Grassroots outpatient mental health clinic - grassroots crisis intervention center is seeking support for 1 year of operating funds to open an outpatient mental health clinic (omhc) in columbia,…

Grassroots outpatient mental health clinic - grassroots crisis intervention center is seeking support for 1 year of operating funds to open an outpatient mental health clinic (omhc) in columbia, maryland. Grassroots is howard county's only 24-hour crisis center and provides 24-hour telephone crisis counseling, free walk-in crisis counseling, mobile crisis team, and substance use disorder screening and crisis stabilization for opioid and stimulant use disorders. The outpatient mental health clinic would provide same day access to behavioral health treatment for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorders crisis in our community. Howard county has limited same day access programs that provide urgent care to individuals experiencing behavioral health crisis. The emergency department is inundated with individuals seeking behavioral health relief due to inability to access mental health providers while in crisis. The new clinic would provide behavioral health assessments, individual and group psychotherapy, psychiatric services, case management resources, and psychoeducation services. Through the years we have seen an increased need for a comprehensive behavioral health center. Approximately 60% of those seeking walk-in services present with a mental health disorder. Another 20% of clients are seeking help for a substance use disorder. About 19% of those we serve are experiencing suicidal ideation. Approximately 75% of all clients are experiencing CO-occurring disorders meaning that they in need of support or treatment for a mental health issue (including suicidal ideation) and a substance use disorder. At grassroots we can provide treatment for the substance use disorders and immediate crisis, however, there is significant need to address all aspects of the individual's crisis needs. By being able to provide comprehensive behavioral health services we will increase access to care and increase the likelihood of recovery. Individuals with substance use disorders have a high rate of relapse due to ongoing underlying issues. By offering mental health and substance use disorder treatment, grassroots will be providing full services and be able to address all client' needs.