Counseling Resources
Crisis Resources
In case of a non-medical mental health or substance use crisis, contact the following resources, available 24/7/365:
* Mobile Crisis (all ages): 888-573-1006
* The Caiyalynn Burrell Child Crisis Center: (877) 277-8873, 277 Biltmore Ave
* C3356 Behavioral Care or Detox Walk-in (18+): 828-254-2700, 356 Biltmore Ave
* Asheville Vaya Health Mental Health Line: 1-800-849-6127
For medical emergency or immediate safety concern: call 911
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Suicide Lifeline: 988
Trevor Project Hotline (LGBTQ-specific): 1-866-488-7386
A Note about Confidentiality in a Virtual Setting
Whether we’re communicating by email, phone, or video, the same “rules” apply for confidentiality -- I won’t share anything you tell me unless you or someone else is potentially in danger. Please understand that while I will always do everything I can to protect your privacy, when we’re not face to face in my office, confidentiality can’t always be 100% guaranteed in the same way as a closed, in-person conversation. Together we’ll do our best to navigate that as best we can.
We don’t really know what we need until we try something….
Coping Strategies
Journal: The time you are living in will be part of history. Set aside a few minutes every day to write about what you are feeling, how your routine has changed, what’s on the news or what you might be worried about. Journaling can be a great tool in managing your mental health. Light a candle, pour yourself some tea, and make it part of your new daily ritual or routine. There are also apps for journaling that kids might prefer.
Be Social (but not just on social media): Stay connected - but truly connected, not just scrolling through social media. Monitor your time on Insta, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. and be aware of how it makes you feel. FaceTime with your friends or do a Google Meet. It’s important that you still have face-to-face social interactions.
Get Outside: Research shows that being outside lowers the rate of depression. We’re all pretty homebound these days, but we don’t have to be indoors-bound. Some ideas include: sit outside while you do your school work, go for a walk in your neighborhood, find a trail in the mountains to take a hike. Let me know if you’ve come up with other ways to incorporate fresh air into your quaren-routine.
Random Acts of Kindness: While we need to distance ourselves, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help each other. During difficult times, we often see the most beautiful acts of kindness. It can help you feel like you are doing something to help in a time where many of us feel powerless. If you are home and looking for things to do, check out this page for great ideas!
Exercise: Physical fitness is an important coping mechanism. It can help keep anxiety at bay and maintain a sense of normalcy and well-being. Here is a list of free workout videos you can do from home.
Meditation/Visualization/Breathing: Here are links to videos that will guide you through each of these practices. These are great tools to use if you are feeling anxious, having a difficult time sleeping or just need to relax.
https://bedtime.fm/peaceout/ - Short stories that help children calm down and relax by guiding them through visualization and breathing exercises. Perfect for parents or teachers who want to teach mindfulness and self-regulation.
Quick Resets: Take a break from schoolwork and social media and engage in the world virtually in these fun ways.
A great collection of stress-busting games (Tetris! Neon flames! Fractals!)