Mental Health Resources
Be Well 365 is a district-wide action plan to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities in six essential areas of physical, social, and psychological development that support academic growth and lifelong personal and career success.
The 6 Essentials:
Culturally Responsive Relationship Building: The ability to establish healthy relationships and understand social and interpersonal skills by creating positive climates. For example, demonstrating an understanding of the identities and experiences of all students ensuring they receive equitable opportunities for learning. Learn more in this Be Well Talk video.
Mental and Emotional Health: The ability to use healthy mental and emotional skills to strengthen self-concept and cope with adversity. For example, learning and applying the skills to manage stress. Learn more in this Be Well Talk video.
Trauma Informed Practices: The ability to understand the effects of trauma on physical and psychological development and to use strategies to reduce their impact on student learning. For example, helping students build skills such as optimism, flexibility, self-confidence, self-control, and perseverance in a safe and welcoming learning environment. Learn more in this Be Well Talk video.
Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices: The use of strategies to build understanding relationships between students and adults and resolve conflicts in a manner that restores relationships and repairs the harm that may have been caused. For example, presenting opportunities for students to develop core social competencies, such as empathy, compassion and conflict resolution skills through carefully constructed group conversations. Learn more in this Be Well Talk video.
Physical Health and Wellness: The development of lifelong positive health-related attitudes and behaviors that includes physical fitness, relationship-building, and decision-making. For example, providing a diverse selection of engaging in-school and after-school activities while also focusing on nutrition as key element of wellness.
Character Education and Empathy: The ability understand and care about the feelings of others, accept responsibility, and behave in a safe, positive, and ethical manner. For example, nurturing student capacity for compassion, self-regulation and resilience, especially in adverse situations. Learn more in this Be Well Talk video.
The 6 essentials are incorporated in the academic curriculum and in regular school day activities, in addition to specific lessons provided by school counselors, school psychologists, health education and other content area teachers and programs.
Visit the Be Well 365 webpage for more information.
SOS Signs of Suicide (English)
SOS Signs of Suicide (Spanish)
Caring Matters
Parenting While Grieving
Online Workshop Series
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 25, 2023
Information and registration, contact:
Mabilia Rastello, mabiliar@caringmatters.org or 717-800-1631
Mental Health Resources
Where can I learn more about children's mental health?
Always seek immediate help if a child engages in unsafe behavior or talks about wanting to hurt themselves or someone else.
Refer to this list of local and national resources: Where To Get Help
It can be hard for families to tell the difference between challenging behaviors and emotions that are consistent with typical child development and those that are cause for concern. In general, if a child’s behavior persists for a few weeks or longer, causes distress for the child or the child’s family, and interferes with functioning at school, at home, or with friends, then consider seeking help.
Listed below are informational resources on a variety of mental health topics to help families and educators support student success.
Mental Health Community Resources
Community Resources
EveryMind
301-424-0656
Crisis prevention and intervention services.
Montgomery County Crisis Center
240-777-4000 or walk-in
24/7 immediate response to mental health and situational crises.
Montgomery County Access to Behavioral Health Services
240-777-1770 / 240-777-4710 or walk-in
Assistance with obtaining appropriate outpatient mental health or substance use services for individuals eligible through the public mental health system.
infoMontgomery
Directory of mental health service providers and resources in Montgomery County.
Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services
240-777-1432
Outpatient mental health services for children, adolescents, and their families.
Screening and Assessment Services for Children and Adolescents
240-777-1430
Substance use assessment and treatment referrals.
Sheppard Pratt Care and Services
301-840-2000
Community mental health services and programs for families.
ChildLink
Information and referral service for children birth to 5 years old and their families.
2-1-1 Maryland
24/7 access to over 5,000 organizations and programs across the state that provide community health and human services.
Montgomery County BtheOne
Information on suicide and substance use prevention for teens and their families.
National Resources
National Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Children’s Mental Health Matters! Family Resource Kit (in English and Spanish)
The National Center for Children and Families
National Institute of Mental Health
national suicide prevention lifeline
988
safe schools maryland
883-MD-B-SAFE