New mental health resource line available

People wondering where to turn for mental health services may now call a centralized resource line for help. St. John’s Medical Center’s new phone-based service, available by calling 307.203.7880, will connect callers to appropriate agencies to address their needs. Available seven days a week, the line will be answered by a licensed clinical social worker at St. John’s.

“It can feel overwhelming to seek help. You may not know whom to call or where to turn,” said Christina Riley, director of social services at St. John’s. “The resource line will serve everyone from those struggling with substance abuse to family members concerned about a loved one.”

Referrals to local human service agencies include Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center, Curran Seeley Foundation, Good Samaritan Mission, One22, Community Safety Network, Teton Youth & Family Services, Senior Center of Jackson Hole, and private practice mental health counselors. The social worker may also refer callers to out-of-area agencies, including residential treatment facilities.

The need for the phone line grew out of a study of mental health services in the community conducted in late 2016 by St. John’s Hospital Foundation. One action item from the study was that there was an overall lack of awareness of mental health services in Teton County. The mental health resource line is a step in addressing that need.

Messages left on the resource line will be returned within 24 hours. For help with a mental health crisis, contact the Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center’s 24/7 crisis line at (307) 733-2046. In an emergency, call 911.

##

Media contact: Karen Connelly, 739 7380, kconnelly@tetonhospital.org

ABOUT ST. JOHN’S MEDICAL CENTER
St. John's Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming, offers patient-centered clinical excellence and community wellness services through a full-service hospital, primary care, and specialty physician practices, and a long-term care Living Center.

ABOUT ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
The mission of the St. John’s Hospital Foundation is to secure philanthropic support to advance the mission and strategic objectives of St. John’s Medical Center, including patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and community wellness. For more information, visit www.stjohnshospitalfoundation.org