Brand new initiatives are underway to get mental health support to people in St. Louis as soon as they need it. It includes not only a support app for middle school students, but also a brick and mortar location downtown where anyone can show up in a crisis.
A mental health emergency can happen to anyone at any time. A couple of years ago, Missouri launched the 988 hotline where people can get support 24/7. Now a local group says it's time to kick things up a notch.
When you need help, you need help. Mental health experts say, they're trained for this.
"If folks are having any kind of a crisis after hours, instead of having to go to the hospital system or getting arrested or having any other issues, they can come drop in at the center and get treatment immediately,” said Tiffany Lacy Clark, the CEO of Behavioral Health Response (BHR).
She is referring to a new space opening up on Washington Avenue in the former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's bike unit location. It will be open 24/7.
"There will be recliners, space for people to change, take a shower, get clean clothes, some snacks to go and to be able to sit down and talk to somebody,” she explained.
It's part of several efforts the group just announced to get mental help to more people - including children. They're now rolling out a new app where experts can see if something is wrong when young people are at school or at home.
"If there is something that's triggered, we will respond at BHR…Right in the app, they can get text messaging telling them how to control their breathing, telling them to just think about some things, giving them basic skills that can get them past that moment. If it's a little more intense, we can give them video counseling.,” said Robert Hughes with BHR.
If things escalate, experts will show up around the clock. Right now the group is in talks with school districts and families who are interested in the app.
Behavioral Health is also developing after school programs at Carr Lane CVPA and Gateway middle schools.
"The difference with our program is we'll have clinicians there so kids can have fun. They can learn but they can also get some treatment,” Hughes added.
"Some innovative ways to reach the community. As the needs shift, the agency has to shift and how we deliver services has to shift,” Lacy Clark said.
The crisis center is expected to open early next year.
