Mental Health Matters & Your May Action Plan
⚖️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN MARYLAND
Mental health care is real health care, and you have the same legal protections accessing it that you have for any other medical service. Many people don't seek help because they don't know what's covered or worry about privacy. Here's what is true in Maryland:
- Right to Confidentiality: Your mental health records are protected by federal law (HIPAA) and Maryland law. Your therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist cannot share your information with your landlord, employer, or family without your written permission — except in narrow safety emergencies.
- Right to Coverage Under Medicaid: If you have Maryland Medicaid, mental health services — including therapy, psychiatric medication, and substance use treatment — are covered, usually with no copay. You do not need a referral for most behavioral health visits.
- Right to Parity Under Insurance: Federal law requires most insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use treatment the same way they cover physical health. If your plan denies a mental health claim, you can appeal — and Maryland Legal Aid can help.
- Right to Crisis Support Without Insurance: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free for anyone, regardless of insurance status. Baltimore Crisis Response (BCRI) sends mobile crisis teams to anyone in the city — no insurance required, no judgment.
- Right to Refuse Treatment: Except in specific safety situations defined by law, no one can force you into treatment. Going voluntarily is almost always more effective anyway.
Need help finding care? Call Health Care Access Maryland at (410) 649-0532, or your CHA case manager. The 988 Lifeline (call or text) is available 24/7 for anyone in distress.
STEP 1: Take 5 Minutes for a Free Mental Health Screening
You wouldn't ignore chest pain — don't ignore your mental health either. Free, anonymous online screenings for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use are available at screening.mhanational.org. The screening takes about 5 minutes and gives you next-step suggestions. If you'd rather do it in person, call 211 and ask for a free screening site near you. There is no record, no bill, and no obligation.
STEP 2: Apply for Cooling Assistance Now — Don't Wait for July
Maryland's energy assistance programs help low-income households pay summer electric bills, but funds run out. Apply at MarylandBenefits.gov or call (800) 332-6347. BGE also has its own assistance programs and payment plans — call (800) 685-0123 before you fall behind. If you have a documented medical need for cooling (heart condition, respiratory illness, certain medications), tell your case manager — there are extra protections for medically vulnerable households.
STEP 3: Make One Mental Health Appointment This Month
You don't have to be in crisis to ask for help. If you've been feeling off — tired, anxious, irritable, isolated — May is a good month to talk to someone. Chase Brexton, Total Health Care, and Health Care for the Homeless all offer same-week appointments and accept Medicaid and most insurance. Your case manager can make the call with you if that helps. One appointment is not a commitment to anything — it's just information.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS — IN YOURSELF AND OTHERS
When Stress Becomes Something More
Everyone has hard days. The question is whether the hard days are stacking up, taking over, and changing how you function. Pay attention to yourself — and to the people you love.
Signs that may mean it's time to reach out: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day for two or more weeks. Losing interest in things you used to enjoy. Major changes in sleep — too much, too little, or waking through the night. Eating much more or much less than usual. Trouble concentrating or making decisions. Feeling worthless or excessively guilty. Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities. Using alcohol, drugs, or other substances more than you want to.
Urgent warning signs — call 988 right away: Thoughts of harming yourself or others. Feeling like you're a burden. Giving away possessions. Saying goodbye in unusual ways. Sudden calm after a period of distress.
How to help someone you're worried about: Ask directly — "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" Asking does NOT plant the idea. Listen without trying to fix. Stay with them and help them call 988 or Baltimore Crisis Response at (410) 433-5175. You don't need to be a professional to make a difference — sometimes one caring conversation is everything.
💡 Did You Know? Medicaid Covers Mental Health With No Copay
Most Maryland Medicaid recipients pay $0 for therapy sessions, psychiatric appointments, and most prescription mental health medications. You do not need a referral to see a behavioral health provider in most cases. If you've been putting off care because of cost, that worry doesn't apply here. Health Care Access Maryland — (410) 649-0532 — can confirm your coverage and help you find a provider taking new patients. Don't let confusion about insurance keep you from care that's already paid for.
Summer Prep, Therapy Access & Community Resources
☀️ Heat Safety Starts Now
Cooling Assistance Programs
- OHEP / MEAP — Pays toward your electric bill year-round. Apply at MarylandBenefits.gov or call (800) 332-6347. Income-qualified.
- BGE Customer Assistance — Payment plans, budget billing, and emergency grants. Call (800) 685-0123 before missing a payment to avoid shutoff.
- Fuel Fund of Maryland — One-time emergency utility grants. (410) 837-4208.
- Empower Maryland — Free home energy audits, weatherization, and free LED bulbs through BGESmartEnergy.com. Lowers your bill long-term.
Medical cooling exceptions: If you have a documented medical condition, BGE cannot shut off your service in extreme heat. Ask your doctor about a medical certification form.
🌡️ Recognizing Heat-Related Illness
Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cool clammy skin, nausea, headache. Move to a cool place, sip water, apply cool cloths.
Heat stroke (call 911): body temperature above 103°F, hot/red/dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, possible loss of consciousness.
Cooling Centers: Baltimore opens cooling centers during heat emergencies. Call 211 for current locations and hours. Public libraries are also open and air-conditioned during regular hours.
🧠 Free & Low-Cost Therapy in Baltimore
Where to Start Without Breaking the Bank
- Chase Brexton Health — (410) 837-2050. Sliding scale, Medicaid, most insurance. Same-week appointments available.
- Total Health Care — (410) 383-8300. Behavioral health for all ages, all insurance accepted.
- Health Care for the Homeless — (410) 837-5533. Mental health and substance use services. No insurance required, no questions asked.
- Pro Bono Counseling Project — (410) 825-1001. Free therapy for low-income Marylanders without insurance. Call to be matched.
- Open Path Collective — openpathcollective.org. National network of therapists offering $30-$80 sessions. Online and in-person options.
Your case manager can help you make these calls if that feels easier. You don't have to do this alone.
🤝 Connection Is Medicine
Loneliness raises your risk of depression, heart disease, and even early death — public health researchers now talk about it like a chronic condition. The good news: connection is free, and Baltimore has options.
Try this month: Attend one community event (page 1 has dates). Take a walk in Druid Hill or Patterson Park. Join a free peer support group through NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore at (410) 435-2600. Visit your library — librarians are trained connectors.
FINANCIAL LITERACY SPOTLIGHT: BUILDING AN EMERGENCY FUND
Why $500 Can Change Everything
Research shows that having even $500 in emergency savings is one of the strongest predictors of housing stability. A car repair, a medical bill, or a missed paycheck doesn't have to spiral into eviction or utility shutoff when you have a small cushion. Here's how to start, even on a tight budget:
Start small, automate it: Open a separate savings account at a credit union — many have no minimum balance. Auto-transfer $5, $10, or $25 every payday. You won't miss what you don't see. Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore (MECU) and Securityplus FCU welcome low-balance accounts.
Use your tax refund as a starting deposit: If you got an EITC refund this spring, even $200 set aside builds momentum. The CASH Campaign's financial coaches can help you make a plan — call (410) 234-8040 or visit cashmd.org.
Watch out for predatory products: Payday loans, "title loans," and rent-to-own contracts can charge effective interest rates over 300%. They feel like a lifeline and become a trap. If you're tempted, call 211 first — emergency assistance grants and 0% credit-builder loans through nonprofit lenders almost always beat payday loans.
Free coaching: The CASH Campaign of Maryland and Maryland CASH Academy both offer free, one-on-one financial coaching. No judgment, no sales pitch.
May Community Resources and Services
| Organization |
Service |
Phone |
Details |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline |
24/7 Crisis Support |
Call or text 988
988lifeline.org |
Free, confidential, available to everyone — no insurance, no waiting. Text option for those who can't talk safely |
| Baltimore Crisis Response (BCRI) |
Mobile Mental Health Crisis |
(410) 433-5175
bcresponse.org |
24/7 crisis line and mobile teams that come to you. Free, no insurance needed. Serves all of Baltimore |
| NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore |
Peer Support / Education |
(410) 435-2600
namibaltimore.org |
Free peer support groups, family support, education. For people with mental illness and their loved ones |
| Pro Bono Counseling Project |
Free Therapy Match |
(410) 825-1001
probonocounseling.org |
Matches low-income, uninsured Marylanders with volunteer therapists. Free sessions. Apply online or by phone |
| Chase Brexton Health |
Primary / Mental Health Care |
(410) 837-2050
chasebrexton.org |
Medical, dental, mental health, HIV services. Sliding scale fees. Same-week appointments available |
| Total Health Care |
Community Health |
(410) 383-8300
totalhealthcare.org |
Comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health. Accepts all insurance including Medicaid |
| Health Care for the Homeless |
Medical / Behavioral Health |
(410) 837-5533
hchmd.org |
Free or low-cost care including mental health and substance use treatment. No insurance required |
| Health Care Access Maryland |
Insurance Enrollment |
(410) 649-0532
healthcareaccessmaryland.org |
Free help enrolling in Medicaid, Medicare, or marketplace plans. Confirms mental health coverage and finds providers |
| OHEP / Maryland Energy Assistance |
Cooling / Utility Help |
(800) 332-6347
MarylandBenefits.gov |
Helps pay summer electric bills. Apply now — funds limited. Income-qualified. Year-round assistance available |
| BGE Customer Assistance |
Utility Payment Plans |
(800) 685-0123
bge.com |
Payment plans, budget billing, emergency grants. Call BEFORE missing a payment to avoid shutoff |
| Fuel Fund of Maryland |
Emergency Utility Grants |
(410) 837-4208
fuelfundmaryland.org |
One-time grants for electric, gas, or oil bills. Apply online or by phone. Serves the Baltimore region |
| YouthWorks |
Youth Summer Jobs (14-21) |
(410) 545-1820
youthworks.oedworks.com |
May 1 deadline. Paid summer positions ($15/hr) for Baltimore youth. June-July program |
| CASH Campaign of Maryland |
Financial Coaching |
(410) 234-8040
cashmd.org |
Free one-on-one financial coaching, credit building, budget plans. Help with savings goals and debt |
| Maryland Legal Aid |
Free Legal Services |
(410) 539-5340
mdlab.org |
Eviction defense, benefits appeals, expungement, insurance disputes. Income-qualified |
| 211 Maryland |
Resource Navigation |
Call or text 211
211md.org |
Free 24/7 help finding food, housing, utilities, mental health, and community resources statewide |
🌺 Memorial Day Weekend — Free Things to Do May 23-25
Memorial Day weekend offers free, family-friendly events across Baltimore. Patterson Park typically hosts a community festival with music and food trucks. Druid Hill Park's Memorial Day events include free fitness classes and a small farmers market. The Inner Harbor lights up with free outdoor concerts. Memorial Day ceremonies honoring veterans take place at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens and the War Memorial downtown. Watch for flyers in your building, follow @baltimorerecnparks on social media, or ask your case manager. Connection and fresh air are free mental health prescriptions.
IMPORTANT: Report Any Changes to CHA Within 10 Days
What to report: New jobs or changes in hours/wages, unemployment benefits, SSI/SSDI changes, child support, settlement payments, tax refunds over $2,000, or any other new income source.
Why it matters: Timely reporting keeps your housing benefits accurate and protects you from back-charges or loss of assistance.
How to report: Contact your CHA case manager immediately when any income or household change occurs. Don't wait until your next scheduled meeting.
MAY CRITICAL REMINDERS
Mental Health: Call or text 988 anytime. Free, confidential, 24/7. Asking for help is a strength.
Free Screenings: Take 5 minutes at screening.mhanational.org or call 211 for an in-person site.
Cooling Assistance: Apply now at MarylandBenefits.gov or (800) 332-6347 — don't wait for July heat.
BGE Bills: Call (800) 685-0123 BEFORE missing a payment. Payment plans beat shutoffs every time.
YouthWorks: May 1 deadline for summer jobs ages 14-21. Apply at youthworks.oedworks.com.
Medicaid Mental Health: Most visits are $0. Don't let confusion about cost keep you from care.
Your Case Manager: We are here every step of the way. Reach out — that's what we're for.
