Arlington Police Department Shares Online Mental Health and Substance Use Support Services

ARLINGTON — Chief Julie Flaherty and the Arlington Police Department would like to share online support services for residents who are unable to attend recovery and support meetings due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following online or over-the-phone resources are available to residents looking for support for either substance use recovery or mental health issues:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will be conducting support groups via telephone. The number for all meetings is 508-206-8720 and no password is required. For more information, email jmaguire@namimass.org. The first meeting will be held on Saturday, March 21 and will be held on the following days each week afterwards:
  • Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays at 10 a.m.
• Online Alcohol Anonymous (AA) Groups are available at various times and days during the week.
• Smart Recovery Online Meetings for individuals who are in recovery or struggling with substance misuse. Different formats and group sizes are available to choose from.
• Al-Anon has both online and phone support meetings for anyone affected by alcoholism, including family and friends.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 for those either in distress or who have a family member or friend who is struggling by calling 1-800-273-8255.
• The LifeLink provides peer-to-peer phone support for mental health or substance misuse related concerns. To use this service, please call 855-466-7100.
• The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is offering free online support groups for individuals facing depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety, as well as friends and families with those struggling with mental health issues.
• Turn 2 Me hosts free online support groups for anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, stress management and general mental health issues.
• 7 Cups has online forums for all different mental health concerns. You can also speak online or over the phone with staff one-on-one. Volunteers are available to speak 24/7 either online or over the phone 24/7. Phone numbers can be found on the site. Users can also speak with a licensed therapist. Those sessions cost $150.
• Well Connection is available to those with Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Insurance. Users can speak live with a real doctor for both medical and mental health concerns. Meetings are secure and confidential, and doctors are available 24/7.
• Advocates Psychiatric Emergency Services: If you are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, please call 800-640-5432 to speak to an Advocates crisis clinician. Staff are available to help 24 hours a day, every day.

“We understand during this difficult time people are in need of these critical services,” said Chief Flaherty. “It is more important than ever for our community to have access to support and resources. Any resident who is having difficulty obtaining these services is encouraged to call the Arlington Police Department business line at 781-643-1212 and we will assist however possible.”

“Despite certain disruptions to everyday services and supports, there are many online and remote resources that are available to those in need,” Arlington Police Clinical Responder Rebecca Wolfe said. “We commend the hard work of our behavioral health and substance abuse agencies during this difficult time.”

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has also rolled out 2-1-1 for COVID-19. Residents can call 2-1-1 at all hours (24/7) for more information and updates surrounding COVID-19.

For more information, visit the Town of Arlington’s website by clicking here, the Arlington Police Department website by clicking here, the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.

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