Harford County Bridge Program

The Harford County Bridge Program was designed to help connect youth to mental and behavioral health resources.  Through this free program, families meet with an experienced and understanding navigator to address mental health and behavioral health concerns and identify risk factors.  The navigator will then assist families with finding care and support services in the community to improve the participant's well-being.

Bridge Program logo (Word Bridge with orange blue and green circle)

Services Offered, but not limited to:

  • Mental health assessment
  • Assistance finding mental health or treatment partner
  • Mental health education
    • Choose Your Path - substance and mental health education
    • Mental Health First Aide
    • Suicide Prevention
  • Coping and communication building
    • C.A.L.M. - Improving stress management and navigating mental health challenges
    • Forward Thinking - Learning conflict resolution and anger management skills
    • Nature Worx - Immersive nature experience to aid in development of positive coping skills
    • One Love - Nurturing healthy relationships
    • Anger management
  • Life skills training
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Financial Basics
    • Resume Basics
  • Family mediation
  • Drug and alcohol education
  • Connection to support services in the community like tutoring, GED, job training and employment
  • Drug screening

Eligibility

The Bridge Program is free and open to all children ages 8 through 17.  Participation is voluntary, however, attendance may be made mandatory by the referral source.  All participants are required to abide by the code of conduct regardless of referral source.

CLICK FOR REFERRAL FORM

What to expect

Upon referral to the Bridge Program, a friendly and understanding Navigator will coordinate a time to meet with the family and the youth to discuss concerns.  This is an opportunity to openly discuss the reason for the referral and any other concerns or feelings that may be bothering the youth participant.  During this time, the youth may meet one-on-one with the Bridge Program Navigator and be asked to participate in a routine drug screening.  The Navigator may communicate any referrals and recommendations tailored for the participant at this meeting or within 2 business days.

Once a care plan is agreed upon by the family, the navigator will then work with families to provide care coordination, class scheduling, and support to ensure the child's success.

For youth with a law enforcement referral, participation in the Teen Court Program may be recommended.

Questions? Text or call Tiffany Eckstein 443-752-4217 or email teckstein@harfordcountymd.gov.