Effective June 30, 2018, the Washington County Health Department’s Division of Behavioral Health Services will no longer be providing ambulatory outpatient clinical services for mental health or substance abuse treatment.
The reason for this discontinuation of services is the inability of the Health Department to generate sufficient revenue for services rendered to maintain program viability. Because the financial shortfall has been anticipated for some time there was ample time for the Health Department to explore every option and opportunity for additional funding for the program’s continuance. When this was unsuccessful the Health Department was able to meet with other community behavioral health providers to apprise them of the situation and, having been assured that there was adequate treatment capacity in place, to make arrangements for the development of a referral system to ensure the continuity of care for clients.
Current programs operated by the Division of Behavioral Health that will continue include:
- Local Addiction Authority (planning, management, monitoring of services)
- Outpatient (ASAM Level I) at the Washington County Detention Center
- Care Coordination
- Peer Recovery Support Services
- Maryland Recovery Net care coordination
- System Navigation
- Temporary Cash Assistance alcohol and drug screenings at the Washington
- County Department of Social Services
- Prevention Services
- Overdose Response Program
- Naloxone Training
- Tobacco Cessation
- Student Assistance Program
- Harm Reduction Program
- Residential Treatment Services
- CAMEO House – for adult Pregnant Women and Women with Children
- CSAP – for adolescents
- Parole and Probation assessments until 6/30/18, per contract
- Department of Social Services substance use testing and screen until 6/30/18, per contract
The Washington County Health Department’s Division of Behavioral Health Services will continue to be the County’s Local Addiction Authority and is working to increase the number of providers available for mental health and substance use disorder services in the community.
For more information contact Rod MacRae at 240-313-3252.
Frequently Asked Questions / Answers
Washington County Health Department, Division of Behavioral Health Services Transition
1. When is the ambulatory outpatient clinic closing at the Washington County Health Department (WCHD), Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS)? June 30, 2018
2. Why is the ambulatory outpatient clinic closing at the Washington County Health Department, Division of Behavioral Health Services? The DBHS is not able to generate enough revenue to allow for the continuation of services.
3. What services will continue in the Division of Behavioral Health Services?
- Local Addiction Authority (planning, management, monitoring of services)
- Outpatient (ASAM Level I) at the Washington County Detention Center
- Care Coordination
- Peer Recovery Support Services
- Maryland Recovery Net care coordination
- System Navigation
- Temporary Cash Assistance alcohol and drug screenings at the Washington County Department of Social Services
- Prevention Services
- Overdose Response Program
- Naloxone Training
- Tobacco Cessation
- Student Assistance Program
- Harm Reduction Program
- Residential Treatment Services o CAMEO House – for adult Pregnant Women and Women with Children
- CSAP – for adolescents
- Parole and Probation assessments until 6/30/18, per contract
- Department of Social Services substance use testing and screen until 6/30/18, per contract
4. Will I be referred to another provider? If needed, yes. If you complete treatment before June 30, 2018, and have additional service needs, we will make every effort to refer you to another provider of your choice.
5. Will I be able to receive similar treatment with another provider? Similar ambulatory outpatient services are available with several providers in Washington County. Let us know if you would like to learn about the services in Washington County or if you would like assistance with a referral.
6. Will I be able to receive buprenorphine medication with another provider? Other private providers in Washington County offer buprenorphine inductions and medication maintenance.
7. Do other providers accept my insurance? Other private providers in Washington County may accept your insurance. The resource guide includes which insurance types are accepted by providers. Please call 240-313-3310 if you need assistance in applying for Medical Assistance.
8. What will happen to my clinical records? Your clinical records will remain secure within the clinic’s electronic medical record and clinical records file room in compliance with the required retention schedule.
