Frequently Asked Questions
This is a list of questions we frequently get asked on the NAMI HelpLine, in person during outreach events or in classes and support groups. It is not an exhaustive list though it might help as you search for more information on mental illness, on NAMI, and other related topics. Please check back from time to time for updated information or new QA postings.
What does NAMI Frederick County provide?
NAMI Frederick County offers support, education and information/resources free of charge to all persons within the County who are affected by mental illness (including individuals with a mental health condition, as well as their families and friends). We also promote mental health awareness and advocacy within the local community and the State of Maryland. All of our services are provided by compassionate, trained volunteers who have lived experience with their own or their loved ones’ mental illness. Our years of experience and connections with state/national NAMI and local community organizations allow us to gather and offer a wealth of online and in-person mental health information and resources. At NAMI, we are dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental illness by inspiring others through our non-judgmental support and messages of hope and recovery. NAMI Frederick County offers: •Peer Support Groups •Family Support Groups •Peer and Family Education Classes •Outreach programs, presentations ( NAMI In Our Own Voice, NAMI Ending the Silence, NAMI Sharing Your Story with Law Enforcement) and community events. •Volunteer opportunities * Please note that NAMI does not offer professional mental health services or therapy, and our programs are not a substitute for treatment by a psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professionals. However, we do provide education, support and advocacy.
I am in a CRISIS, my family/friend is in crisis, OR I am thinking about SUICIDE. What should I do?
If you are experiencing an emotional crisis, family crisis, or are having suicidal thoughts, see our Crisis Support Page for a list of emergency and crisis phone numbers and resources. In a life-threatening EMERGENCY, call 9-1-1 and ask for a CIT officer (Crisis Intervention Team) In a MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS, feeling suicidal: •Call or text 9-8-8 •Talking to someone may help. Suicide and Crisis hotlines have trained counselors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don’t wait – call now!
I am/ or my friend/family member is NEWLY DIAGNOSED with a mental illness. What do I do now?
We encourage you to start by informing yourself about mental illness. This can be done by attending an education or support program or by requesting general information, fact sheets, and brochures about your/their illness. For more information on specific mental illnesses, treatments and other related issues, see NAMI.org. NAMI Frederick County offers an array of programs and services for people living with mental illness, family members, and the general public. These programs draw on the experiences of those who are affected directly by mental illness. They also offer information about mental illness, coping strategies, and local services that could help you with a specific problem. Many people find that, at the beginning of their recovery process, they need someone to talk to who can understand and provide emotional support. The NAMI Helpline volunteers and staff are caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable. They can provide general information about mental illness and provide referrals to appropriate resources. Many have had first-hand experiences with mental illness, either as a family member or as a person living with mental illness. You can reach NAMI Maryland Helpline representatives by calling 1-877-878-2371 Monday – Friday from 9 am to 5 pm Eastern Time OR NAMI’s National Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Monday -Friday from 10 am – 10 pm Eastern Time or Text “helpline” to 62640.
Where can I find a SUPPORT GROUP in my area?
NAMI Frederick County offers support groups and education courses to assist people living with mental illness and their family and friends through the recovery process. We also provide information on other support groups in Frederick County. All NAMI support groups and education courses are free. •To learn about NAMI Frederick County support groups, see our Programs page. •To learn about other local organizations offering support and services, please see our Resources pages. •You may also call the NAMI Maryland Helpline at 1-877-878-2371 for suggestions on support groups addressing specific issues or groups.
I don't know how to HELP my FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER who has a mental illness. Can NAMI support me?
NAMI Frederick County offers education programs and support groups to assist families and friends of loved ones with mental illness. NAMI’s Family-to-Family education course is ideal for family members, friends and other caregivers seeking answers. Ongoing NAMI Family Support Groups provide a safe place to talk to other people going through similar situations. You may also call the NAMI Maryland Helpline at 1-877-878-2371 Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm ET for suggestions and support.
My friend/family member believes "I AM NOT SICK” and/or “I DO NOT NEED HELP". What can I do to make them follow through on psychiatric treatment?
Legally, a person over the age of 18 has the right to refuse psychiatric treatment, including medication, except when they are: 1. A danger to themselves 2. A danger to others. If your friend or relative is mentally ill and in crisis: 1. If the situation is life threatening – your friend or relative is a danger to themself or others - call 911, tell the 911 operator it is a mental health crisis and ask for a crisis intervention trained (CIT) officer or CIT team to accompany police or sheriff deputies. 2. Call 988 (mental health and suicide crisis line) and ask that a mobile crisis team to be sent to the location. 3. Call 2-1-1 Maryland crisis helpline. (The Frederick County Mental Health Association operates 211 in Frederick County.) They also offer an in-person walk-in crisis clinic and virtual crisis services. 4. If you are not at risk, see if they are willing to go with you to: - The 24/7 walk-in crisis center at 340 Montevue Lane in Frederick, or - A hospital emergency room – see the Hospital list on the Resources page. Police officers and designated mental health professionals can place a person who is in psychiatric crisis on an "involuntary psychiatric hold" (or “5150”) for purposes of psychiatric evaluation and possible hospitalization and treatment. * * Important to Note: if a person does not meet the legal qualifications for an involuntary psychiatric hold (a danger to self or others), and they refuse to seek treatment, you may have limited options for forcing them to get help. Involuntary treatment laws have been established to protect the rights of individuals to refuse psychiatric treatment even if their loved ones believe they truly need treatment. Too often, the nature of mental health disorders is such that the person believes that their delusions and paranoia are based in fact and that anyone who questions their beliefs is a part of a conspiracy against them. Confrontations can backfire with people experiencing serious mental illness and can result in unpredictable reactions. In some extreme cases, the person may run away or become violent. Non-threatening persuasion and negotiation by loved ones, perhaps with the help of trained professionals, may be more effective in the long run in preserving your relationship and gaining their cooperation. To learn more about anosognosia (impaired awareness of illness), NAMI offers a fact sheet which helps explain why some individuals diagnosed with major mental illness sincerely do not believe that they are ill. Please see our Resources pages for the Anosognosia Fact Sheet and more helpful information. NAMI Frederick offers Family to Family Classes twice a year and ongoing Family Support Groups to help educate and further support you in this journey with your friend or family member. Family-to-Family, NAMI’s free 8-week education course, is particularly helpful in learning to better understand and cope. You will find that you are not alone, and the instructors and other families in the course have been through similar experiences. They can help you brainstorm strategies to support your loved one. A book that many family members and friends have found particularly useful is "I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help" by Xavier Amador, Ph.D., available from Amazon.com.
I or my family member was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold, and/or was hospitalized involuntarily in a psychiatric facility. Legally, how does "INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT" work?
In Maryland, the criteria for involuntary commitment are outlined under the Health-General Article, Section 10-617 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. An individual may be subject to involuntary admission if they have a mental disorder and present a danger to themselves or others. The individual must be unable or unwilling to voluntarily seek treatment, and without intervention, their condition is likely to deteriorate, posing a significant risk. The determination involves a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed physician or psychologist in Maryland. This evaluation assesses the individual’s mental state, potential for harm, and likelihood of improvement with treatment. The process ensures that the decision to commit someone involuntarily is based on objective medical evidence. Maryland law mandates considering the least restrictive means of treatment. Involuntary commitment should only be pursued if no other less restrictive alternatives are available. This principle protects the individual’s autonomy and freedom, ensuring that involuntary commitment is a last resort. Emergency Admission Process The emergency admission process in Maryland is established under the Health-General Article, Section 10-622. It allows for the immediate admission of an individual to a mental health facility if they present an imminent danger to themselves or others due to a mental disorder. This urgent measure can be initiated by a petition completed by a peace officer, physician, psychologist, or any qualified individual who has observed the behavior indicating danger. The petition must detail the behavior and circumstances necessitating emergency intervention. Once filed, the individual is transported promptly to an emergency facility for further evaluation. At the facility, a licensed physician or psychologist conducts a comprehensive assessment to determine the necessity for continued hospitalization. This assessment considers the individual’s mental state, the risk they pose, and whether involuntary admission is appropriate. The emergency admission can last no more than 72 hours unless a formal application for involuntary admission is filed within that timeframe. During this time, facility staff must explore potential voluntary options for treatment, reflecting the legal preference for voluntary over involuntary treatment whenever feasible. Rights of Individuals Undergoing Commitment In Maryland, individuals undergoing involuntary commitment are afforded specific rights designed to protect their dignity and autonomy. The Health-General Article, Section 10-631, ensures that individuals are informed of their legal rights, including the right to have an attorney present during proceedings. This provision ensures that individuals can engage legal representation to advocate on their behalf. Individuals have the right to a timely hearing to contest their involuntary commitment. A hearing must be held within ten days of the filing of a petition for involuntary admission. During this hearing, individuals can present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine those testifying against them, providing a platform to challenge the necessity of their commitment. Communication is another protected right under Maryland law. Individuals have the right to communicate with family, friends, and legal counsel, facilitating support and advocacy. They are entitled to receive visitors, send and receive mail, and access telephones, subject to reasonable facility regulations. New legislation in Maryland due to go into effect in July 2025, allows for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), also known as Civil Outpatient Commitment. This outpatient commitment process was advocated for due to the shortage of inpatient hospital crisis beds to help assure those in need are afforded an evaluation and treatment if necessary.
My family member was hospitalized and won’t sign a consent form allowing the staff to talk to me. How can I communicate my concerns about treatment or discharge plans?
Due to HIPAA privacy laws, your adult loved one’s medical information cannot be released to you unless they sign your name on a release of information form; however, you can give information to treatment providers (doctors, case managers, etc.) about your loved one’s medical history to the extent of your knowledge and they will use their professional judgement to discern what is in the patient’s best interest. There are some provisions in the HIPAA laws to allow family members to act in the best interest of the patient, please familiarize yourself with both federal and state laws to most effectively advocate for your loved one. One of the most effective tools in crisis scenarios is to have a Psychiatric Advanced Directive (PAD), in Maryland this is called a Mental Health Advanced Directive (MHAD), prepared with and signed by your loved one to provide to the hospital or treatment facility (in Maryland, uploaded in the CRISP system is preferable). See our Resources page for more information on Advanced Directives. Federal HIPPA: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/2069/under-hipaa-when-can-a-family-member/index.html Maryland Mental Health Advanced Directive program: https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/ccdb/ADP/Pages/Home.aspx
My family member has been ARRESTED. How do I help them?
If your family member or friend calls you and says that he/she has been arrested, help him or her to stay calm and offer your support. There are diversion courts for people who commit crimes because of mental illness and/or addiction. You can advocate for them by providing information to their public defender or legal counsel, or even the State's Attorney's office, asking for a mental health evaluation, and/or requesting their case be directed to the mental health or other specialty court as appropriate. The District Court of Frederick County does participate in the Specialty Court program overseen by the Maryland District Court Judiciary. Please see the Resources section for contact information for the Mental Health Court program.
My family member is MISSING and may be homeless or vulnerable. What can I do to find my relative?
People with mental health issues occasionally leave home or other secure housing to become homeless and/or missing, leaving family members distraught and desperate to locate them. If you have a missing loved one with serious mental illness, and are concerned about their safety, in Maryland, there is no waiting period to file a missing persons report. Notify your local police of your missing loved one and your concerns about their welfare, and provide all the information you can: age, height, weight, hair color, eye color, clothes last seen wearing, last known location, if known, mental health diagnosis, etc. to help them find your loved one and treat them appropriately as a vulnerable adult. For further information, please see our Finding Missing Persons section on the Crisis Support page.
My family member isn't missing but is homeless and vulnerable. Are there any housing options in Frederick County?
There are homeless shelters and emergency housing assistance available in Frederick County. There are rules and or guidelines for use of these facilities your family member would need to 1) want to go freely (not forced)/want to utilize these resources, and 2) need to comply with applicable rules. There are also low income housing and housing assistance programs. For further information, please go to our Resources page. If your family member is having a psychiatric crisis, please ask them to consider treatment options such as Inpatient hospitalizations, Crisis Walk-in, or Residential Treatment programs. These options are also listed in the Resources and/or Crisis Support pages.
I have a child struggling with a mental illness at home and at school. Does NAMI have resources for families or caregivers of CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS?
Mental health conditions are common among teens and young adults. 1 in 5 live with a mental health condition—half develop the condition by age 14 and three quarters by age 24. A mental health condition isn’t your child’s or your family’s fault—it develops for complicated reasons that researchers are only starting to understand. NAMI can help you understand mental illness and what you can do to support your child or teenager. Mental health services and supports are available and the earlier you access them the better. On our Programs page, we have information about NAMI Basics, an education program for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental health conditions. This six-session on-line course is available through NAMI National. It provides the fundamentals of caring for your child with a mental health condition, as well as for your family and yourself. NAMI Frederick County also offers an innovative schools-based presentation called Ending the Silence, an engaging presentation that helps middle and high school aged youth learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if they or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition. Additionally, NAMI has a Teen and Young Adult HelpLine and Resource Guide which are included in our Resources pages.
Dealing with my own mental health challenges, and/or my family member or friend's mental illness, is so hard and finding help and resources is frustrating and overwhelming. What can I do?
First things first, take a breath. Breathing is both our life force and helps calm and regulate our central nervous system. Second, please know that you are not alone. It can feel like we're out on a limb on our own trying to keep our balance while struggling just to hang on. You, or your loved one, don't have to be in full blown crisis to reach out. HelpLines/WarmLines are great options to be able to talk with trained professionals or trained volunteers who have "lived" experience with mental illness. HelpLines/WarmLines can help you find resources to help in many areas, can help formulate action plans/crisis plans, advise of available support groups, mental health providers, housing and financial resources, and more. The bottomline is you do not have to do this alone. NAMI has educational and support programs and resources to help you navigate through this journey, whether it is for yourself, your loved ones, your friends, even your co-workers. Please continue to explore the resources here and through the guides and links provided. Most importantly, don't give up. Help is available and healing is possible. You are not alone. If you are feeling utterly hopeless, don't wait, please call the 988 Crisis and Suicide Line now.
I am disabled due to mental illness and need FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. What is available to me?
There are various Federal, State and Local agencies and a variety of charitable organizations that might be able to provide some financial assistance. There are also organizations that can help you navigate the application processes at the respective agencies or organizations. Case managers and benefits coordinators are accustomed to helping fill out the forms and applications required to obtain financial assistance. Please look at the Resources page for more information. Good starting points are Frederick County Office of Social Services and Community Action Agency. They can help with applying for the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Housing Voucher or Low Rent options, and other financial assistance programs.