The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is making it easier for those seeking mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Delaware has seen a 32 percent increase in suspected overdose deaths from last year. The CDC also found increased levels of adverse mental health conditions as a result of COVID-19.
The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s new online referral site helps people to find treatment options for addictions and mental health disorders.
The Division’s Acting Director, Alexis Teitelbaum says the pandemic threw a wrench in many people’s coping mechanisms.
“The COVID pandemic has not helped that situation at all," said Teitelbaum. "It’s really forced folks that may do better when they’re able to socialise and see friends and family and they’re able to find ways to make ends meet emotionally, being stuck in the house and not having those resources is really difficult and challenging.”
Teitelbaum says this platform gives people the ability to find treatment options that work for them. Users can take an assessment to find out what kind of provider they need to search for and can find one near them.
Teitelbaum adds this system is a significant upgrade.
“With this platform it allows for individuals to be able to search for services based on various filters that they can do including like, whether or not they have insurance and it will shorten those referral times to then allow for us to be able to get them into those services of get them connected to those supports in a much more efficient manner,” said Teitelbaum.
She adds her division takes a step back from the process, users can use the platform to directly message care providers without needing a referral or insurance.
There is also a hotline for people to call if they don’t have reliable internet access. Users can call 833-9-HOPEDE to find providers 24/7 and get coaching and advice.
They can find treatment providers at helpisherede.com
