Mental Health Resources
In December 2021, we hosted a tele-town hall check-in with our St. Louis community. We had a powerful discussion focused on mental health and healing from grief during the holiday season — which is too often a time when loss and depression are even more pronounced. This has been worsened by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed over 800,000 lives nationwide, as well as pervasive gun violence and an overdose crisis that have ravaged our St. Louis community.
During our Community Check-In Town Hall, we were grateful to be joined by mental health experts Mr. Brandon Johnson, Public Health Advisor, SAMHSA, Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS); Mr. Tessie Amos III, Therapist, Making all Things New Counseling LLC; Ms. Candice Cox, Clinical Director, ANA Inspirations; Executive Director Khaos INC; and Dr. Bart Andrews, Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health Response.
As someone who worked for years as a mental health nurse and now as Congresswoman for Missouri’s First District, I want to make sure our entire St. Louis community has access to mental health resources, and I am linking some key resources below. Within them you will find information to help connect you or anyone you know who is in need of assistance with support this holiday season and beyond.
In case you missed our Town Hall or were unable to take notes, there is also a full recording on our Facebook page. I am especially grateful for every person who shared their experiences of grief and trauma on the call, and I hope you will find valuable information from the many questions that were answered throughout the call. Please be sure to check it out.
Missouri and St. Louis Resources:
For Missouri and St. Louis specific mental health resources, please visit:
- Missouri Department of Mental Health, which includes information on the 24/7, free, and confidential crisis hotline, Behavioral Health Response, at 800-811-4760. This hotline specifically serves residents in St. Louis County and City.
- The Saint Louis Mental Health Board and the City of St. Louis Department of Health has partnered with United Way 2-1-1 and Behavior Health Resources to increase access to mental health services for youth and adults. St. Louis Residents can access these mental health services by calling 2-1-1 and pressing 1.
Federal Resources:
- If you or someone you know needs services immediately, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis support for you and loved ones, and will immediately connect you with assistance right here in St. Louis.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has resources to help you in finding St. Louis-based mental health providers and treatment options through its service locator.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides resources for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, as well as support for LGBTQIA+ individuals, older adults and the elderly, and veterans.
If you have any questions for me or my team, please feel free to call our office at (314) 955-9980 and we will be happy to assist you. If you want to receive updates like this directly in your inbox, I encourage you to keep in touch by subscribing to my e-newsletter.