Maryland Crisis Resource Center

Finding Help During a Crisis When Firearms May Be Present

When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, threatening suicide or violence, experiencing domestic violence, or behaving in ways that make you fear for their safety or the safety of others, it can be difficult to know where to turn.

If firearms are present or accessible, the situation may require additional steps to help reduce the risk of injury while connecting the person to appropriate services and support.

This Resource Center is designed to help Maryland residents, family members, friends, professionals, and community members understand the options available during a crisis and connect with trusted resources.

If Someone Is in Immediate Danger

Call 911 immediately if:

  • Someone is attempting or threatening to seriously harm themselves or another person.
  • A firearm is being used or displayed in a threatening manner.
  • Violence is occurring or appears imminent.
  • Emergency medical assistance is needed.

If the situation involves a behavioral health crisis, tell the dispatcher. If you know firearms are present, share that information so first responders have the information they need.

Not an Emergency?

Different situations call for different types of assistance.

Mental Health or Suicide Crisis

If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or another behavioral health crisis, trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day through 988.

988 can provide immediate support, help determine the safest next steps, and connect individuals with additional crisis services when appropriate.

Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Maryland 211 Behavioral Health Resources
  • Maryland Mobile Crisis Services

Domestic Violence

If you are experiencing abuse, threats, stalking, coercive control, or violence from a current or former intimate partner or family member, you do not have to face the situation alone.

Domestic violence advocates can help develop a personalized safety plan, explain available legal protections, and connect survivors with emergency shelter, counseling, and other services.

If firearms are involved, additional safety planning may be especially important.

Resources

Substance Use Crisis

Substance use disorders and overdoses can increase the risk of injury, suicide, and violence. Help is available for individuals and families seeking treatment, recovery support, and crisis intervention.

Resources

  • Maryland Behavioral Health Administration
  • Maryland 211
  • Local treatment providers

Veterans and Military Families

Veterans may face unique challenges related to trauma, mental health, and suicide risk.

Veterans experiencing a crisis can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1.

Resources

  • Veterans Crisis Line
  • Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families
  • Local Veterans Service Organizations

Firearms and Crisis Planning

During many behavioral health, suicide, and domestic violence crises, reducing immediate access to firearms may help lower the risk of injury or death while the individual receives help.

Depending on the situation, options may include:

The best option depends on the circumstances. More than one intervention may be appropriate.

 

Understanding Your Options

Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPOs)

An ERPO is a civil court order that temporarily prohibits a person who poses an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury from possessing or purchasing firearms.

An ERPO is designed to reduce access to firearms during periods of elevated risk. It is not a substitute for mental health treatment, counseling, or other supportive services.

Learn more about:

  • What an ERPO is
  • Who may petition for an ERPO
  • How the Maryland ERPO process works
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Maryland court forms and additional resources

Visit MPGV's Maryland ERPO Resource Center →



Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPOs)

Protective Orders can provide a broad range of protections for survivors of domestic violence, including no-contact provisions, temporary custody, housing protections, and firearm surrender requirements.

While ERPOs focus specifically on firearm access, Protective Orders may address many additional safety concerns.

If domestic violence is involved, a Protective Order may provide protections that an ERPO cannot. 

These legal tools serve different purposes and are not mutually exclusive. Depending on the circumstances, seeking both an ERPO and a Domestic Violence Protective Order may provide more comprehensive protection by addressing firearm access faster while also providing additional protections available through the Protective Order process.



Emergency Evaluations

Maryland law also provides a process for emergency psychiatric evaluations when someone presents a danger to themselves or others because of a behavioral health condition.

An Emergency Evaluation addresses immediate behavioral health needs.

An ERPO addresses firearm access.

In some situations, both options may be appropriate.



Maryland Resources

Statewide Resources

 

Statewide resources serve different roles. Some provide immediate crisis response (911, 988), others connect you with community services (211), while others offer legal assistance, domestic violence support, behavioral health resources, or specialized services. If you're not sure where to start, 211 or 988 can often help direct you to the most appropriate resource.

 

Immediate Help

Health & Human Services

Legal & Justice

Violence & Trauma Support

 

Baltimore City Resources