Free crisis counseling offered to help with COVID-19 stress

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansans who are struggling with anxiety, stress and other mental health struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic can get free crisis counseling through the state.

The counseling is being funded through a new grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that is administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

Promoting Positive Emotions is designed to remove cost as a barrier to seeking mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, a news release said. To provide these services, PPE has 14 partner organizations offering free confidential crisis counseling all across the state.

“This pandemic is unlike anything most of us have seen in our lifetimes. For many people, it has resulted in anxiety, fear, stress, and literal isolation. All of those things can contribute to a mental health crisis,” Dr. Tammy Alexander, assistant director of the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services, which is administering the grant, said in the release.

PPE provides free education and confidential crisis counseling for individuals and families impacted by the current pandemic.

“Crisis counseling encourages people to talk about their experiences and concerns in the process of teaching healthy ways to manage stress. Crisis counselors do not label or diagnose people, but they do work with the individual or family to identify needs and assist in connecting them with community resources,” the release said.

“Some individuals may not want to seek help because they are embarrassed or can’t afford it. That’s why the Promoting Positive Emotions program is free and confidential,” Alexander said.

The Promoting Positive Emotions program provides free confidential crisis counseling as well as information and resources, but it does not cover traditional mental health diagnosis or treatment, psychiatric services, medication, or assistance for food, child care, or financial support, the release said.

To learn more about other mental health services, call the DHS Mental Health & Addiction Support Line at 844-763-0198. For information about child care, food, or financial assistance during COVID-19, visit https:// humanservices. arkansas.gov/resources/response-covid-19.

For free crisis counseling through the Promoting Positive Emotions program, call the Crisis Support Line at 833-993-2382, or visit the website at https://www.staypositivearkansas.com.