Another option is available for mental health

Dec. 09--Freeborn County residents experiencing a mental health crisis will now have another resource to turn to for help.

As part of a 10-county partnership, Horizon Homes Inc. of Mankato is offering support services to children and adults experiencing a mental health crisis.

The services are being paid for through a state grant, said Maureen Williams-Zelenak, supervisor of the Freeborn County children's mental health unit.

Under the program, people can call a crisis team phone number between 4 p.m. and midnight, seven days a week, and consult with a staff member over the phone. If necessary, the team may travel to the caller's home or another location in the community to provide additional services.

The program serves both children and adults.

Some of the crises the team responds to include feeling stressed and overwhelmed, having plans or thoughts of hurting yourself or others, and finding it difficult to complete normal daily activities because of stress. The team can also respond to an increase or change in symptoms such as mood, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations or delusions.

The team offers problem solving and coping strategies, referrals to other local services, family education and support, crisis prevention planning and other ongoing support.

A news release states the program is designed to complement existing mental health services and fill in the gaps for people with needs beyond the traditional system.

Williams-Zelenak said sometimes the evening hours can prove troublesome to people with mental health concerns. People who utilize the service will follow up with their regular health care worker.

Horizon Homes was established in 1971 by the First Christian Church of Mankato as a residential treatment program for adult men and women recovering from mental illness.

The team will bill insurance companies, but the client themselves will not be charged for the service.

To refer someone to the mobile crisis team, call 877-399-3040.

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