Support Resources

Across the country, behavioral health providers and support staff are rising to the challenge. The needs our communities face from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic recession and substance abuse crisis come on top of a demand for quality services that already outstripped available resources. Today's "new normal" only underscores the importance of AFSCME's United We Heal movement and our goal of a strong and equitable community behavioral health system that empowers clients and providers to recover, heal and thrive.

In this time of confusion, there is hope. And there is help. You are not alone. AFSCME is the union for more than 50,000 professionals in the behavioral health industry that, like you, could use some community care to help navigate this continuously evolving and stressful situation.

This resource directory provides content submitted from behavioral health providers for behavioral health providers. If you know of a program or resource that you think should be listed, please let us know by emailing us. And thank you because #UnitedWeHeal.

Care in Times of Crisis Webinar Materials

• Article: “Self-care isn't enough. We need community care to thrive.”  
• Article: “How To Set Boundaries At Work When It’s Hard (Especially When Remote)”  

National

• AFSCME COVID-19 Resources: Many workers will come in contact with those infected by the virus, endangering themselves and their families. It is important for workers to have accurate information on how to best do their jobs and how to protect themselves. www.afscme.org/covid-19/resources
• HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: The COVID-19 Pandemic has placed both mental health and public health workers on the front lines in an array of on-going stressful situations. This guide provides helpful information and links for providers across the country. Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Simply call or text 988 in your phone or online at www.988lifeline.org.
• Disaster Distress Helpline:Call this toll-free number to be connected to the nearest crisis center for information, support, and counseling. (800) 985-5990
• Substance Abuse Helpline: 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention and recovery. (800) 662-4357
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI released the NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide to help people affected by mental illness, their caregivers and loved ones. www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/COVID-19-Information-and-Resources
• Mayo Clinic: Amid ever-changing information around the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-tips-for-mindfulness-coping-with-anxiety/
• College Planning Guide for Students with Mental Health Disorders: This guide will help college students find the assistance they need, including the resources and accommodations most schools provide, and offer tips on how to access these mental health services. https://www.intelligent.com/online-college-guide-for-students-with-mental-health-disorders/www.intelligent.com/online-college-guide-for-students-with-mental-health-disorders
• Mental Health America Back to School Toolkit: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has produced a Back to School Toolkit. It helps students, parents, and school personnel navigate the uncharted territory of COVID-19. www.mhanational.org/back-school 
• Medicare Resources for Mental Health: This resource guide is for people who are seeking mental health care coverage while on Medicare. Medicare for mental health includes services, programs, and treatments to diagnose and help manage mental health conditions. https://www.medicareplans.com/mental-health-care-outpatient-for-medicare/
• UMass Memorial Health Care: These free weekly online (Zoom) meditation sessions include guided meditation, reflection and discussion. (It is recommended participants use a desktop or laptop to attend, rather than a phone or tablet.)
  • Monday Night: Worldwide Sit, 7:00pm EDT (1 hr)
  • Tuesday Morning: Worldwide Sit for Clinicians and Caregivers, 7:30am EDT (30 min)
  • Martes en la Tarde: Sesión mundial en español, 7:00 pm EDT (1 hora)
  • Thursday Afternoon: Worldwide Sit, 12:10pm EDT (40 min)
  • Friday Afternoon: Worldwide Sit for Clinicians and Caregivers, 12:30pm EDT (30 min)

New Jersey

• The H.U.B.B. Emotional Support Helpline (Newark/Essex County): Providing assistance to local residents with anxiety, stress, loneliness, parenting skills, life skills, coping with grief, sadness and other COVID-19 related issues. Email: helpline@thathubblife.org
  • Monday to Saturday, 8:00am to 11:00pm, (973) 581-3952
  • Sunday Interfaith Prayer Lines, (725) 735-9555
    • English - 3:00pm
    • Spanish - 4:00pm
    • Islamic - 5:30pm

Free Digital Apps

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Free Mindfulness Coach app developed to help reduce stress, improving emotional balance, increasing self-awareness, helping with anxiety and depression, and coping more effectively with chronic pain.
• National Center for Telehealth & Technology: Free Breath2Relax app is a portable stress management tool which provides detailed information on the effects of stress on the body and instructions and practice exercises to help users learn the stress management skill called diaphragmatic breathing.