The West
Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Behavioral
Health (BBH) has partnered with First Choice Services to offer a children’s
crisis and referral line to interrupt behavioral health crises and connect
families and youths with behavioral health services in their communities. Families and youths can call, text, or chat
the Children’s Crisis and Referral Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at
844HELP4WV or 844-435-7498.
An added
service of HELP4WV substance use and mental health support, the Children’s
Crisis and Referral Line connects families and youths with crisis and
non-emergency behavioral health services.
In crisis situations, the line links families with regional Mobile
Crisis Response and Stabilization Teams who can help de-escalate the behavioral
health crisis by phone or respond in person in most areas of the state if the
family chooses. The line also serves as
an access point for referrals to non-emergency behavioral health services in
the caller’s community.
BBH funded
the Children’s Crisis and Referral line with a federal grant from the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to keep children and
youths thriving in their homes, schools, and communities. It aims to help prevent out-of-home
placements and emergency room visits due to mental health concerns.
“Families,
children, and young adults are experiencing unprecedented challenges during the
COVID-19 crisis,” said Christina Mullins, Commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for
Behavioral Health. “This new Children’s
Crisis and Referral Line can serve their behavioral health needs so they can
stay safely in their homes, schools, and communities.”
In
addition to the new Children’s Crisis and Referral Line as part of HELP4WV,
First Choice Services is the call center for the National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline, Help304 Emotional Strengthline, Jobs & Hope WV, WV211, WV Tobacco
Quitline, and Problem Gambling Help Network of WV. Call agents are trained on the needs of
callers across lines.
“We are
excited to offer this much needed new service to children and families,” said Lata
Menon’s CEO of First Choice Services. “While navigating resources can be challenging
under the best circumstance, in a crisis, it can be nearly impossible. Our HELP4WV
Specialists are available 24/7 to assist callers of all ages in finding the
best behavioral health and addiction resources based on their unique needs. The
addition of Child’s Crisis resources to our network creates an opportunity for
youth, their loved ones and community professionals to access information and
referral with one call.”
To learn more about the Children’s Crisis and
Referral Line, visit https://www.help4wv.com/ccl.