We're Here Because We've Been There Too

 

The Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) offers family peer support to people and families who have a loved one experiencing mental health, substance use, or problem gambling challenges.  Since 1999, our Family Peer Support Specialists have used their personal experiences caring for their own loved ones to offer emotional support, resource connection, and systems navigation at no cost to those we help. We also advocate to improve services and systems that impact individuals with behavioral health challenges because these issues are important to our families and loved ones too.

What is Family Peer Support?

Family peer support is all about connecting families through shared experience. Our staff know firsthand what it’s like to care for someone with a behavioral health issue. They draw on their own experience to offer emotional support, share knowledge, build skills and connect Maryland families with resources and opportunities in their own communities.

Children’s Mental Health

Substance Use

Early Childhood

Problem Gambling

Congratulations to the Fall 2026 Howard County Family Leadership Program Graduates!

  The Maryland Coalition of Families is pleased to welcome 14 new graduates to our…

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By the Numbers

families received individualized support and guidance to address their loved one's behavioral health needs from someone with lived expeirence who understands their challenges first hand.
support groups and workshops provided opportunities for family members to learn and connect
resources provided to families for mental health services, substance use treatment, educational support, self-care, emotional support, transportation, legal, financial, housing and basic needs
hours of family peer support services were provided to families who love someone with a mental health, substance use, or problem gambling challenge.