CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — COVID-19 has many of us feeling isolated, frustrated, or even scared.
Eager to help the community understand these emotions, Amistad Community Health Center created a free resource they call their Mental Health Hotline, and anyone can use it.
"We want them to call in and talk to someone that can maybe help them cope with what’s going on, and then provide additional services if needed," said Amistad director of behavioral health Diane Herrero.
Herrero said you can call (361) 886-3050 and be directed to one of Amistad's licensed therapists.
After a 15-20 minute session with a therapist, you can choose to become an established patient and receive follow-ups. If you choose to not receive follow-ups, you can still call the hotline as many times as you need.
Licensed therapist Vanessa Gallegos said adults aren't the only ones turning to the hotline for help.
"Parents (are) being aware of how their children are feeling," she said. "We’ve had an 8-year-old call in; well, her mom called in for her."
After speaking with the 8-year-old's mother, Gallegos agreed it was best to continue the therapy sessions while the pandemic is underway.
"So I was able to follow up with the 8-year-old, and that was through video, like Zoom," Gallegos said. "So it was just a little easier for me to talk with her."
You can reach Amistad's Mental Health Hotline at (361) 882-3050. They are available Monday -Thursday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.