Mental Health Resources

Since 1949, the month of May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month as a means to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and educate the public about mental health.

We at Trinity are using this time to make our congregation aware of Trinity’s Stephen Ministries program as well as other available resources that may provide help to those of us in need. The Stephen Ministers in our church are lay people who have received training to provide one-on-one care in a confidential setting for those who may be experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, or illness, and would like someone to talk with. Please contact Pastor Scott or Pastor Katie if you or someone you know has a need for someone to talk to or if you are interested in training to become a Stephen Minister.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, get help quickly.

• Call 911 for emergency services

• Go to the nearest hospital emergency room

• Call, text, or chat 988 to be connected to counselors at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling or mood. Such conditions may affect someone’s ability to relate to others and function each day. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis. Recovery, including meaningful roles in social life, school and work, is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process.

A mental health condition isn’t the result of one event. Research suggests multiple, linking causes. Genetics, environment and lifestyle influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life makes some people more susceptible, as do traumatic life events like being the victim of a crime. Biochemical processes and circuits and basic brain structure may play a role, too (NAMI.org).

General Resources

1. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

2. American Psychiatric Association

3. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

4. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

ELCA Resources

1. Southeastern Synod | Mental Health Resources

2. ELCA Suicide Prevention Ministry

3. ELCA Social Message on the Body of Christ and Mental Illness

4. ELCA Leader’s Guide for Congregational Study

5. Living Lutheran–Study Guide: Dignity & grace in the face of mental illness

6. Living Lutheran–An age of anxiety: Ministries address teen mental health issues, COVID-19 fears

7. Lutheran Services in America–Caring Connections: Caring for Mental Health

8. Lutheran Counseling Services–Navigating Through the Storm Webinars

9. Lutheran Counseling Services–Leading a Group Discussion after a Tragedy

10. Lutheran Counseling Services–Phases of Disaster

11. Refocusing our energy—Exercise & prayerful meditation

12. A guided meditation & exercise session

Local Resources

1. NAMI Gwinnett

2. Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) 1-800-715-4225 ​Callers have access to a clinician who will triage the crisis over the phone. If unable to de-escalate over the phone; a DD and Mental Health team go-to the location of the crisis. Staff able to 10-13 (involuntary transport) or go with the family to the hospital with their assessment information. **MyGCAL App is available in Google Play and Apple App Store**

3. CETPA, Inc. 770-662-0249 (Admin/Treatment) 678-646-5959 (Prevention Building) Behavioral Health Services (including Evaluations/Assessment, Individual/Group Therapy, Nursing Services, Medication Management and more) and Substance Abuse Prevention. Provides services in English and Spanish for Spanish speaking consumers or bilingual consumers who, to avoid misunderstanding, prefer to communicate in Spanish. Sliding Fee Scale—Check website or call for more information.

4. Families First 404-853-2844 (for appointments) 404-541-3040 (Gwinnett Office) Hours: Wednesday 11:30PM – 7:30PM, Thursday 9:00AM – 5:30PM, Friday 9:00AM – 5:00PM. Services offered on a sliding-fee scale—Proof of Income needed. Provides Individual, Family, Marriage and Group Counseling. Check website or call for more details.

5. ViewPoint Health 678-209-2411 (M-F 8:30am-5pm) 1-800-715-4225 (after hours) Check website or call for more details. Mental health services serving adults and youth that may benefit from integrated physical and mental health services. Provides limited pharmacy services at some sites. View Point Health fees are established by the State of Georgia on a sliding scale based on family size and amount of income. Clubhouse: 678-209-2550 Serving youth who are in need of intensive substance use recovery supports. Emergency services 24-Hour Access to Care by calling View Point Health. Since emergencies can occur anytime, a mental health professional with psychiatric backup is always available by calling 678-209-2411

6. Catholic Charities Counseling Offices/Atlanta (404) 920-7745 (English and Espanol) Services offered on a sliding-fee scale. Check website or call for more details. Services offered for individuals, couples, family, children, and adolescent counseling/therapy provided by highly qualified, professional therapists. marital and family conflict, adolescent issues, depression, anxiety & stress, support with addictions, grief & loss, challenging life transitions, anger management and impulse control, relapse prevention, school conflicts and behavior problems, sibling rivalry, parent-child relationships, domestic violence and trauma care, play therapy.

7. Summit Ridge Hospital 678-442-5856 250 Scenic Highway Lawrenceville, GA 30045 Age Range: 13+ Insurance: Free assessments, accepts most insurances, with the exception disability Medicaid (SSI) Inpatient, outpatient, Partial Hospitalization

8. Lakeview Behavioral Health 678-713-2600 1 Technology Parkway South Norcross, GA 30092 Age Range: 9-17 Insurance: Free assessments, accepts most major insurance and CMOs. Inpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization

9. Peachford Hospital 770-455-3200 2151 Peachford Road Atlanta, GA 30339 Age Range: 4-18 Insurance: Free assessments, accepts most major insurance and CMOs. Inpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, parenting classes.

10. Ridgeview Institute 770-434-4567 3995 South Cobb Drive Smyrna, GA 30080 Age Range: 11-17 Insurance: Accepts most major insurance and CMOs. Inpatient, stabilization, DBT

11. Riverwoods Hospital 770-991-8500 223 Medical Center Drive Riverdale, GA 30274 Age Range: 9-17 Insurance: Accepts most major insurance and CMOs. Inpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization.