in many Maryland counties for youth in immediate need 

Bright Star can help you connect to services that match your child's needs. 

Need Housing Help Now?

More than half of children with behavioral or emotional challenges in Maryland don’t receive the services they need. Access is often limited by waitlists, cost, or confusion about where to start. Bright Star Support Services helps break down those barriers so families can take action right away. 

Why This Matters

When families have access to reliable medical and mental health care, they’re better equipped to support their children physically, emotionally, and academically. No one should have to face tough health decisions alone. We’re here to make the path easier, more transparent, and full of hope.