By Jonathan Hayes, March 10, 2026
5 Financial
Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in the pursuit of daily responsibilities, particularly by those who strive to support their families. Many individuals may find themselves caught in the cycle of work and caregiving, leaving little time for self-care or mental health priorities. However, setting achievable mental health goals is key to maintaining balance and fostering personal well-being.
Accessing mental health resources can be a daunting task. For many, this involves navigating a system that may feel overwhelming or unapproachable, particularly in moments of crisis. What should one do when facing anxiety, depression, or stress? Fortunately, resources are available, and organizations such as 211 Maryland are stepping up to provide crucial support to those in need.
Understanding 211 Maryland
211 is designed to be the go-to health and human services hotline for Maryland residents. Anyone can dial 2-1-1 from any device and receive free and confidential support 24/7. As Quinton Askew, the president and CEO of 211, explains, “You can call 2-1-1 and say, ‘I need food, I need housing, or I need mental health support,’ and you’ll be connected to someone who will listen and provide you with resources tailored to your specific needs.”
211 serves as a bridge to local resources, including food banks, housing assistance, legal support, and mental health care services. Its trained specialists are available to provide empathetic listening and guide individuals through their options. This ensures that no one has to navigate their challenges alone.
How 211 Supports Mental Health
One particularly valuable service offered by 211 is the 211 Health Check, a free program that provides weekly mental health check-ins via phone with trained professionals. This initiative was created in honor of Congressman Jamie Raskin’s son, who tragically passed due to mental health struggles. The goal is to offer someone a lifeline—a regular point of contact to provide support and resources.
As Askew notes, “This program establishes a connection to someone who genuinely cares about your well-being. You can schedule when you would like a trained crisis specialist to reach out to you, whether it’s once a week or more often if needed.” This consistency can be profoundly reassuring, particularly for those who may feel isolated or lacking in a support network.
Mental health support via 211 doesn’t just stop at the basics; it also provides referrals for therapy and counseling services. Finding the right therapist can be a critical step towards recovery and personal growth, but it can also be a frustratingly long process. Navigating the availability of therapists, especially those who share or understand your background, is pivotal for effective engagement in therapy.
Finding the Right Mental Health Therapist
211 can assist individuals in locating local therapists—whether seeking individual or group sessions—to support emotional wellness. Addressing mental health needs often requires effort, as the search for a suitable mental health provider can be a complex journey. Individuals seeking a therapist may encounter difficulties finding someone compatible or even locating one altogether.
Askew shares his experience when he initially attempted to find a counselor. “I struggled to find a therapist who I felt comfortable with, which is critical for effective therapy,” he reflects. “I encountered several therapists who had full schedules, which made it challenging for me to start my journey.”
It’s important to recognize that the process of finding a therapist may require trial and error, and that feeling uncomfortable with a first therapist does not mean you should give up. The right fit is out there, and it simply may take time to uncover it. Service providers, like those at Springboard Community Services, affirm that persistence pays off. “Be real with yourself about what you need, and don’t hesitate to reach out to different professionals until you find a match,” says Natasha Peterson, Director of Client Services with Springboard.
Destigmatizing Mental Health Discussions
Normalizing conversations around mental health is crucial. Too often, individuals might conceal their struggles, responding with “I’m fine” when asked how they are doing. This reluctance to be honest can prevent necessary discussions and support. Peterson urges, “We need to be able to ask people how they’re really doing and genuinely listen to their responses.”
Allen-Kidd, Senior Director of Rehabilitation and Recovery for Sheppard Pratt, emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in these discussions. “It’s perfectly okay to admit when you can’t handle everything,” he states. Men, particularly, are often socialized to suppress their emotions, but recognizing that it’s acceptable not to be okay is essential for mental wellness.
Self-Care as a Priority
Self-care is a powerful tool in maintaining mental health. Many people find themselves neglecting their own needs to take care of others. However, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for the preservation of overall well-being. Askew stresses the importance of setting boundaries and allowing oneself “me time.”
“You have to take the time to step away and create boundaries. Being honest with oneself about what one can and cannot handle is vital,” he advises. Peterson echoes this sentiment, suggesting that prioritizing personal needs is not only acceptable, but necessary for sustained well-being.
Achieving Personal Goals
Achieving mental health goals often begins with open discussions about personal aspirations and available resources. If you’re considering a change or seeking to improve your mental health, trained professionals can guide you in the right direction. “When people come to us with goals, we ask them to articulate what they wish to achieve. Together, we can create a plan with action steps,” explains Allen-Kidd.
Understanding that obstacles may arise is part of the journey. Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes goals may shift. Whether one begins with aspirations of being an athlete only to change course and pursue culinary arts, that flexibility is part of personal growth.
Identifying Barriers to Success
Peterson acknowledges that many people make excuses that hinder their ability to achieve mental health goals. Common barriers include:
- “I’m going to pray about it.”
- “I don’t have time.”
- “It’ll pass.”
- “I don’t know those people.”
“There’s a stigma associated with mental health, and many folks are hesitant to seek help from strangers,” Peterson notes. However, engaging with a neutral party can be incredibly therapeutic. The trained professionals at organizations like 211 can help guide individuals through their challenges, making clear that they don’t need to journey alone.
Handling Social Media Pressures
Social media can create unrealistic expectations—a pressure to achieve societal norms or gain validation through likes. Allen-Kidd emphasizes, “Your goals are your goals. No one else needs to validate them.” Removing that external pressure can make the pursuit of personal aspirations feel less daunting, allowing individuals to embrace their unique paths.
Many of the calls received through 211 are related to mental and behavioral health issues. Often, when someone reaches out with one concern, additional challenges become apparent through the conversation. 211’s holistic approach allows professionals to provide comprehensive support, understanding that mental health issues often coexist with other life stresses such as financial difficulties or housing insecurity.
Getting Help When You Need It
For individuals seeking help, knowing what assistance looks like is essential. Askew explains, “Sometimes people are in crisis and do not fully know what they need.” This is where 211 becomes invaluable—it is a reliable resource that can connect individuals to ongoing support across various needs. Available by phone, text, and chat, 211 represents a critical lifeline for Maryland residents.
In addition to 211, if immediate mental health support is needed, the new directive is to reach out to the crisis number 9-8-8. This line is specifically tailored for urgent situations, ensuring that comprehensive support is readily accessible.
The specialists at 211 are trained professionals who provide judgment-free support with compassion. They’re skilled listeners, ready to guide individuals toward the right resources and services, translating their needs into actionable steps and available assistance.
Leveraging Local Resources
In addition to 211, Maryland is home to organizations like Sheppard Pratt and Springboard Community Services, which provide a broad spectrum of behavioral health services. From inpatient support to outpatient therapy, these resources are designed to meet individuals wherever they are on their mental health journey.
Springboard Community Services offers multiple programs designed to address a variety of challenges, including a youth homelessness initiative and a family violence program. “We are here to support anyone in need, providing intensive case management and essential services,” Peterson explains.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for help. Resources are available, and organizations exist to support you on your path to well-being. Take the first step—don’t hesitate to call 2-1-1 or seek additional resources from local organizations.
For more assistance or information about mental health resources in Maryland, please visit 5 Financial.
Disclaimer: This article provides general mental health information and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you require immediate assistance, please consult a licensed mental health professional or contact emergency services.