TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma’s safer at home order is in place to protect people from the coronavirus. But it’s having a negative impact on many people’s mental health.
Grand Lake Mental Health Center is working to make it easier for Oklahomans to get help.
“People that have never sought mental health or substance use treatment before are in more need than they ever have been for that type of service," said Josh Cantwell, COO for GLMHC. "So, now we have to make sure that we’re able to offer that in a way that keeps them physically safe as well.”
The mental health center is delivering iPads to those who need their services. With it, they have 24-hour, face-to-face access to a mental health professional. One group that’s especially struggling is those with a history of substance abuse who can’t go to their regular meetings.
“If they feel like they’re just getting a little out of balance where they need some access to someone to just help them through a trigger time or feeling some responses that they know would maybe put them in danger for relapse," Cantwell said.
Grand Lake Mental Health Center has 3,300 iPads in 12 counties. About 800 of those are for law enforcement officers to use when they meet someone having a mental health crisis. A licensed clinician can help them figure out the best treatment right away, saving time and taxpayer money.
“For officer safety and individual safety, anything that we can do to get people quick help and safe help I think is really going to make a huge difference all the way around," said Sgt. Jim Warring with the Bartlesville Police Department.
Bringing people help and hope when they need it most.
“We know that people that are able to reach out and have that human contact are maybe going to be a little bit better equipped to work through these difficult times," Cantwell said.
The Gand Lake Mental Health Clinics are still open. If you're interested in their services, either in-person or at home, you can call at 918-342-0770 or 800-722-3611 for nights and weekends. You can access their website here.
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