Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc. (BMHS) is a non-profit agency established by Baltimore City to perform the governmental function of managing the City's Public Mental Health System. BMHS is the local mental health authority, or core service agency, for Baltimore City. BMHS' primary activities focus on improving access to care; expanding and improving the range of services available to the Baltimore City residents with a mental illness; and ensuring accountability and active collaborations with City and State agencies. In this capacity, BMHS oversees a network of predominately private non-profit providers that deliver services to over 39,000 Baltimore City residents each year who are either Medicaid recipients or uninsured.

 Our Vision

 Baltimore City seeks to be a national leader in the development of high quality, innovative, and effective public mental health services. Services are developed to meet the needs of the community, based on input received during ongoing planning processes. BMHS is a model for other local mental health authorities throughout the country because of effective leadership, collaboration with the community, efficient management of costs, and a comprehensive data-driven quality management program.

Our Mission

The mission of BMHS is to develop and manage a system of care in which all Baltimore City residents have access to high quality public mental health services.

BMHS Values

BMHS strives to:

  • Design a continuum of services that meet the mental health needs of the residents of Baltimore City;
  • Include the perspectives of consumers, families, mental health providers, and other key stakeholders in developing and improving systems of care;
  • Recognize the rights of consumers and families to participate in decisions and to be treated with dignity and respect;
  • Support individuals in their efforts to maximize their full potential;
  • Offer high quality mental health services;
  • Ensure cost-effective delivery of services;
  • Ensure the delivery of services in the least restrictive environment, appropriate to the needs of consumers;
  • Promote culturally competent services that respect differences among individuals;
  • Educate, train and promote research; and
  • Offer safe, attractive, and affordable housing for persons with mental illness.