Addiction, Mental Health

Managing Your Mind Through The Holidays: Navigating Seasonal Struggles 

The holiday season is upon us and with its festive spirit and joyous gatherings, many folks eagerly await the upcoming fun. Yet, alongside the anticipation and excitement, the holidays can bring a unique set of challenges that can weigh heavily on some individuals leading to loneliness, stress and reminders of what, or who, is missing in their lives. According to a survey by the National Alliance of Mental Illness, individuals living with a mental illness reported that their conditions worsened around the holidays. Understanding and managing these seasonal struggles is important for maintaining mental well-being and truly enjoying the essence of the holidays.  During the holiday season, it’s crucial for an individual to be aware of what can trigger one’s anxiety or depression to ensure they’re taking optimal care of themselves and fully embracing the joy of the holidays. Mental health remains a priority throughout the year, and it’s clear …
Mental Health, Substance Abuse

Taking Care of Your Mental Health After a Natural Disaster

Survivors of recent hurricanes in Pinellas County may face anxiety and PTSD; here’s how to manage stress.
News

What is Care About Me?

Dealing with mental health challenges, substance use, and addiction treatment can be incredibly overwhelming. From navigating local resources to deciphering insurance coverage and finding the right providers, getting care can be a fairly complex journey. But it doesn’t stop there. What if the behavioral health care provider you chose isn’t the perfect match for you? It’s back to square one, and the process begins again. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, a third of individuals who seek therapy do not return within 45 days. These critical days can significantly impact one’s personal growth. Whether it’s due to distrust of their chosen provider, difficulty expressing their feelings, or the lack of support outside of therapy, many individuals halt their search at this point, feeling incapable of finding the right help. Now, picture having a dedicated and confidential access line at your fingertips to assist you in finding the …

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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