Alabama COVID Response Unit provides free mental health counseling for Alabamians impacted by COVID-19

(KEYC News Now)
Published: Oct. 21, 2021 at 2:32 PM CDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WAFF) - The Alabama COVID Response Unit (ACRU) is offering free mental health counseling services for individuals across Alabama. The program is funded by a grant from the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

“Though the case count is declining, Alabama’s pandemic death toll exceeds 13,000 and COVID-19 continues taking a heavy toll on the physical and mental health of Alabamians. People are grieving the loss of loved ones, and many individuals are suffering mental health and substance abuse issues related to the pandemic,” said Alabama COVID Response Unit Program Director Meaghan Bourque, LPC.

Alabama COVID Response Unit services are always free and confidential.

The counseling services are provided by masters level clinicians both in-person or via telehealth.

Alabama COVID Response Unit free therapeutic counseling services are available to anyone over the age of 18 in the state of Alabama who meets one or more of the criteria below:

  • Has tested Positive for COVID-19 or had a family member test positive for COVID-19 since March 2020.
  • Has experienced the loss of a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor due to COVID-19.
  • Has lost employment or an education opportunity due to COVID-19.
  • Is currently in long term recovery (from substances) and their primary support system been affected by COVID-19 (Unable to attend support meetings, etc.).
  • Is currently experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma or any other emotional or mental problems as a result of COVID-19.
  • Was diagnosed with a mental illness prior to the pandemic, and symptoms have become more frequent or there are new symptoms that were not present before the pandemic.
  • Was diagnosed with a substance use disorder before the pandemic and is finding it hard to cope with the pandemic without the use of alcohol or drugs.

To schedule an appointment, visit https://jbsmentalhealth.com/acru/

Copyright 2021 WAFF. All rights reserved.