Attorney general highlights mental health, substance abuse resources

Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring is urging Virginians to seek mental health and substance abuse treatment resources if they need support in coping with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, and encouraging Virginians who may lose employer-based insurance to evaluate their options on www.Healthcare.gov to ensure they can affordably access the treatment they need.

“This pandemic is taking a toll on all of us and there’s no shame in reaching out for help and support,” Herring said in a press release. “So many of our fellow Virginians are dealing with job loss, added stress from working at home or on the front lines of this fight, and the nagging anxiety created by the uncertainty of this pandemic. And unfortunately, many Virginians are dealing with sickness or loss of a friend, family member, or loved one. I hope any Virginian who needs support, services, or just someone to talk to will reach out for help, and if insurance coverage is a barrier, I encourage people to evaluate their options on Healthcare.gov. You may even qualify for financial assistance that could reduce or eliminate the out-of-pocket costs.”

Herring and colleagues sent a letter to the Trump administration last week urging it to do more to highlight the availability of healthcare coverage, including for mental health and substance abuse treatment, through plans available on the “healthcare marketplaces” available on www.Healthcare.gov.

“Broader availability of mental health services is imperative,” the letter noted. “Many Americans are suffering as millions of workers have lost their jobs, including many who have lost their healthcare coverage. Others are underinsured, and some low-wage workers lack employer provided health insurance. Many Americans, including workers whose jobs are essential during the emergency — truckers, grocery store workers, delivery carriers, cleaners — do not receive healthcare coverage through their employment. As a result, healthcare may be out of reach for Americans who need it the most.”

Herring urged Virginians who need mental health or substance abuse treatment or services to contact these organizations:

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 24/7 helpline, 800/662-HELP.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800/273-8255, or chat online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.

• The Veterans Crisis line, 800/273-8255, press 1, or text to 838255.

• The Alcoholics Anonymous online meeting directory, http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php.

• The SMART Recovery online meeting directory, https://www.smartrecovery.org/.

• The Virginia sexual, domestic and intimate partner violence hotline: Call 800/838-8238; text 804/793-9999; visit www.vadata.org/chat.

• Virginia behavioral health and developmental services resources including virtual and telephone group meetings, crisis lines, tips and coping strategies and resources for vulnerable communities including LGBT Virginians and non-English speakers. Go to http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/covid19/clients-individuals.