For Parents

What is a System of Care and what does that mean for my family?

E-SMART is an early childhood system of care funded through the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand mental health services available in Carroll County for children 0-8.  E-SMART funded programs can be found on our programs tab.  E-SMART also connects children and families with existing community resources (such as Therapy, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs, etc).  E-SMART offers a single point of entry to connect families with appropriate services and supports.  By working together as one coordinated unit, children and families are able to begin services they need quickly and efficiently.

What is the difference between a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, and a Certified Nurse Practitioner?

Therapist is a licensed social worker or licensed counselor who can provide many types of therapy services (talk therapy, play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, etc) and may specialize in a particular area or age group.  

Psychologist is licensed as a  PhD or PsyD.  A psychologist can provide  therapy services and can also perform some additional, specialized testing (such as the ADOS to diagnose Autism).  Testing with a psychologist may be needed if a more detailed look is needed to determine causes of behavior.  

Psychiatrist (MD) or a certified nurse practitioner (CRNP) can prescribe medication.  A psychiatrist or CRNP can also help provide information on how certain medications will help certain behavioral concerns a child may experience.

Does my child need a mental health diagnosis to participate in E-SMART? 

No, a child does not need a mental health diagnosis to participate in E-SMART.

Does participation in E-SMART mean my child will get a diagnosis?

Not necessarily.  Participation in certain community or E-SMART programs (such as therapy or an evaluation with a psychologist) may mean that your child receives a diagnosis.  Many of our other programs do not diagnose children. 

My child received a diagnosis, now what?

Your child may have received a diagnosis through a community mental health provider or through the E-SMART Clinic.  The E-SMART staff will help discuss the diagnosis with you, answer any questions, and help you connect with any additional recommended services. Reach out to the provider directly if you have specific questions about why a diagnosis was given or how a provider arrived at their decision for a diagnosis.  

Will getting a diagnosis ‘label’ my child?

Receiving a diagnosis for a young child can be scary!  Having an appropriate diagnosis can help your child get the help he or she needs.  A diagnosis helps families and providers speak the same language and be able to better understand a child’s needs.  

Does my child need a specific type of insurance?

No, a specific type of insurance is not required.  Some E-SMART services do not bill insurance.  Insurance information is, however, collected from all families at the beginning of E-SMART services.  If a referral is made to a resource that bills insurance, every effort will be made to help your family access an option that is covered by your insurance plan.  

What happens when my child is referred to E-SMART?

If a childcare provider, doctor, school, or other individual submits a referral on behalf of your child or you submit a referral online, the System Coordinator will give you a call to gather a little more information and any current concerns from your perspective.  If you call to self-refer, this conversation will happen at the time of the referral.  During this call, the System Coordinator will also work with you to determine options for services in the community.  Working in collaboration with the System Coordinator, referrals will be made to one or more services based on your choices and preferences.  New services can be added/started at any time.  

I don’t understand why my family was referred for a service. Who do I talk to? 

If you have any questions about what services you were referred to, why you were referred, or what that looks like for your family, please reach out to the System Coordinator at 410-876-4449.  If you have been contacted by a service provider who identifies themselves as part of the E-SMART system of care, you may also talk with them about your concerns. 

Why do I need to fill out the Release of Information form?

E-SMART is a community collaborative program which means that many community based programs work together for your family.  The Release of Information is a document that allows E-SMART providers to make referrals to community agencies and collaborate to ensure  services are meeting the needs for your family and child(ren)..  You have the power to choose which agencies are able to communicate with one another and the types of information that can be shared.  

How is E-SMART different from other agencies in Carroll County?

This simple one pager will help answer that question as well as let you know how we work together with many of Carroll County agencies and nonprofits.

For Providers

What is a System of Care and what does that mean for a family I refer to E-SMART?

E-SMART is an early childhood system of care funded through the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand mental health services available in Carroll County for children 0-8.  E-Smart funded services can be found on our programs tab.   E-SMART also connects children and families with existing community resources (such as therapy, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs, etc).  By working together as one coordinated unit, children and families are able to begin  services they need quickly and efficiently.

What is the difference between a therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist?

A: A therapist is a licensed social worker or licenced counselor who can provide many types of therapy services (talk therapy, play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, etc) and may specialize in a particular area or age group.  A psychologist is licensed as a  PhD or PsyD.  A psychologist can perform therapy services and can also perform some additional, specialized testing (such as the ADOS to diagnose Autism).  Testing with a psychologist may be needed if a more detailed look is needed to determine causes of behavior.  A psychiatrist is a medical doctor or a certified nurse practitioner who can prescribe medication.  A psychiatrist can also help provide information on how certain medications will help certain behavioral concerns a child may experience.

Does a child need a mental health diagnosis to participate in E-SMART?

No, a child does not need a mental health diagnosis to participate in E-SMART.

Does a child need a specific type of insurance?

No, a specific type of insurance is not required.  Some E-SMART services do not bill insurance.  Insurance information is, however, collected from all families at the beginning of E-SMART services.  If a referral is made to a resource that bills insurance, every effort will be made to help the  family access an option that is covered by their insurance plan.  

What happens when a child is referred to E-SMART?

If you, as a provider, directly made the referral to E-SMART, you will receive a referral response for your records to formally acknowledge receipt of the referral.  The System Coordinator may reach out with any additional questions, concerns, or to clarify information on the referral.  The System Coordinator will also reach out to the family to gather any additional information as well as current concerns from the family’s perspective.  During this call, the System Coordinator will work with the family to determine options for services in the community and make appropriate referrals based on family preference.   

Is there anything else I need to do after I make a referral? 

The short answer is no.  As long as a release of information is in place, we can answer any questions you may have moving forward regarding participation in E-SMART.  The System Coordinator may reach out with any additional questions or to gather more information.  If we have trouble connecting with the family or have, we may reach out since you or your agency have an existing relationship.

Where can i refer families for additional information and help during the covid-19 pandemic?

We have a assembled a list of local, national, and international resources on a variety of topics to help families caring for young children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The list is available here.