Need mental health help after storms, tornadoes in Tallahassee? Try these resources

Elena Barrera, Tallahassee Democrat
Updated ·2 min read
Need mental health help after storms, tornados in Tallahassee? Try these resources.
Need mental health help after storms, tornados in Tallahassee? Try these resources.

Editor's note: This post has been updated Wednesday with more information.

As the capital city and county emerge from the chaos caused by the aftermath of three powerful tornados that ravaged the area on May 10, some still grapple with the physical and mental damage left in the winds' wake.

Many are working to restore their broken homes and living without usual comforts such as internet, which could put a strain on a person's well being. (Coincidentally, May is Mental Health Awareness Month.)

If you or someone you know is experiencing lingering mental health effects from the stress of storm recovery and loss, here's where you can find help:

  • Apalachee Center's Mobile Response Team (MRT) is a mental health support hotline staffed 24/7, 365 days a year by counselors who either work with the person over the phone, virtually via video call, or respond in person to the scene within one hour (and oftentimes much sooner). Counselors can work with the caller to immediately address their crisis or concerns and/or connect them with long-term support and care with Apalachee Center's inpatient or outpatient services. The team can be reached toll-free at 800-342-3774.

  • Those in need of therapy, peer support, medication management, psychiatric care or alcohol and substance use recovery groups can start those services by visiting Apalachee Center during our Same-Day Access hours. All new outpatient clients can walk into the Leon County outpatient clinic at 2634 Capital Circle NE, Building C, or join a video call at ApalacheeCenter.org/sameday during Same-Day Access hours for an intake session. Clients will leave their Same-Day Access visit with an appointment for services. Same-Day Access is available Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday & Thursday: 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. For questions about Same-Day Access, call New Patient Registration at 850-523-3308.

  • Apalachee Center also is home to the Central Receiving Facility (CRF) for the Big Bend Region. The Apalachee Center’s CRF serves as the entry point for inpatient behavioral health care for those experiencing a mental health crisis in Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties. Those in need can access emergency behavioral health services 24/7 by showing up at CRF (2634 Capital Circle NE) or by law enforcement transportation.

  • Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disaster distress hotline toll free at (800) 985-5990. You can also Read SAMHSA's "Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Coping with Re-traumatization," available at store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma17-5047.pdf.

  • Call the 211 Big Bend's 24-hour support line by dialing 211 or (850) 617-6333.

More: Four things to keep in mind during Mental Health Awareness Month in May | Mark Mahoney

Breaking & trending news reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Some resources for mental health help after Tallahassee tornadoes