HHSC Launches Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line

March 31, 2020

AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This new resource offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.

“Through this new effort, we are connecting Texans with mental health professionals who can help provide support to those who are feeling overwhelmed and stressed,” said Sonja Gaines, Deputy Executive Commissioner for Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Behavioral Health Services. “It can be helpful to talk to someone when you are facing anxiety, depression and stress, which are not uncommon to experience in the face of a rapidly changing situation like a pandemic.”

Operated by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, the support line offers trauma-informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19. Counseling services are confidential and free of charge to people who call the hotline.

“It is important to recognize how our mental health can be affected by the pandemic,” said Sen. Jane Nelson. “The mental health support line for COVID-19 will go a long way to ensure Texans who are struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues can access the care they need.”

For general health-related information and precautions on COVID-19, people can visit the DSHS webpage and the CDC webpage. To stay up-to-date on the latest news impacting Health and Human Services and regulated providers, people can visit the Health and Human Services COVID-19 webpage.

For more information on mental health resources, find your local mental health authority here.

Texans Urged to Use 2-1-1 Texas Social Services Hotline for COVID-19 Information and Referrals

AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services encourages all Texans in need of COVID-19 information and referrals to community resources to call the 2-1-1 Texas hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

“As we encourage people to use social distancing and to stay at home when possible, this state resource can help the public stay informed, stay calm and stay safe,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services. “Our trained staff are working tirelessly around the clock to respond to all the public’s questions, through 2-1-1 as well as our HHS social media platforms.”

Texans, no matter where they live, can dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 and select option 6 to get information and referrals to COVID-19 social services, including testing, community clinics, unemployment benefits and more.

Texans can also dial 2-1-1 to find information about local community resources such as financial assistance for utilities or rent and food pantries, housing assistance, crisis counseling, utility payment assistance, and senior services.

Call center operators answered more than 785,000 calls by Texans for information and services during Hurricane Harvey and are available to help during this public health crisis.

For general health-related information and precautions on COVID-19, visit the DSHS website and the CDC page.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates impacting HHS services and regulated providers by visiting the HHS COVID-19 page.

For more information on the state hotline, visit 211texas.org.

Use this link to access a list of helpful mental health resources available for parents.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Click here to view SEL videos (closed captioned in English & Spanish).

Resource for financial help ($250.00) found on the Healthwell Foundation page. Since Hays County has positive confirmations, residents qualify for help. 

https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/fund/covid-19-fund/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=MHA&utm_campaign=COVID-19_story 

Alcoholism and drug addiction destroy lives. True substance abuse rehabilitation is a process, but one that can lead to sustainable recovery. It often begins with drug and alcohol rehab, and extends beyond. There are also other addictions that your family member can have that are not drug or alcohol related.  If you are looking for rehab locations throughout the United States or in Texas, use the link below to find the best location for the person you care about most. The service is free.

https://www.rehab.com/

Mission – Communities In Schools of Central Texas surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

Individualized Student Support

• Individual counseling, crisis intervention, mentoring, mediation, conflict resolution
• Group counseling (grief and loss, anger management, reducing risky behaviors, social skills development)
• Tutoring and academic support, goal setting activities
• Prevention and Engagement Services
• Leadership development activities (XYZone)
• Enrichment activities, field trips, service learning projects, college / career awareness activities

Learn more about Communities in Schools (CIS)

Hays HopeLine is a convenient and confidential way for students and parents to report bullying, harassment, school safety concerns, or any other personal crisis.

You can leave a tip 24-hours-a-day, any day of the year. However, the HopeLine is currently only monitored during regular school business hours. During the summer break, the HopeLine will not be regularly monitored by district staff.  In the event of an emergency or immediate need, please call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Leave a HopeLine tip or learn more.

The Hays CISD Pregnancy, Education and Parenting (PEP) Program provides services for pregnant and parenting students enrolled in Hays CISD. The PEP program is relationship-based, student-centered, and family-focused, so services are individualized based on each student/family needs.

Click here to view the PEP Program information.