The aftermath of Hurricane Ian continues to affect Floridians, and that includes its impact on victims’ mental health. A number of mental health resources are available to those affected and we are sharing some below.
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Family Support Line
This line connects individuals and families impacted by the storm with peers who were impacted and have recovered from Hurricane Michael. Volunteers from the Panhandle will use their personal experiences to provide support, advice and a helping hand to victims of Hurricane Ian. Volunteers will also help direct Hurricane Ian survivors to resources that are available at the state, federal and local level, including information about bridge loans, roof repair, disaster unemployment assistance and disaster SNAP benefits. Individuals who would like to talk with a Family Support Peer can call 888-850-SWFL.
Free Therapy Through BetterHelp
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) and DCF have partnered with BetterHelp to offer mental health services through three months of free online therapy to those impacted by Hurricane Ian. To access these free services, Floridians can visit betterhelp.com/voucher and use code: Hurricaneian. BetterHelp will then prompt impacted Floridians with a questionnaire to best match them with a licensed mental health professional. https://marketing.gehringgroup.com/e/932633/voucher-/2f7sy/116422795?h=yotusbkqcBLzNPWOFl9wLTRCFh3F7lQ49-o77BvJIZM
Disaster Distress Helpline
Call or text at 1-800-985-5990. This national hotline provides free, 24/7, crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Deaf and hard of hearing ASL callers can use a videophone or ASL Now.
Veterans Crisis Line
If you are a veteran or are concerned about a veteran who is in distress, contact the Veterans Crisis Line, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 988, then press 1; text message 838255 or chat online (https://marketing.gehringgroup.com/e/932633/get-help-now-chat/2f7t2/116422795?h=yotusbkqcBLzNPWOFl9wLTRCFh3F7lQ49-o77BvJIZM).
Mental Health Assistance for First Responders
Florida Division of Emergency Management is connecting first responders with mental health resources by filling out a survey: https://marketing.gehringgroup.com/e/932633/r-ResponderMH/2f7t5/116422795?h=yotusbkqcBLzNPWOFl9wLTRCFh3F7lQ49-o77BvJIZM
SAMHSA Tips for Disasters and Traumatic Events
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has shared several resources online for victims of Hurricane Ian. They are as follows:
- What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life:
- Managing Stress:
- Coping with Grief After a Traumatic Event:
- Coping with Re-traumatization:
During disaster response, replies may be delayed. If this is an emergency please dial 911 or 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Helpline.