Who we are:

Our team comprises dedicated bilingual therapists, community health workers, case managers, and others under the leadership of Kathleen Page M.D, Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Our program is a collaboration led by the Center for Global and Community Health Equity in Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and currently funded by the Maryland Department of Health, Prevention and Health Promotion Administration.

Why we’re here:

Maryland’s Latino population has grown over the past decade, and research shows that Spanish-speaking immigrants face hardships and stressors that increase their risk for mental health disorders and unhealthy substance use. They also face enormous barriers to care, including stigma, discrimination, immigration policies, and a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

We created BHEAM in 2022 to fill this gap and address disparities in access to behavioral health services for Spanish-speaking Latino adults

Who we serve:

We provide services to uninsurable Spanish-speaking immigrants who are over age 18 and have trauma symptoms, depression, anxiety, or alcohol or substance use disorder. Patient referrals to BHEAM come from diverse providers and sources, including Johns Hopkins-affiliated and other community clinics, hospitals, and emergency departments. Frequently, a primary care provider concerned about a patient’s well-being will make the initial referral. Clients can also walk into support groups and self-refer using BHEAM’s mobile kiosk at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baltimore.

BHEAM’s logo represents a combination of the sun and a bridge, symbolizing connectivity and light.

The design incorporates elements inspired by Latino culture, adding vibrancy and diversity. Together, these elements represent BHEAM’s mission to create hope and access to care.

“The co-location at Esperanza Center ensures that BHEAM and Esperanza clients benefit from the combined expertise and resources of Johns Hopkins Medical System and Catholic Charities Esperanza Center in a single visit. It offers a dignified entry to behavioral health for an immigrant community familiar with trauma, but largely separated from behavioral health services for a mix of logistical and cultural reasons.”

Matthew Dolamore, Director, Esperanza Center

An innovative program design

Our program model is community health worker-driven and includes outreach, clinical care, case management, and navigation to resources in Spanish and at no cost.

Our bilingual therapists, community health workers, and case managers are embedded at community partners across Baltimore, including Esperanza Center, the Bartlett Clinic at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Helping Up Mission, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.

Learn More

Created in 2022, BHEAM is an innovative program that provides free, culturally and linguistically tailored behavioral health services to Spanish-speaking adults in Maryland.

BHEAM’s logo represents a combination of the sun and a bridge, symbolizing connectivity and light.

An innovative program design