Mental health problems and social issues are on the rise due to the COVID-19 crisis and we want to support the families of our students in helping them cope through this extremely stressful time. Managing stress and overall mental health is critical in maintaining our well-being. For mental health concerns, resources and support for you and your family please contact:
Erin Chiaputti, LCSW , Clinician at Oak Hill School, can be reached at Erin.Chiaputti@OakHillCT.org or 860-416-8701. Below are a list of resources and links for Mental Health services and coping with stress:
Crisis Lines and Services
211, Option 1 for Crisis
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ to chat
- For Veteran’s Crisis Line press Option 1
For Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services
for Youth dial 211, press Option 1 and then Option 1 again.
To find your local agency that provides mobile crisis services for adults visit https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/Programs-and-Services/Finding-Services/Crisis-Services or call 211, press Option 1 and then Option 3.
For Domestic Violence Services:
Statewide confidential crisis line: Call 884-774-2900 or visit CTSafeConnect.org to connect with a certified domestic violence advocate.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233
For substance abuse treatment 24/7:
Call the Access Line: 1-800-563-4086
Looking for a Therapist or Psychiatrist?
Many mental health professionals are offering telehealth options for therapy and psychiatric services:
For Medicaid recipients contact Beacon Healthcare Options (Formerly CT Behavioral Health Partnership) At 877-552-8247 or visit http://www.ctbhp.com/
For private health insurance holders you can contact your insurance for a list of in network providers or visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
If you do not have insurance you may be eligible for sliding fee services at a community behavioral clinic. Call 211 or visit 211ct.org for your local clinic or use the Treatment Finder Locator Link below.
Treatment Facility Locator: https://www.ctclearinghouse.org/find-help/treatment-facility-locator/ You could also ask your primary care physician for a referral.
Managing Stress and Anxiety:
A Comprehensive Guide to Reducing Anxiety and Fear from COVID-19: https://connect.uclahealth.org/2020/04/10/a-comprehensive-guide-to-reducing-anxiety-and-fear-from-covid-19/
Covid Coach is an app that offers access to anxiety management tools such as audio-guided mindfulness and deep breathing, as well as exercises designed to address anxiety, trauma reactions, and relationship conflict. It also has quick links to resources for finding crisis care and mental health support, and service agencies for families and those seeking basic fundamentals. Developed by the National Center for PTSD at the VA, it joins other free, widely-used mental health apps like PTSD Coach and Mindfulness Coach.
Download here for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1504705038?pt=545860&ct=Providerlists&mt=8
Download here for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.va.mobilehealth.ncptsd.covid
Free Mindfulness Meditation Videos: https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/Video-Gallery/Videos/Meditation-Videos
Articles on the Benefits of Breathing and How to Practice Breathing:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/proper-breathing-brings-better-health/
Financial Hardships and Mental Health: https://www.thesimpledollar.com/financial-wellness/debt-and-mental-health-guide/