(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) are recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month by highlighting free and comprehensive mental and behavioral health resources and underscoring the importance of open conversations about mental health, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to care.
Mental illnesses can impact anyone, regardless of age, race, or life circumstance. DBH provides a wide range of accessible mental health services for adults, children, youth, and families, offered at home, in public schools, and throughout the community. More than 43,000 residents currently receive care through the public behavioral health system. Throughout May, DBH is holding activities in 82 public schools to raise awareness on children’s mental health and promote services to support them and their families. Students can participate in Coping Skills Bingo, a mental health poster campaign, random acts of kindness, and a variety of other activities aimed at developing healthy social skills and reducing barriers to learning.
“Learning good social-emotional skills, including how to solve problems, manage anger, and cope with challenges during childhood, will help children succeed now and later in life,” said DBH Director, Barbara J. Bazron, Ph.D. “Evidence-based prevention strategies work to reduce the risk of developing mental health problems or reduce the severity if they do develop.”
Mental Health Awareness Month, first launched by Mental Health America in 1949, has evolved into a nationwide campaign uniting individuals, organizations, and communities. This year’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” urges people to take meaningful steps, like learning more about mental health, checking in on loved ones, or supporting local initiatives, to create real change.
District residents experiencing emotional distress or crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. The DC Mental Health Hotline, available at 888-7WE-HELP (888-793-4357), connects callers with trained clinicians who can provide immediate support. When necessary, mobile crisis teams can be dispatched to homes or community locations. DBH also operates urgent care clinics with same-day mental health services for youth at 821 Howard Road SE and adults at 35 K Street NE. In addition, a 24-hour emergency clinic at 1951 E Street SE and a 24-hour Stabilization Center at 35 K Street NE offer care for individuals experiencing a substance use crisis.
For more information about mental health services for children, youth, and families in the District, visit dbh.dc.gov.
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