OakHeart, Center for Counseling
  • Home
  • Counseling
  • Specialties
    • COVID-19 Related PTSD and Anxiety >
      • COVID-19 Resources
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Grief and Bereavement
    • ADHD
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Social Anxiety Disorder
    • Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Worry)
    • Health Anxiety
    • Specific Phobias
    • Maternal Mental Health
    • Infertility, Miscarriage, and Neonatal Loss
    • Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)
    • Eating Disorders
    • Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
    • Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
    • Anger Management
    • Insomnia
    • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
    • Trauma
    • Divorce Recovery
    • Relationship Concerns and Couples Counseling
    • Self-Esteem
    • Therapy for Therapists
    • LGBTQA+ Support
    • Faith-Based Counseling
  • Providers
    • Erin Mitchell
    • Pamela Heilman
    • Katie Sheehan
    • Hillary Gorin
    • Lee Ann Heathcoat
    • Adam Ginsburg
    • Megan Noren
    • Sarah Williams
    • Christina Bieche
    • Bridgette Koukos
    • Laura Lahay
    • Annette Cisneros
    • Kate Nash
    • Anna Perkowski
    • Elizabeth Grzan
    • Samantha Koder
    • Vanessa Osmer
    • Kat Harris
  • Locations
    • North Aurora, IL
    • Sycamore, IL
    • Telehealth Online Counseling
  • Contact
  • Employment
  • FAQ and Notices
  • OakHeart Blog
  • Administrative Team
  • Additional Services
    • Divorce Mediation
    • Professional Consultation

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

Resources for Healthcare Workers and First Responders during the COVID-19 Pandemic

With the ongoing impact of the pandemic, healthcare workers and first responders have been placed under chronic and persistent stress. They have witnessed death and tragedy, been pressed to work long hours doing emotionally and physically exhausting work, and endured chronic healthcare shortages and a flooded healthcare system. Many healthcare workers and first responders may need mental health assistance during these difficult times. If you are experiencing emotional distress as a result of this pandemic or related challenges, we are offering various interventions to healthcare workers and first responders at Oakheart, including trauma recovery treatment, anxiety treatment, assistance with burnout and stress management, and depression treatment.

​However, we understand many providers both do not have the time or emotional capacity to engage in therapy, at this time. For these individuals, we have compiled the following lists of resources available for healthcare workers and first responders. We hope you reach out for support during these very trying times. We appreciate your unwavering efforts to save lives and to provide care on the front line of this pandemic. Below you will find a list of hotlines, mental health resources, including time-limited, free resources, peer support options, online support groups, and coping skills resources. 
​

Hotlines for Healthcare Workers and First Responders:

Magellan Healthcare Worker and First Responder Phone Hotline
Available to all healthcare workers nationwide 
Free and confidential hotline 
You can speak with a certified licensed mental health provider trained to help you cope with distress related to the COVID-19 pandemic 
Call: 1-800-327-7451 (TTY 711)
For more information: 
https://www.magellanprovider.com/news-publications/spotlight/covid-crisis-hotline.aspx 
​

Physician Support Line
Free and confidential support to American physicians 
Speak with a licensed psychiatrist about distress
Can assist with managing professional challenges 
Available 07:00 AM – 012:00 AM CST 
Call: 1-888-409-0141
For more information:
 https://www.physiciansupportline.com/

Frontline Helpline 
Free and confidential for first-responders 
Speak with first responders (active or former first responders with training in peer support and mental health provider with experience working with first responders) 
Their goal is to assist through sharing their own experiences
Available 24/7 
Call: 1-866-676-7500 
For more information:
https://frontlinerehab.com/helpline/
 
Copeline
Confidential hotline for law enforcement (international) 
Speak with retired officers trained in peer support 
Call: 1-800-267-5463
For more information:
https://www.copline.org/

Hotlines for General Mental Health or Crisis Management:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
Confidential and free counseling and resources for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts (please call 911 if developing plans to end your life) 
Staff available for deaf and multilingual individuals 
Available 24/7 
Call 1-800-273-8255 
For more information:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

NAMI HelpLine 
Confidential and free peer-support service
Speak with peers trained in providing assistance  
This is not a service to be used during a crisis or if having suicidal thoughts 
Available 9 am and 7 pm CST 
Call: 800-950-6264
For more information:
https://www.nami.org/help

Crisis Text Line
Text message-based hotline for support during a crisis
Text a trained crisis counselor 
Available 24/7
For more information: 
https://www.crisistextline.org/

SAMHSA’s National Helpline Call 
Confidential and free hotline for finding resources on mental health and substance use treatment 
Assists with finding referrals to local treatment and support groups
Trained information specialists (available for both English and Spanish speakers)
This is not a counseling service 
Available 24/7
Call: 1-800-662-4357
For more information: 
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Bright Star Community Outreach Trauma Counseling Helpline
Speak with advocates trained in providing supportive counseling during stressful times
Once established with a helpline advocate, you can receive a weekly phone call for support; advocate can assist with helping you find additional service referrals 
Available Monday-Friday, 9AM-6PM 
Call 833-887-6123
For more information:
https://www.brightstarcommunityoutreach.com/

National Peer Support from Other Healthcare Workers and First Responders:

(found at https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Frontline-Professionals/Health-Care-Professionals)

PeerRxMed 
Free peer-to-peer program for physicians and other health care professionals
Sign up with a peer (termed your “buddy”) and you can then connect to other pairs 
Offer encouragement, support, resources, and suggestions for skill building 
Encourages check-ins with peer (weekly, monthly, or quarterly)
Register online on the website: https://www.peerrxmed.com/joinus
For more information:
https://www.peerrxmed.com/

American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress 
Online support groups for healthcare workers and first-responders 
Can remain anonymous 
Will focus on supportive/educational interventions and strategies for self-care 
Led by providers 
Sign up for groups at
https://www.aaets.org/frontline-groups (click “click here”) 
Groups are separated by profession and available for general healthcare workers 

Nurse Groups 
Free and confidential online groups for nurses 
Specifically aim to assist with processing the impact of COVID-19 
Volunteer-led 
Register at
https://nursegroups.org/groups.html#individuals
For more information:
https://nursegroups.org/

Free Mental Health Services for First Responders:

Emotional PPE Project
Offering free support from volunteer mental health professional 
Find and contact a provider from directory of volunteer mental health providers who are trained to assist healthcare workers whose mental health may be affected by COVID-19 
For more information:
https://directory.emotionalppe.org/healthcare-workers-landing

The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute 
Offering 8 free teletherapy sessions for first responders and healthcare workers
Email
FrontlineWork@ChicagoAnalysis.org, call 312-897-1405 
For more information:
https://chicagoanalysis.org/about/covid-19/

The Battle Within 
Offering 6 free therapy to first responders, medical personnel, and veterans 
Therapist trained in treating grief, anxiety, and stress/ trauma 
Confidential
Apply at
thebattlewithin.org/frontline-therapy-network

911 At Ease International 
Free counseling for trauma for first responders, medical personnel, and other “essential agencies” (call for additional information) 
Free and confidential for first responders and their families 
Register at
https://911aei.org/get-support/ or call 888-283-2734
For more information:
https://911aei.org/

Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Individual and Group Treatment 
Offering free treatment to healthcare workers and first responders 
Call 312-747-1020; inform them you are a healthcare worker or first responder 
Services available 8AM-4PM 
For more information: 
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/mental-health-services.html

Additional Resources Can Be Found At:

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/mental-health-services.html
Self-Care Ideas 
Mental Health Screening Tools 
Ways to find additional support 

https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Frontline-Professionals/Health-Care-Professionals
Signs that it is time to reach out for support 
Building Resilience Strategies 
Wellness Resources 
Support for Loved Ones 

Evidence Based Tools for Managing the Emotional Effects of COVID-19: ​

​The following free resources are based on evidence-based practices that can help individuals cope with the emotional effects of COVID-19. These resources are not intended to take the place of professional care, if needed. These resources should be helpful for healthcare professionals but also for anyone else being impacted emotionally by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

​Mobile Applications

COVID Coach Mobile App 
Can be downloaded iPhone or Android and was developed by the VA for use by everyone (including service members)
Provides tools for coping and self-care as well as education​
  • For more information, visit https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/COVID_coach_app.asp
  • If you are struggling with sleep as a result of this stressful time, the VA also as a mobile app for insomnia called the CBT-I Coach (https://mobile.va.gov/app/cbt-i-coach) 

Online Resources

Alternative thinking about COVID 19: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/covid/COVID_helpful_thinking.asp

Resource collection including guided meditations: 
https://centerhealthyminds.org/well-being-toolkit-covid19

Understanding self-compassion: 
https://self-compassion.org/the-three-elements-of-self-compassion-2/ ​

Workbooks

This workbook specifically addresses Coronavirus related anxiety utilizing techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy:
https://www.psychiatry.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Coronavirus-Anxiety-Workbook.pdf
​
Short e-book regarding coping with COVID using principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
https://uwmadison.app.box.com/s/iml13awdxh9m8jrm7mgza1qexe8akwaq ​

General Well-Being Resources

Mindfulness audio recordings in both English and Spanish: https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations

Mindfulness audio recordings and book list:
https://portlandpsychotherapy.com/mindfulness_and_acceptance_exercises/

Self-guided progressive muscle relaxation:
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2225
​
Self-compassion exercises: 
https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/

Content Author:

Picture
Dr. Hillary Gorin, PhD, LCP
This resource page has been compiled by Hillary Gorin, PhD and Jessica Ellem (Winder), MA. who specialize in the treatment of anxiety and trauma disorders. They are currently taking intakes for healthcare workers, first responders, victims of medical trauma from COVID-19, and individuals suffering from COVID-19 related anxiety. To make an appointment, please call 630-570-0050. You can also email Contact.OH@OakHeartCenter.com.
Picture
Phone: 630-570-0050
Fax: 630-570-0045
Email: Contact.OH@OakHeartCenter.com
North Aurora, IL Location
​66 Miller Drive, Suite 105
North Aurora, IL 60542
phone: 630-570-0050
​Sycamore, IL Location
1950 DeKalb Ave, Unit E
Sycamore, IL 60178
phone: 779-201-6440
  • Home
  • Counseling
  • Specialties
    • COVID-19 Related PTSD and Anxiety >
      • COVID-19 Resources
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Grief and Bereavement
    • ADHD
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Social Anxiety Disorder
    • Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Worry)
    • Health Anxiety
    • Specific Phobias
    • Maternal Mental Health
    • Infertility, Miscarriage, and Neonatal Loss
    • Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)
    • Eating Disorders
    • Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
    • Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
    • Anger Management
    • Insomnia
    • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
    • Trauma
    • Divorce Recovery
    • Relationship Concerns and Couples Counseling
    • Self-Esteem
    • Therapy for Therapists
    • LGBTQA+ Support
    • Faith-Based Counseling
  • Providers
    • Erin Mitchell
    • Pamela Heilman
    • Katie Sheehan
    • Hillary Gorin
    • Lee Ann Heathcoat
    • Adam Ginsburg
    • Megan Noren
    • Sarah Williams
    • Christina Bieche
    • Bridgette Koukos
    • Laura Lahay
    • Annette Cisneros
    • Kate Nash
    • Anna Perkowski
    • Elizabeth Grzan
    • Samantha Koder
    • Vanessa Osmer
    • Kat Harris
  • Locations
    • North Aurora, IL
    • Sycamore, IL
    • Telehealth Online Counseling
  • Contact
  • Employment
  • FAQ and Notices
  • OakHeart Blog
  • Administrative Team
  • Additional Services
    • Divorce Mediation
    • Professional Consultation