Prince William County Public Schools

Finding Mental Health Resources During the COVID-19 Crisis

The coronavirus pandemic is causing major interruptions to our lives. This disruption, coupled with the threat of contracting the virus, is leading many people to experience anxiety, stress, and depression. It's important to know that help is available, not only during these unusual times, but anytime you are experiencing a mental health challenge

If you or a loved one is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or dial 911.

For ideas and information about finding help during stressful times, please visit the ALEX PWCS Benefits Mental Health information page.

PWCS wants to be certain our employees are provided with the best possible mental health support and services. ComPsych is available to provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), free mental health services and work/life balance services for our employees and their immediate family members. Call the EAP toll-free at 1-844-880-6915. Access the ComPsych website. Register with the Web ID: PWCS

Turning to your regular support system of family and friends is also helpful. If you are physically cut off from your usual connections, consider using an online forum to see and talk to each other.

If you are not in an immediate crisis, but are experiencing mental health issues and your usual coping strategies are no longer working, consider contacting a psychologist or other licensed mental health provider for help. Ways to find these professionals include:

• If you have health insurance, ask your carrier for a list of covered providers in your area.
  • Anthem website for Anthem Plan Members - register and log in
  • Kaiser Permanente website
• Your primary care physician may be able to make recommendations.
• Your state psychological association may have a psychologist locator or may be able to refer you to practitioners in your area.
• If you don't have health insurance, you may wish to consult your local department of health to see if it makes referrals. Note that if you have private or government health insurance, your plan may be required under federal law to offer mental health coverage equal to your physical health coverage.
• You may be able to connect with a mental health provider via telehealth (such as by phone or video conferencing), depending on where you live and whether the provider offers it. In addition, smartphone apps may be helpful if you are feeling stress, anxiety or depression. Look for apps that have a basis in scientific evidence.
  • Anthem LiveHealth Online website for Anthem Health Plan members
  • Kaiser Permanente - How to Get Care for Kaiser Permanente Health Plan members

Additional Mental Health Resources

Other groups that can help you locate mental health professionals and resources near you include:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  • SAMHSA, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, operates a 24-hour helpline for people dealing with mental health issues. SAMHSA specialists can provide you with resources and the names of mental health professionals in your area.
  • Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  • NAMI is a national mental health organization that offers a free hotline with trained specialists who can provide information, resources and referrals to those who need mental health assistance. The organization is committed to returning calls within 48 hours from the time they are received.
  • Hotline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
  • COVID-19 resource and information guide (PDF)
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Dedicated to the mental well-being of children and adolescents, AACAP provides helpful resources for working with your children and teens during this crisis. It also provides a tool for finding local providers who can work with this population.
• American Academy of Pediatrics
  • AAP's parenting website offers advice on how to care for your family and yourself during the coronavirus pandemic, including tips on schooling your children while you work from home. The website is in English and Spanish.
• United Way
  • United Way supports 211, a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These resources include a range of services, including help locating local mental health support, finding food, paying for housing, accessing free child care or other essential services.
  • Hotline: 211