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Dc Department Of Behavioral Health

  • Introduction
  • Overview of DC Department of Behavioral Health
  • Mission and Vision
  • Services Offered by DC Department of Behavioral Health
  • Community Programs and Initiatives
  • Accessing Services and Resources
  • News and Updates
  • Career Opportunities with DC Department of Behavioral Health
  • Contact Information
  • Partnerships and Collaborations

Introduction

The DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is an agency within the District of Columbia government that provides a range of services and resources to support the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities in the city. With a focus on prevention, early intervention, and recovery, DBH works to ensure that all residents have access to high-quality, culturally competent, and evidence-based care.

Overview of DC Department of Behavioral Health

Established in 2001, DBH is responsible for planning, developing, and overseeing a comprehensive system of behavioral health services in the District of Columbia. This includes managing contracts with community-based providers, administering grants, providing direct care through its own clinics and programs, and collaborating with other agencies to address the complex needs of individuals with behavioral health conditions.

Mission and Vision

DBH's mission is to promote resilience, recovery, and wellness among individuals, families, and communities in the District of Columbia affected by mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its vision is to create a city where all individuals have the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives, free from the stigma and discrimination associated with behavioral health conditions.

Services Offered by DC Department of Behavioral Health

DBH offers a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of its clients, including:- Assessment and evaluation- Outpatient counseling and therapy- Medication management- Crisis intervention and stabilization- Residential treatment- Case management and support services- Peer support and advocacy- Employment and education support- Prevention and wellness programsThese services are available to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of need, and are delivered through a network of providers that includes hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations, and peer-run programs.

Community Programs and Initiatives

In addition to its clinical services, DBH is committed to engaging and empowering communities across the city to promote mental health and well-being. Some of its key programs and initiatives include:- The DC Trauma-Informed Network, which works to build resilience and healing in communities affected by trauma- The DC Recovery Community Alliance, which provides peer support and advocacy for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders- The Office of LGBTQ Affairs, which focuses on addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals with behavioral health conditions- The DC Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative, which aims to reduce the incidence of suicide among youth in the District through education, outreach, and early intervention

Accessing Services and Resources

DBH offers a number of resources to help individuals and families access the services they need, including:- A 24/7 helpline (1-888-793-4357) that provides crisis counseling, information, and referrals- An online directory of behavioral health providers in the District- Assistance with insurance enrollment and eligibility determination- Support for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability- Language interpretation services for non-English speakers

News and Updates

DBH regularly shares news and updates about its programs and services via its website, social media channels, and email newsletters. Some recent highlights include:- The launch of a new mobile crisis response team to provide on-site intervention and support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in the community- The expansion of telehealth services to increase access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic- The release of a new strategic plan outlining DBH's priorities and goals for the next several years

Career Opportunities with DC Department of Behavioral Health

DBH offers a variety of career opportunities for individuals interested in working in the behavioral health field, including positions in clinical care, program management, research and evaluation, and policy development. Current job openings can be found on the agency's website, along with information about benefits, training and development opportunities, and the application process.

Contact Information

DBH's main office is located at 64 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002. The agency can be reached by phone at (202) 673-2200 or by email at DBH@dc.gov. More information about accessing services and resources can be found on the agency's website at https://dbh.dc.gov/.

Partnerships and Collaborations

DBH works closely with a number of community partners and stakeholders to improve behavioral health outcomes for individuals and families in the District. Some of its key collaborations include:- The Department of Health Care Finance, which oversees Medicaid and other public health insurance programs in the District- The Department of Human Services, which provides a range of social services to vulnerable populations in the city- The DC Behavioral Health Association, which represents providers and advocates in the behavioral health field- The DC Mayor's Office of Community Affairs, which leads efforts to engage and empower communities across the cityThrough these partnerships and collaborations, DBH is able to leverage resources and expertise from across the city to provide high-quality, coordinated care to its clients.

FAQs about DC Department of Behavioral Health

What is the DC Department of Behavioral Health?

The DC Department of Behavioral Health is a government agency responsible for promoting mental health and providing behavioral health services to residents of Washington, DC.

What types of services does the DC Department of Behavioral Health offer?

The DC Department of Behavioral Health offers a range of services including mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, crisis intervention, and prevention programs.

How do I access services from the DC Department of Behavioral Health?

To access services from the DC Department of Behavioral Health, you can call the Access Helpline at (888) 793-4357. They will help you determine your eligibility and connect you with the appropriate resources.

What do I do if I have a mental health emergency?

If you have a mental health emergency, call the DC Department of Behavioral Health Crisis Helpline at (888) 793-4357. They are available 24/7 to provide assistance and connect you with emergency services if necessary.