For Immediate Release:
July 27, 2020
Media Contacts:
Amy Webb
Chief of Communications
amy.webb@dhs.arkansas.gov
Free Crisis Counseling Available for Those Struggling with Stress from COVID-19
Promoting Positive Emotions program completely confidential
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Arkansans dealing with anxiety or other mental health struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic can get free crisis counseling through a new grant funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“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,” said Tammy Alexander, Assistant Director of the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS), which is administering the grant.
The Promoting Positive Emotions program 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.
“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 useful information and resources, but it does not cover traditional mental health diagnosis or treatment, psychiatric services, medication, or assistance for food, childcare, or financial support. To learn more about other mental health services, call the DHS Mental Health & Addiction Support Line at 1-844-763-0198. For information about childcare, food, or financial assistance during COVID-19, visit humanservices.arkansas.gov/resources/response-covid-19.
For free crisis counseling through the Promoting Positive Emotions program, call the Crisis Support Line at 1-833-993-2382, or visit the website at www.staypositivearkansas.com.
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