By Elizabeth Lenart | Contributor
Established in 1979, The Counseling Place, a nonprofit organization based in Richardson with 501c3 status, offers professional and affordable mental health services, some of which are free. The organization is currently experiencing a significant increase in referrals for suicide, which has tripled, and reports a 30 percent rise in domestic violence cases. Anxiety levels among children, teenagers, frontline workers, and older adults are also escalating rapidly.
“We are deeply concerned about the trends we are observing,” said Deborah Dobbs, the executive director of The Counseling Place, who has dedicated 23 years to the organization, including the last ten years in her current leadership role. “Beyond the rise in suicides, assaults, and domestic violence, we are also troubled by those mourning losses who do not have access to social support, the elderly whose routines and connections have been disrupted, and the youth who are cut off from friends and may live in unstable home environments that can become abusive and violent very quickly.”
FREE CHECK-IN SERVICE
The Counseling Place is modifying its services to meet the emerging needs and challenges brought on by COVID-19. At the onset of the pandemic, The Counseling Place introduced a complimentary and confidential “Check-In” service tailored for all nonprofit frontline workers, law enforcement officers, 911 operators, and medical staff. This service does not provide therapy and requires no paperwork; it creates a space for individuals to connect with a trained mental health professional.
“There is a prevailing belief that victim advocates, police officers, and healthcare workers are expected to embody some kind of heroic ideal, unaffected by the emotional toll of human suffering – but it is impossible to remain untouched by a crisis like COVID-19,” noted Dobbs.
This service starts with a simple text, allowing individuals to schedule a 15-minute phone conversation to debrief and discuss self-care strategies. Text “FIRSTS” to 51555 to arrange or visit https://counselingplace.org/covid19-support-line.
Supporting those who provide support is a key priority at The Counseling Place, which offers specialized counseling services for first responders. This initiative expanded following the tornadoes in the Dallas area in 2019, leading to the launch of self-care groups for frontline responders working in nonprofit organizations.
“It is essential to assist those who are helping others, and having additional funding allows us to broaden this service. We must keep innovating to support those impacted by this pandemic,” said Dobbs.
HELPING TWEENS & TEENS
Moreover, to assist younger individuals, The Counseling Place has initiated its Project Positive program, an online course focused on social emotional learning for tweens and teens. Although this is not traditional counseling, the five-week course provides middle school and high school students with individualized time with a facilitator to explore management of stress in a way that is appropriate for their brain’s adaptability – referred to as neuroplasticity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, fees for this program are adjusted based on the parent’s financial situation.
“Every day, we hear about teens who are missing out on graduation and prom, but the consequences extend far beyond just missing important events,” stated Dobbs. “COVID-19 disrupts a critical developmental stage where adolescents begin to separate from their parents and seek autonomy. This is a significant aspect of their growth.” Dobbs also expresses concern that technology, while familiar to teens, may lead parents to mistakenly believe their children are doing well. Yet, these teens are experiencing isolation from peers and the constant influx of negative news online can contribute to misinformation and overwhelm. Many lack the necessary coping skills and might turn to substance abuse or other unhealthy methods for managing their stress.
HURDLES FOR THE ELDERLY AND VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Furthermore, technology can be a significant barrier for some older adults and many domestic violence victims. The pandemic has trapped these victims with their abusers, who closely monitor their communications and limit their ability to reach out for help.
“We are concerned for the safety of domestic violence survivors and for children living in homes where tensions are elevated due to unemployment, emotional weariness, and anxiety,” Dobbs added. “The current situation, particularly when alcohol is a factor, tends to heighten impulsivity, worsen depressive symptoms, and contribute to increased volatility in relationships.”
Additionally, Dobbs pointed out that the prolonged confinement without a foreseeable end disrupts the coping mechanisms for nearly everyone. “Individuals recovering from trauma may find their progress derailed by these challenging circumstances. The psychosocial effects of COVID-19 are widespread and significant, and we must acknowledge their impact. Our mental health influences how we cope and adapt to these new realities.”
AFFORDABLE AND EFFECTIVE MENTAL HEALTH HELP
The Counseling Place shifted all of its services to telehealth and phone support at the start of the pandemic. These services encompass individual therapy as well as psychoeducational courses for both adults and children as young as eight years old. For children under eight, parental consultations are available, with services offered on a sliding scale, including some at no cost. Dobbs encourages individuals to take a proactive approach to their mental health, advising that they should pursue or continue mental health treatment even if it cannot be completed in person. “A therapist can be thought of as a personal trainer for your mental fitness,” she stated.
In 2019, The Counseling Place served 555 new clients through individual and family counseling; offered psychoeducational groups to 226 children and teens throughout the DFW area; and provided victim assistance to over 1,600 people across the metroplex – impressive statistics given the frequency and depth of services offered to each client. Demand for services consistently surpasses the organization’s capacity to serve.
“America has long faced a severe shortage of affordable mental health services, and this issue existed prior to the pandemic,” Dobbs remarked. “It is heartbreaking to turn away individuals who have bravely sought help, particularly when they are battling the stigma that surrounds mental health issues.”
According to a Mental Health America report from 2020, which evaluated mental health conditions and accessibility for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, over 45 million Americans, nearly 20%, are dealing with mental illness; over 10.3 million adults have contemplated suicide, marking an increase of nearly 450,000 from the previous year; and 57% of adults with mental illness remain untreated.
A recent study by Qualtrics highlighted the escalating global mental health crisis since the onset of COVID-19. Results indicated that 67% of respondents experienced heightened stress levels since the pandemic began; 57% noted increased anxiety; 54% reported greater emotional exhaustion; 53% felt persistent sadness; 50% indicated increased irritability; and 42% stated their overall mental health had worsened.
“There is a clear scarcity of affordable mental health services,” Dobbs stated. “In recent years, The Counseling Place has endeavored to bridge this gap while coping with a significant surge in referrals related to suicide and attempted suicide, increasing by as much as 30% annually. We urge the community to remain vigilant toward individuals displaying signs of depression and encourage anyone, regardless of their financial situation, to seek help when necessary.
For more information, please call The Counseling Place at 469-283-0340 or visit counselingplace.org.
The Counseling Place (The CP), founded in 1979 as the first nonprofit mental health organization in Richardson, Texas, is committed to enhancing emotional health for individuals of all ages and income levels throughout the Dallas area. The CP delivers professional and affordable (or free) counseling services to individuals, families, and couples needing outpatient mental health support; offers psychoeducational courses for the community; and operates a victim assistance program through formal partnerships with the Richardson and Sachse Police Departments as well as services for crime victims referred from any jurisdiction. The CP also collaborates with various nonprofits, such as Heart of Autism, to deliver mental health services to affected families. For inquiries, call 469-283-0340 or visit https://counselingplace.org/
