State Offers Free Counseling for COVID-Related Stress
The Utah Strong Recovery Project Provides Virtual Access to Crisis Services
SALT LAKE CITY—-More than 40 crisis counselors are ready to answer your call if you are experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression because of COVID-19.
The Utah Strong Recovery Project is funded by a FEMA grant facilitated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The funding is designated to the Utah Department of Human Services Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to provide statewide emotional support services specifically as a result of the pandemic. Services include emotional support, crisis counseling, mental health education, and coping strategies, and referral to additional services and professional help if needed. All information is confidential and free of charge.
“Most of us have never experienced a pandemic or such a shift in our everyday way of life, “ said Robert Snarr, the state’s grant administrator for the Recovery Project. “It is normal to feel stress at a time when you may be experiencing isolation, economic hardship, health worries, or the loss of a loved one. We want to talk through those feelings and provide you with professionally-led guidance on how you can cope with the changes in your world in a healthy, mentally strong way.”
The team of professionals has already helped more than 150 individuals through its initial targeted outreach. With more counselors now on board, the services are available to all Utahns who need help coping with any stress related to COVID-19.
To talk to a Utah Strong Recovery Project counselor seven days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., call/text 385-386-2289 or email your first name and phone number to UtahStrong@utah.gov. After hours if you need an immediate response, please contact the Utah statewide Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the SAMHSA Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990. Video chat and counseling in Spanish and other languages are available.
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The #UtahStrong Recovery Project offers FREE help for COVID-19 related stress.
Call or text 385-386-2289 or email utahstrong@utah.gov for crisis counseling mental health education, and referrals if more help is needed.
Everyday from 7a-7p. Spanish and other languages available.
