Suicide Prevention
Help is available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week at (800) 273-TALK (8255).
Department of Mental Health (DMH) Access Help Line
The Access Help Line at (888) 7WE-HELP or (888) 793-4357
Making this phone call is the easiest way to get connected to services provided by the Department of Mental Health and its certified mental health care providers. This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone line is staffed by mental health professionals who can refer a caller to immediate help or ongoing care. The Access Helpline can activate mobile crisis teams to respond to adults and children who are experiencing a psychiatric or emotional crisis and are unable or unwilling to travel to receive mental health services.
Call the Access Helpline to:
- Get emergency psychiatric care
- Help with problem solving
- Determine whether to seek ongoing mental health services or other types of services
- Find out what services are available
District residents can call the Access Helpline for help dealing with a variety of concerns including: family, death, school, drugs, gangs and violence. Trained staff can help you sort out and manage feelings of hopelessness, anger, grief, stress, or whatever is troubling you.
Behavioral Services for Adults
DMH provides mental health services and supports to various individuals including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, have limited English proficiency or are non-English speaking, or who have co-occurring intellectual disabilities. For an appointment, please call (202) 442-4202 or the ACCESS Helpline at (888) 793-4357.
DMH’s goal is to deliver mental health services that promote recovery, respect cultural and linguistic diversity, and are choice-driven through the Mental Health Rehabilitation Services (MHRS) system for community based care. The MHRS system is based on individualized services and supports.
Services include diagnostic/assessment services, counseling, medication, intensive day treatment, and crisis/emergency services. Individualized mental health services are supported by rehabilitation programs, peer supports, supportive employment opportunities, housing assistance and a range of community housing alternatives to facility-based care.
- Same Day Urgent Care
- Walk into a clinic and be seen the same day without an appointment from 8:30 am to 3 pm.
- You may be referred to a community provider for ongoing care.
- Pharmacy Services
- Individuals who are uninsured can get prescribed medication at the DMH pharmacy located at 35 K Street NE. The pharmacy is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. Prescriptions received before 4:15 pm will be filled the same day. Call (202) 442-4954 if you need assistance.
Emergency Services
The Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program
The Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program is a twenty-four hour/seven day a week operation that provides emergency psychiatric services, mobile crisis services and extended observation beds for individuals 18 years of age and older.
Residents experiencing a psychiatric or emotional crisis can be treated at the emergency facility located on the grounds of DC General Hospital Compound, Building 14, 1905 E Street, SE. Or call, (202) 673-9319.
Mobile Crisis Service
For individuals who are unable or unwilling to go to the emergency care facility, a mobile crisis team is able to provide assistance at individuals homes, in the community, or on the street. The mobile crisis service can be reached by calling (202) 673-9300.
Urgent Care Clinic
For easy access to mental health services, individuals referred by judges—primarily from misdemeanor and traffic court, that may show signs of mental illness, have been diagnosed as mentally ill, or show signs of both mental illness and substance abuse are seen at an urgent care clinic located on the ground floor of the Moultrie Courthouse. Walk-ins are treated as well. On site services for court defendants—many of whom are homeless—include mental health assessments and medication, if necessary, connection to a community mental health provider for ongoing care, and supportive services such as help with housing and social security benefits. The urgent care clinic is operated in partnership with the DC Superior Court.
Services for Children, Youth, and Families
It is estimated that as many as one in five children and adolescents may have a mental health disorder that can be identified and require treatment. However, through early intervention and treatment, children and youth with complex emotional and behavioral needs can live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) offers a broad range of treatment and support services to children between the ages of 5 and 17 and their families through community based mental health providers located in neighborhoods throughout the District.
Services include individual, group, and family counseling, diagnostic assessment, medication management, community support and crisis response through an array of intensive home, school and community based services. These services emphasize helping youth develop problem solving and coping skills that focus on strengthening family and community support systems to avoid out-of-home and institutional placement.
To select a community based mental health provider that best meets your needs, please review the list of community based mental health providers or call the ACCESS Helpline at (888) 793-4357 and talk with a mental health professional who will guide you through this process.