Emergency: Dial 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest Emergency Room
Access Helpline: 1-888-793-4357 (D.C. Dept. of Behavioral Health) 1(888)7WE-HELP. This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone line is staffed by behavioral health professionals who can refer a caller to immediate help or ongoing care.
Community Response Team: 202-673-6495 (D.C. Dept. of Behavior Health) offers 24-hour services to communities experiencing psychiatric emergencies, trauma, or show signs of mental health and substance use disorders.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text to connect with a trained crisis counselor. https://988lifeline.org
La Clinica del Pueblo (Spanish) Mental Health Hotline: 202-462-4788
ChAMPS: 202-481-1440 (Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service) is an emergency response service for children, teenagers and adolescent adults who are having a mental health or behavioral health crisis
PIW: 1-800-369-2273 (The Psychiatric Institute of Washington) offers comprehensive behavioral healthcare to children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing mental health and substance abuse issues.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and connecting individuals with treatment and support. For parents, it's a vital opportunity to check in on their children's mental well-being and reinforce the supportive foundation they have at home. Your role is crucial in navigating the sensitive topic of mental health and creating a safe space for your child to open up. This guide offers actionable ways to support your child, not just this month, but all year round.
Fostering Open and Honest Communication
Talking about mental health can...
Mental health supports are available for all DC children, but students with disabilities may require specialized mental health services to support their unique needs.
What...
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition among students that can make it challenging for them to focus and concentrate in the...
As a parent, discovering that your child is struggling with substance abuse can be a complicated and confusing experience. Addiction is a complex disease...
The Dyslexia Guidebook is a tool for all families with students who may struggle with spelling or reading. Use this interactive guide to advocate for additional...
The DC Office of the Student Advocate (OSA) supports students, parents/guardians, and families in their advocacy through parent education, one-on-one coaching, resource supports, and...