ChAMPS
ChAMPS (Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service) is an emergency response service for children, teenagers and adolescent adults who are having a mental health or behavioral health crisis.
About the Program
We are an emergency service that works in close partnership with hospitals and police to provide help for children living in D.C. facing a behavioral or mental health crisis. We come to your home or your child’s school the same day.
This service is provided at no cost to District residents and D.C. children in foster placement in Maryland. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for children ages six to 17. We also serve children ages 18 to 21 if they are in the care and custody of DC Child and Family Services Agency.
The service is designed to help children manage extreme emotional behavior and assist families so that the behavior does not result in a child leaving the home. We come to you — wherever you need immediate help — to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
Our team will provide in-home assistance when appropriate or arrange temporary placement in a respite home or other emergency setting as needed. The team also will assess whether a child’s behavior poses a danger, requiring possible psychiatric inpatient hospitalization.
If your child is in a crisis, please call the crisis hotline at 202-481-1440.
Contact Information
- 1001 Lawrence St. NE Washington, D.C. 20017
Learn more about ChAMPS
Meet our team and find out how we make a difference.
Get Involved
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Need Help? We Are Here For You
Our services are available to anyone regardless of race, religion, orientation or status. We offer access to food, a warm place to rest and attention to physical and mental needs through eight areas of care:
Care for Families & Children
Every child deserves the opportunity to grow and learn.
Developmental Disabilities Services
Each person has the potential to participate in their community.
Empowerment for Individuals
Access to professional services and mentors allows individuals to thrive.
Food Services
We believe no one should go hungry.
Health Care Mental Health Services
We offer treatment and a path to a healthy lifestyle.
Housing & Shelter
Having secure housing options is crucial to one’s success.
Immigrant & Refugee Services
Starting a new life begins with connecting to the community.
Job Training & Employment Services
Education is central to securing better employment.
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