© 2024
Virginia's Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Need Help? The COVID-19 Mental Health Tip Line is Available

According to a recent poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation, over half of adults in the U.S. reported their mental health has been negatively impacted by the pandemic. People report difficulty sleeping, drinking more alcohol, and increased anxiety and stress. To help deal with that growing crisis Virginia officials set up a mental health tip line. 

 

The Virginia Copes Line began back in May specifically in response to the pandemic. Thanks to new federal funds state officials recently announced the service will be extended through next May. 

Any Virginian can call the toll free number and be connected to a crisis counselor. The calls are confidential, says Craig Camidge with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. 

“Through some active listening, some normalizing, some non judgemental conversation people are able to just talk through what’s bothering them,” Camidge explains.

He stresses the service is available for anyone, not just those in immediate crisis.  

“We don’t want people to feel like maybe they don’t have it bad enough so they shouldn’t call,” he says. “We just encourage every Virginian to reach out.” 

The call line currently receives between 15 and 30 calls or texts a day, and has capacity to handle more. The crisis counselors are trained to help connect people to local services including food, housing, or more in-depth mental health treatment. Spanish speaking counselors are also available. 

Unlike a hot line, or 911, the Virginia Copes Line is not staffed around the clock. 

The warm line is toll free at (877) 349-6428. It’s staffed 9am-9pm, Monday through Friday; and 5pm-9pm on the weekends. 

 

If you or someone you know needs is in crisis and needs immediate help the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is availble 24 hours a day 800-273-8255.

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
 

Mallory Noe-Payne is a Radio IQ reporter based in Richmond.