Addiction, Mental Health, Substance Abuse

Tips for Navigating Alcohol Awareness & Stress Awareness Month

Stress and alcohol can often intertwine, creating a complicated relationship that merits a closer look.  April marks both Alcohol Awareness Month and Stress Awareness Month, a perfect time to explore how these two issues can impact each other, with stress often leading to increased alcohol use. It’s important to recognize the signs of alcoholism early, as alcohol can mask stress temporarily, but ultimately exacerbate it into a harmful cycle. In this blog, we’ll identify early signs of stress and where to turn for support, ensuring that you or  your loved ones can navigate these challenges effectively. The Link Between Stress and Alcohol Use  To truly grasp how alcohol can affect our stress levels, we first need to look to the biochemical and psychological processes at play. When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for the “fight or flight” response. While this can be …
Mental Health

March Forward: Taking Control of Your Mental Health

Recent statistics from the American Psychiatric Association show that a third of Americans have made mental health a New Year’s resolution for 2025—a 5% increase from last year and the highest result since the APA began polling that question in 2021. Taking the first step towards better mental health can often feel daunting, but it’s one of the most courageous actions you can take for yourself. Prioritizing your mental, physical, and emotional health is the foundation of a more fulfilling and balanced life.  Let’s explore how you can take that crucial first step to take control of your mental health and start your path to healing and growth. Step One: Acknowledging Your Mental Health Needs Recognizing that you need support is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to admit that you need help and to open yourself up to the possibility of healing and growth.  Understanding and accepting your …
Mental Health

Care About Me program expands access to behavioral health services for school-aged children in Pinellas County

Pinellas County’s Care About Me program, a coordinated access system designed to connect Pinellas County residents with needed mental health, substance use and addiction services, is taking a monumental step toward addressing the behavioral health needs of the county’s students through partnership with the Pinellas County School System. In Pinellas County, one in four teens struggle with mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts, a rate significantly higher than the state average of 17%. Florida’s broader behavioral health crisis affects over 400,000 children and youth, yet only half receive the necessary care. With 50% of mental conditions beginning by age 14, early intervention is essential. Programs like Care About Me address these critical needs by offering direct access to mental health services, helping at-risk youth build resilience and healthy coping strategies. What sets Care About Me apart is its hands-on approach. Rather than simply providing resources, the program guides residents through the process. This …

FAQs

Imagine having a confidential access line that’s dedicated to helping Pinellas County residents of all ages find the crucial mental health, substance use, and addiction services they need. That’s where Care About Me comes in. Streamlining the process, our specialists help to spare you the frustration of endless searches for local services. Instead, we provide a safe space where residents or family members can connect directly with experienced behavioral health specialists. These specialists skillfully assess your needs and swiftly schedule an appointment with a local provider. Don’t hesitate – take the first step toward the support you deserve today!

Care About Me is not a crisis line. If you or someone you know is facing a mental health emergency, please call 911. For those dealing with thoughts of self-harm or in need of emotional support, please reach out to the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

Care About Me partners with top-tier providers who offer a wide range of services, including in-person and virtual appointments. Our providers cater to individuals of all ages and accept various forms of insurance, including private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. We also offer sliding scale or pro bono services to ensure everyone has access to quality care.

Our providers specialize in serving all Pinellas County residents, including the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and justice-involved populations. Our vetted providers offer comprehensive services across all levels of care, including supportive services, therapy, detox, medication management, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and psychiatric services. With Care About Me, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the personalized care you deserve.

Connect with a Care About Me specialist in a way that suits you best – whether it’s through a call, text, online form, or live chat. We’re committed to providing each resident with a personalized and tailored experience when seeking assistance.

Our team of masters-prepared clinicians is dedicated to answering all incoming calls. Care About Me specialists are equipped to connect with translators proficient in over 170 languages, ensuring that care is accessible to all residents, regardless of the language they speak. Creating accessible care for everyone, no matter the language barrier.

Harnessing the power of our secure platform, Care About Me specialists seamlessly send electronic referrals, monitor care progress, and ensure residents receive prompt and impactful assistance along with follow-up support as needed. Our highly trained specialists excel at connecting callers with a wide array of supportive services, including counseling, support groups, educational resources, and referrals to local, specialized treatment centers and providers.

Calls take roughly 20-25 minutes for a one-on-one consultation with our specialist to secure your appointment. You can even request a callback at your preferred time, and our specialists will do their best to accommodate your schedule.

Care About Me is funded annually by the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners.

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