Towards the start of the pandemic, Memorial Behavioral Health unveiled its Emotional Support Line.
Two years later, regional director of clinical operations for Memorial Behavioral Health Amber Olson is celebrating the accomplishments of the support line.
She says that the Emotional Support Line has been paramount in providing callers with a positive experience and operates as an introduction to behavioral health services.
As of March 14, 2022, the Memorial Emotional Support Line has fielded nearly 3,000 calls for an average of about five-and-a-half calls a day since the line opened March 18, 2020.
The support line saw more calls when cases spiked. Olson says themes centered on increased anxiety regarding them or loved ones contracting COVID-19 carried on throughout various COVID-19 waves.
The Emotional Support Line is also a bridge in mental health services for patients between therapy appointments. Local providers frequently have referred clients to the support line to fill gaps between therapy, medical visits, or both.
The Memorial emotional support Line is a free service open to callers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call the Emotional Support Line at 217-588-5509