Mental health crises can happen to anyone at any time. Whether it’s overwhelming anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or emotional trauma, these moments require swift, compassionate care.
To make that possible, the state of Maryland, along with the national initiative, has launched the 988 mental health hotline, a simple, free, and confidential number to call during emotional or psychological emergencies.
But what happens after the call? And how does long-term care fit in?
At Shalom Behavioral Health Inc., we’re here to break down the steps, connect you to follow-up treatment, and ensure no one faces a mental health crisis alone, whether in Prince George’s County or Baltimore County.
What Is the 988 Mental Health Crisis Line?
Launched nationally in 2022, the 988 mental health hotline is a 24/7 service for anyone experiencing a behavioral or emotional crisis. It connects callers with trained crisis counselors who provide immediate support, risk assessment, and next-step resources.
You can call 988 if you or someone you know is:
- Thinking about suicide
- Experiencing a panic attack
- Struggling with overwhelming emotional distress
- Worried about a loved one’s safety
- In need of non-police emergency intervention
The goal is to replace 911 for most behavioral health emergencies, avoiding unnecessary police involvement and hospitalizations.
What Happens When You Call 988 in Maryland?
When a Maryland resident calls 988, the call is routed to a regional crisis center, such as one near Baltimore County or Prince George’s County. A trained professional will:
- Listen without judgment
- Assess the immediate safety needs of the caller
- Provide de-escalation support and mental health triage
- Connect the caller with local resources such as mobile mental health services, shelters, or therapy referrals
In high-risk cases, crisis responders can dispatch on-the-ground support teams trained in trauma-informed care rather than law enforcement.
When to Use 988 vs. Other Emergency Services
While 988 is a critical lifeline, it’s not meant to replace 911 for situations that require police or emergency medical care. Here’s how to decide:
- Use 988 for:
- Emotional breakdowns
- Suicidal ideation
- Non-violent psychiatric emergencies
- Urgent need for someone to talk to
- Emotional breakdowns
- Use 911 for:
- Physical danger to self or others
- Overdoses or life-threatening medical issues
- Fire, crime, or severe injury
- Physical danger to self or others
After a 988 call, individuals are often referred to local providers like Shalom Behavioral Health for ongoing care.
Shalom Behavioral Health: What We Do After the Crisis
While the 988 mental health hotline is about immediate intervention, our team is here for what happens next. We offer ongoing outpatient mental health services to help individuals stabilize, recover, and build coping tools.
Our services include:
- Mental health evaluations post-crisis
- Ongoing therapy for anxiety and depression
- Adult mental health services for individuals navigating stress or trauma
- Family-based care through family therapy outpatient programs
- Long-term coordination with licensed therapists for continuity
Where We Step In: Serving PG & Baltimore County
After a crisis hotline referral, local follow-up is key. Shalom Behavioral Health provides responsive care across:
- Prince George’s County mental health programs in Oxon Hill, Largo, Fort Washington
- Baltimore County areas including Woodlawn, Dundalk, Catonsville, and Towson
We provide options for both in-person and virtual outpatient therapy, and coordinate with mobile mental health services when in-home care is needed.
How to Prepare for a Crisis—Before It Happens
One of the best ways to handle a crisis is to be ready for it. We recommend:
- Saving 988 into your phone and educating your family
- Learning the early warning signs of a mental health emergency
- Talking to your child, teen, or aging parent about what to do when they feel overwhelmed
- Building a care plan with a provider like Shalom before the crisis arrives
Our OMHC program is designed to create that safety net.
How We Coordinate With 988 Crisis Teams
At Shalom Behavioral Health, we are part of the continuum of care that works alongside the 988 crisis services in Maryland teams. After a de-escalation call or mobile crisis response, our providers often receive direct referrals for:
- Short-term stabilization sessions
- Medication monitoring or reevaluation
- Transition into weekly outpatient mental health care
- Integration into mental health services, PG County, MD long-term plans
Don’t Wait Until It’s Critical — Take Preventative Steps Today
The 988 hotline is an incredible resource, but it’s one part of a larger picture. Mental health doesn’t start at crisis – it starts with daily support.
If you or a loved one has experienced:
- Recent trauma
- Emotional withdrawal
- Signs of suicidal thinking
- Mood instability or panic episodes
Now is the time to seek help.
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📞 Or call Shalom Behavioral Health Inc. at (240) 998-1835 to schedule a confidential consultation.