Counseling and Recovery Services of Oklahoma (CRSOK) has been awarded two federal emergency grants through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) for the purposes of providing crisis intervention and therapy services, wellness programs and medication management for Oklahomans experiencing mild to severe mental health and/or substance abuse issues related to the impact of COVID-19.
“The COVID-19 crisis is causing increases in depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief for a number of Oklahomans already grappling with existing behavioral health and substance abuse disorders”, says CRSOK Clinical Director Andre Campbell. “These grants will help us provide free support and services to local adults adversely affected.”
Through these grants, CRSOK will deliver a full array of mental health and substance use disorder treatment services for those who seek them because of COVID-related increases in their symptoms. The stressors of frustration and boredom, family financial loss, increased risk of abuse and domestic violence in the home, disruption in nutrition, and decreased physical activity will result in an increase in the severity of mental illnesses. We can help those with mild to moderate symptoms recognize their reaction to hardship, manage stress, and help build coping and grounding skills for the recovery process. In addition to supportive crisis counseling, CRSOK counselors will provide information and education, and help link impacted individuals to appropriate resources.
We will also provide services and support to treat the most vulnerable citizens, those with severe cases of serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring substance use disorders, who are at the greatest risk for increased depression, anxiety, suicidality, and decompensation into illness requiring hospitalization. Our goal is to meet their needs with the methods safest for them. CRSOK already has protocols in place and is mobilized for telehealth/telephone services and supports.
All services will be conducted by trained and coached clinicians who will safely conduct outreach activities, provide de-escalation processes, employment support, and linkages to housing. We will utilize telehealth/telephone/messaging for crisis diversion and initial crisis response in hopes to decrease crisis center and hospital admissions.