Take Care Of Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Crisis: Telehealth Services Are Now Available Through The Village Network
As our world grapples with the unprecedented pandemic known as COVID-19, the economic impact of this disease, and the mandatory social quarantines, there’s no question that the mental health for many of us is now being strained beyond our normal limits. Many people are fearful of the future, which causes stress, anxiety, panic, depression, and when left untreated, can result in suicide. At The Village Network, we are poised to support the mental health needs of youth, families, and our communities in this time of uncertainty.
With more than 70 years of experience serving Ohio and West Virginia through outpatient behavioral health, residential treatment and treatment foster care, The Village Network is now providing telehealth services. This allows children and adults to use their laptop, tablet or smartphone to speak with a licensed, certified mental health therapist. “Since schools have closed, our therapists have been working with our ninety plus schools to provide telehealth services to students and their family members, and we are ready to serve the general public and communities across Ohio and beyond,” says Rich Graziano, President and CEO.
Last week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued an executive order that permits the use of telehealth services for mental health treatment, including online interaction, video submissions, telephone calls via landlines, and the use of handheld devices. The Village Network utilizes a safe and secure online software that allows our therapists to speak face-to-face with a client, or through audio over the phone.
“While we encourage everyone to practice social distancing to minimize the spread of the COVID-19, we also recognize how stressful these times are and the importance of maintaining human connections to buffer the stress,” says David Paxton, Chief Clinical Officer. Telehealth services through the Village Network can help adults and children get connected to a mental health specialist who understands and appreciates the importance of therapeutic relationships to maintain one’s mental health.
Telehealth services provided by The Village Network are now available for children and adults by calling 1-855-522-4886. Telehealth appointments can be scheduled by calling Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Parents are required to register their children under the age of 18 for services. The Village Network accepts most medical insurance and insurance information must be provided in order to facilitate these services. Due to the order issued by Gov. DeWine, Medicare and Medicaid do currently cover telehealth services, and financial assistance is available for those who qualify
To learn more about our new telehealth services please visit, https://www.thevillagenetwork.org/telehealth. For more information about The Village Network, our services or to read our response to COVID-19, please visit https://www.thevillagenetwork.org/coronavirus/