Struggling with coronavirus anxiety? Here’s where to find mental health support online
While focusing on physical safety is crucial, mental health can often seem as an afterthought in the coronavirus crisis. But coping with feelings of anxiety in the era of social distancing can be difficult to manage on your own, especially for people who are isolated from families or dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The stress of a new way of life can also be confusing for children who are struggling to adjust.
Mental health resources can be accessed from home by telephone or video chat. Some don’t require health insurance and are still taking appointments through the pandemic.
Here’s what you need to know about the mental telemedicine services being offered at South Florida hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
University of Miami Health System
Telemedicine services for families in Miami-Dade are still available, including internet-based Parent-Child Interaction therapy.
Appointments are offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
The University of Miami Health System says new appointments are limited because the program is near capacity.
Parent-Child Interaction therapy is primarily for families with children ages 2 to 7 with elevated behavior problems, a spokeswoman said. The program is funded by The Children’s Trust and is free for families who live in Miami-Dade County.
For adults, the University of Miami is also offering virtual medical appointments through the UM Virtual Clinics program. It is available for non-emergency conditions and by appointment, including psychiatry. You can find more information at https://umiamihealth.org/en/Treatments-Services/Virtual-Clinics
To make an appointment, call 305-243-0234. To learn more about the available services, visit http://pediatrics.med.miami.edu/mailman-center/clinical-services/developmental-behavioral-pediatrics/parent-child-interaction-therapy/
Baptist Health South Florida
Mental Health Counseling services are available on the Baptist Health Care On Demand app, which you can download on your smartphone or tablet. Depending on the provider selected, therapists are still taking appointments for families and children age 10 or older.
There are no pre-requirements, and health insurance is not required. Mental Health Counseling sessions cost $99.
“Children are receptive, and they pick up cues from their caretakers,” said Amy Exum, psychotherapist at Baptist Health South Florida. “Taking care of yourself allows you to be more present to the needs of those around you and to help your child in more effective ways. There is hope and there is help. We will get through this together.”
To learn more about how the app works, visit https://baptisthealth.net/en/lp/pages/care-on-demand.aspx
Broward Health
Although Broward Health accepts behavioral health patients, it is not extending telemedicine services for this medical specialty at this time.
Chrysallis Health
Chrysallis Health, a contractor for Miami-Dade Public Schools, can treat children and adult patients via telemedicine.
Chrysallis accepts Medicaid and private insurance plans. It offers a patient assessment to determine therapy needs and treatment. The website also offers 24/7 client crisis support. For more information, visit https://www.chrysalishealth.com/mental-health
