Meeting People Where They Are
In this powerful episode of Stress-Free IEP, host Frances Shefter welcomes Alicia Dalton, Director of Outreach and Strategic Partnerships at QCI Behavioral Health, to discuss how her organization provides life-changing mental health services across Maryland. With over 30 years of experience in behavioral health, Alicia shares a heartfelt look into the work QCI is doing to reach people where they are—literally and figuratively—and provide compassionate, personalized care, especially to those who need it most.
Alicia explains that QCI is not just another mental health clinic. Their mobile treatment services bring care directly into communities, homes, and even parks. Teams of professionals—nurses, psychiatrists, therapists, and community support specialists—deliver services to individuals struggling with serious mental illness (SMI), often those without stable housing or access to transportation. “We go where our patients are,” Alicia shares. “We’ve given injections in the woods, met patients at 7-Eleven—whatever it takes to keep them engaged in care.”
More Than Therapy: Wraparound, Person-Centered Services
QCI’s approach is individualized and person-centered. Each treatment plan is tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the client. Services include:
- Long-acting injectables
- Housing support (in PG County)
- Help with benefits like disability and WIC
- Referrals for substance use treatment
Importantly, QCI’s programs are often accessible to Medicaid, Medicare, uninsured clients, and even private pay clients on a sliding scale. For high-intensity services like mobile treatment that private insurance may not cover, QCI works directly with the state to obtain funding.
As Alicia says, “We want our clients to stabilize and thrive—not end up using the emergency room as their primary care.” That’s why the organization prioritizes preventive care and consistent engagement, helping clients keep jobs, reunite with families, and regain control over their lives.
988: A Lifesaving Resource You Should Know
One of the most eye-opening parts of the conversation is the introduction of 988, the national mental health crisis line. Available 24/7, anyone in the U.S. can call 988 for help—not just during a crisis, but even when they simply don’t know where to turn.
“This is like poison control—but for mental health,” Frances comments, noting how comforting it is for parents and caregivers to have a number to call. Alicia adds that the service connects callers to local providers, ensuring referrals are relevant and accessible. The system also allows for warm handoffs to trusted community resources.
And yes, 988 is for everyone—including parents struggling with a child’s behavior, someone dealing with substance use, or a person facing housing insecurity.
Success Stories from the Front Lines
Alicia shares powerful examples that show the impact of QCI’s work:
- One client named Anthony, helped so significantly by QCI, began referring dozens of others on his own, eventually joining their advisory board to help improve services.
- A homeless client living in a tent in Watkins Park received monthly injections and therapy on-site thanks to QCI’s mobile team—keeping him out of the hospital and engaged in treatment.
- In PG County, QCI even started a food pantry after a patient came in hungry—initially “borrowing” a nurse’s lunch. Now, thanks to donations and community support, clients can access food and basic needs without stigma.
These stories illustrate how flexibility, compassion, and creativity define QCI’s approach—and why it works.
Community Connection and Future Goals
QCI is a for-profit behavioral health provider focused on Medicaid and underserved populations. They currently serve:
- Prince George’s County
- Washington County (Hagerstown area)
And they’re actively working on expanding into Washington, DC, with plans to increase services for veterans by partnering with Tricare.
Alicia emphasizes that collaboration is key. QCI works closely with local courts, shelters, ministries, and nonprofits like She Suite, which helps women access luxury essentials and job readiness programs. These partnerships help provide a collective impact that no organization can achieve alone.
How to Refer or Get Involved
Anyone can refer a patient to QCI—family, clergy, attorneys, or even the person themselves. The referral form is on their website and can be emailed, faxed, or submitted online. Patients must be at least 7 years old and have a primary mental health diagnosis.
Alicia also encourages anyone with questions to reach out directly.
She stresses that referrals don’t need to be complicated: “If you think someone may benefit, just refer. We’ll take it from there.”
Final Thoughts
As Frances notes, this episode embodies the mission of Stress-Free IEP: to inform and empower families with resources they may not even know exist. QCI Behavioral Health is a model for what’s possible when care meets compassion, when services are built around people—not the other way around.
In a time when mental health needs are rising and services are stretched thin, organizations like QCI—and resources like 988—are lifelines that can make all the difference. Spread the word. Someone you know may need it.
🧠 Need help? Call 988 for 24/7 mental health support.
🏥 Want services in MD? Reach out to QCI at www.qcihealth.com
