Bureau of Behavioral Health/Core Service Agency
Frequently Asked Questions and General Information
Core Service Agency (C.S.A.)
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Q. What does the Bureau of Behavioral Health/Core Service Agency do?
A. The Baltimore County Bureau of Behavioral Health/Core Service Agency (C.S.A.) is a unit of the Baltimore County Department of Health that is responsible for the planning, development, and monitoring of the public mental health services for Baltimore County residents.
The Baltimore County C.S.A. coordinates mental health services for all ages, and oversee a network of providers offering outpatient clinics, day and residential rehabilitation services, case management, crisis services, and a host of specialized programs for various age groups and special populations.
Q. What human service agencies does the C.S.A. work with?
A. The Baltimore County C.S.A. work closely with the following Baltimore County agencies and private sector groups to develop and refine services for the shared populations they all serve.
Other community education and advocacy groups
Q. What role does the Baltimore County C.S.A. play in the State's Public Mental Health System?
A. The Baltimore County C.S.A. works in partnership with the Mental Hygiene Administration and Value Options, its contracted administrative services organization, to facilitate the access to care for clients and the service authorization and payment to providers.
The C.S.A. serves as the local control and resource to address barriers encountered by either providers or clients in the provision of these mental health services. In addition, Quality Assurance personnel are responsible for identifying and/or responding to complaints and/or concerns related to the provision of these services.
Q. How can I get more information about the Baltimore County C.S.A.?
A. For more information about the Baltimore County C.S.A., call 410-887-3828 or send an e-mail to rblankfeld@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Information for Individuals and Families
Q. How and where can I schedule an appointment for publicly funded mental health services?
A. There are a number of local clinics in Baltimore County that accept Medical Assistance as well as the uninsured if they have a Primary Adult Care (PAC) Card. For a list of providers in your area, please contact Value Options at 1-800-888-1965.
Q. How can I get services if I don't have insurance?
A. If you do not have insurance, you should apply to the Department of Social Services for Maryland Medical Assistance at 410-853-3000. You should apply to Maryland Primary Adult Care Program at 1-800-226-2142 in the event that you do not qualify for Medical Assistance. While you are waiting for your Medical Assistance PAC card, if your need is urgent for mental health services you may contact a public mental health provider. If your income is too high for either program alternative resources may be available.
Q. How can I get assistance paying for my medicines?
A. In many cases where County residents do not qualify for Maryland Medical Assistance, they do qualify for Maryland Primary Adult Care Program. Call 1-800-226-2142 to apply. In some cases, a psychiatrist or physician may have samples of medicines used in the treatment of mental illness.
As a last resort, the Bureau of Behavioral Health/Core Service Agency has a one-time only grant fund, which can assist qualifying applicants with their medications used for the treatment of mental illness. This fund is intended to assist those who are waiting for approval of their Medical Assistance or Primary Assistance Care. The application (PDF) must be completed by a case manager or other mental health professional.
Q. How do I file a complaint about mental health services in Baltimore County?
A. To file a complaint regarding services received in Baltimore County, contact the Bureau of Behavioral Health/Core Service Agency at 410-887-3828.
Q. What services are available for individuals under 18 with a mental illness?
A. If your child is covered by your private insurance plan, you must contact your insurance company for a list of covered providers convenient to you.
If your child has insurance coverage through the State of Maryland, contact any Outpatient Mental Health Center (OMHC) in Baltimore County to discuss the covered evaluation and treatment needs of your child, or contact Value Options at 800-888-1965 to find an OMHC location convenient to you or to discuss benefits that your child is eligible for.
Additional services may be available to children who are currently receiving therapy. For information call Core Service Agency at 410-887-3828.
Q. What services are available for adults with a mental illness?
A. If you know an adult or elderly person who has been diagnosed with a mental illness, or who needs an evaluation to find out whether or not they suffer from a mental illness, contact the private insurance carrier for a listing of accepted providers. If the adult does not have a private insurer, they may qualify for coverage through the State of Maryland.
To apply for Maryland Medical Assistance in Baltimore County contact the Department of Social Services at 410-853-3000. Many people who do not qualify for Maryland Medical Assistance may still qualify for Maryland Primary Adult Care Program (PAC), call 800-226-2142 for information.
To find out more about mental illnesses as well as the public and private agencies who serve persons with mental illness, visit the Mental Health Resources page.
If you are concerned about an elderly friend or relative (age 60 and over) who you believe needs help obtaining services for a mental illness, contact the Geriatric Service Team by calling Ms. Pat Karpook at 443-777-2221.
Q. Where can I find more information online regarding mental illness?
A. There are many helpful web sites online that address various topics related to mental illness.
Providers and Prospective Providers
Q. How do I open a new program in Baltimore County?
A. For individuals and/or groups who are interested in becoming a licensed provider of any kind of mental health service within Baltimore County, please contact the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Health Care Quality at 410-402-8030. You may also contact the Baltimore County Core Service Agency at 410-887-3828. Please ask for a member of the Quality Assurance Team.
Q. How do I learn about COMAR regulations that pertain to my program?
A. The most current COMAR regulations, also known as Code of Maryland Regulations, can be found online through the Division of State Documents. The Mental Hygiene Regulations can be found under Title 10, Subtitle 21 of COMAR regulations.
Q. How can a provider receive notices regarding meetings and trainings offered by the Baltimore County Department of Health?
A. Call the Bureau of Behavioral Health at 410-887-3828 to have your agency's information added to the "All Provider" contact list. This will allow your agency to receive information regarding provider meetings, trainings, and other events that are offered by the Baltimore County Bureau of Behavioral Health/Core Services Agency.
Q. How can my program resolve billing issues for publicly funded mental health services?
A. Billing for publicly-funded mental health services is handled by Value Options. If your agency is having difficulty with the billing process, you should contact a representative of Value Options at 1-800-888-1965 for further assistance.
Q. How can I find a licensed assisted living facility for consumers who are interested in this service?
A. The Office of Health Care Quality (OCHQ) licenses assisted living facilities in the State of Maryland. OCHQ maintains a current listing of these facilities on their web site or call 410-402-8190. The listing is organized alphabetically by County.
Revised February 8, 2011
