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.
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/
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 services
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/
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 services
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/
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
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
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
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/
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
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/
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:
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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.
