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The stress and anxiety surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. has placed an extra burden on Camden County’s mental health providers. People are stressed out — and perhaps with good reason.
That, in turn, places an additional burden on local resources.
“… Many people are voicing an increase in anxiety and fear about the virus,” said Molly McCue of Camden Behavioral Wellness and Family Matters in St. Marys. “It is hard not to be fearful about the virus but we have to remember when we feel unsafe, we have to ask ourselves what we can do to feel safe. Then in the times we feel fear, we remind ourselves of the actions we are taking to feel safe.”
The same goes for parents who are struggling to help their children adjust, she added.
“The behavior and the coping skills we are modeling for our children now are the same ones that they will model when hardships befall them in their future. So we must remind ourselves of this,” she said.
McCue said we have to be honest with our children, but also point out the precautions that are being taken to remain safe. She also recommends trying to carve out some fun and make some happy memories together through the tough times.
Just like primary care physicians, mental health providers are also changing their policies and intake procedures as the result of COVID-19.
Christi Hedgepeth of Coastal Counseling Center said their therapists are relying heavily on technology to stay connected with clients.
Smartphones allow for easy connections between client and care provider and they are also holding group sessions on weekdays at 1 p.m. Participants call or log in to a secure teleconference where they can still interact with one another.
McCue said Camden Behavioral Wellness is also adjusting its policies to limit patient exposure to groups.
“We have a few people who are coming in for face to face but we have strict guidelines,” said McCue.
This means small changes, like having a patient text upon arrival and remain in the car until cleared to enter the building. For those who don’t need to make a personal visit, care providers can meet with patients via phone or live video.
“The coronavirus has changed the way we do things but we are adapting, our sessions are going online, our doctors are prescribing electronically. We remain available and have availability,” she added.
Those who need care can visit the website at www.camdenbehavioralwellness.org and complete the new patient paperwork. A staff member will then reach out to schedule an appointment.
McCue said many patients actually prefer the telehealth option.
“It is more private and I think more people will feel comfortable utilizing it as it can be done from the comfort of their home, car or from anywhere that is private for the individual,” she said. “Personally, I think that this makes the person more at ease and able to engage in more deeper interpersonal issues. This has been my experience this week in my own sessions that I have conducted.”
Camden Behavioral Wellness and Coastal Counseling Center, both nonprofit organizations, provide mental health services in Camden County for the uninsured using a sliding scale fee as well as those with insurance coverage. There also private care providers in the area that provide those services.
John Haigler of Coastal Community Behavioral Health helps those suffering from addiction. He said being able to transition to different methods of serving patients was a special challenge for them since they also have to drug test clients. However, with a few adjustments they have maintained the continuity of care, which lessens the chance of setbacks in recovery.
“Addiction has not stopped as the result of the coronavirus,” he said. “It’s a new world we are living in, but it is going pretty well. … We are basically going to telehealth and we’re trying to do the best we can with that. Most of them are grateful to have that option with what’s going on today.”
Additional resources available
Georgia Crisis and Access Line — 1-800-715-4225 — is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by phone call, text or chat. For more information, call the number above or visit www.georgiacollaborative.com/providers/georgia-crisis-and-access-line-gcal/.
The Peer2Peer Warm Line — 1-888-945-1414 — provides Georgians the opportunity to receive peer support over the phone 24 hours a day. A certified peer specialist is a person with lived experience recovering from behavioral health concerns, who has received special training to be able to listen with empathy, and who can provide assistance and resources to others.
Domestic abuse
Camden House, a shelter for victims of domestic abuse, continues to be fully operational despite heightened measures due to COVID-19. In addition to shelter services, the organization offers child services, court accompaniment, short-term counseling and support, support groups and community outreach. For more information, visit www.camdenhousega.org or call (912) 882-7858.
Child abuse
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia has established a hotline to help assist families with resources about parenting, childcare, legal aid referrals, grandparents raising grandchildren, counseling services and other support. The service is free, bilingual and available 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 1-800-CHILDREN or 1-800-244-5373.