Bureau of Behavioral Health
The vision of the Howard County Health Department Bureau of Behavioral Health is to create a model community in which behavioral health equity and optimal wellness are accessible for all who live, work and visit Howard County.
Experiencing a Behavioral Health or Mental Health Crisis? Call or Text 9-8-8, the 24/7 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Substance Use Prevention Survey
Help us identify our community's needs regarding substance use. Your feedback will strengthen our community's response. Your anonymous feedback will inform local health initiatives and community programs. Enter for a chance to win an insulated travel cup and multiport phone charger. For more information, contact the Health Department at 410-313-6112.
Community Survey on Firearms
The Howard County Health Department is seeking your input on firearm safety, concerns, and potential solutions. Your feedback will help guide community conversations and shape educational materials that reflect local needs. The survey is anonymous, takes just four minutes to complete, and your perspective is invaluable.
Upcoming Events
Store Your Firearm Safely
Register to receive a FREE biometric handgun lockbox at this drive-thru event. (Cable locks are free with no registration required.) Store your firearm safely to prevent accidents or unauthorized use.
Important Information:
- Howard County residents 21+
- Limit 1 lockbox per household.
- Registration required for a lockbox.
- Bring your email confirmation with you to pick up the lockbox.
- Do NOT bring firearms to this event.
Registration begins March 25, 2026 at 6:00pm.
Saturday, April 25, 10:00am-1:00pm
Long Reach Village Center, 8775 Cloudleap Ct., Columbia, MD 21045
Find:
- Mental Health Resources
- Substance Use Resources
- Naloxone Training
- Peer Support/Recovery Support
- Suicide Prevention Resources
Enjoy:
- Free Prizes
- Goodie Bags
- And More
For more information, contact Kaymisha Knights by email or call 410-313-6202.
HC Drug Free Medication Disposal Convenient Drive-Thru Event
When: April 25, 2026
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: Wilde Lake Village Center Parking LotHCDrugFree 5305 Village Center Drive, Columbia, 21044
Behavioral Health
The Bureau of Behavioral Health promotes mental health, resilience, and wellbeing, and supports individuals and communities impacted by mental health and substance use challenges through a range of services, resources, and partnerships.
Mission, Vision and Core Values of the Bureau of Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Strategic Plan FY 2026
Community Services Directories
Youth Opioid Response & Prevention Needs Assessment - Executive Summary
CAREAPP - connect to community programs and services
Resources
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center 410-531-6677 (local) or 9-8-8, 24 hours, 7 days a week
Mental Health Walk-in hours 24 hours, 7 days a week
Substance Use Walk-in hours 24 hours, 7days a week
Location: 8990 Old Annapolis Rd., Suite A, Columbia, MD 21045
Website
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Howard County 410-772-9300
Location: 9650 Santiago Rd #1, Columbia, MD 21045
Website
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 9-8-8 - Provides counseling for suicide prevention
Maryland Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009 - Provides counseling for victims of domestic or sexual assault, suicide prevention, support groups, emergency shelter, shelter referral, medical care, and assistance with the process of prosecution.
Runaway Hotline: 1-800-621-4000 – Support services for runaways and homeless youth
Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence: 1-800-927-4673 - Provides direct services for victims of family violence including a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, counseling, support group, emergency shelter, client advocacy, children’s program, court accompaniment, information and referral.
Maryland State (HIV/AIDS) Hotline: 1-800-638-6252, 1-800-553-3140 (Hearing Impaired). Information on testing and other referrals.
Community Services Directories
Network of Care Directory of Services (for Howard County) - A searchable directory for individuals, families and agencies concerned with behavioral health. It provides information about behavioral health services, laws, and related news, as well as communication tools and other features.
Directory of Behavioral Health Services: Behavioral Health Services Directory
Behavioral Health Resource Directory Request Form
Behavioral Health Providers FAQs
Bilingual Behavioral Health Resources: Click here (Updated November 2024)
Directories are not intended to be an exhaustive, authoritative guide to services. The guides on this page are updated frequently, however, changes occur regularly in agencies and organizations, thus, information may be outdated when you read these directories.
Behavioral Health Navigation Services: Call 410-313-6202 for resources, information & referrals.
Alcoholics Anonymous (local information)
The Serenity Center (self-help/12 step meeting hall)
On Our Own of Howard County (open door wellness center)
SMART Recovery (resources and meeting information)
Narcotics Anonymous (national meeting locator)
Free State Region NA (Howard County and other local area NA site)
Mobile service and expanded programs available
Substance use recovery support, safe usage resources, referrals.
Contact Peer Recovery Support Staff directly:
667-203-1253 or 667-203-1264.
Email us at: RecoverySupport@howardcountymd.gov
Peer Support Staff are available in person:
- Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10:00am-3:00pm in the Health Department parking lot to the far right of the building.
- Mondays & Wednesdays from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Leola Dorsey Community Resource Center (10390 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD 20794)
The LEAD program is a public health and safety initiative being carried out in partnership with multiple Howard County stakeholders. LEAD offers the police an alternative to arresting and charging for crimes that are committed due to unmet behavioral health needs and poverty. Instead of the usual criminal justice response, police officers can offer the LEAD program for minor eligible offenses. A Case Manager will then meet with the individual to determine their needs and offer support. Services can include: peer support; referrals for MH/SUD services; referrals to workforce development; and referrals for any identified needed services.
Howard County’s Overdose Prevention Team (formerly known as Opioid Intervention Team) is responsible for developing a local strategy to reduce overdoses in our County and hosting meetings to discuss updates. Learn more about the Overdose Prevention Team and its upcoming meetings.