During this time of stress and uncertainty, it is essential that Staten Islanders have access to substance use and mental health services and supports. The TYSA coalition is committed to supporting all its partners and the community in navigating our complex behavioral health system in this time of crisis. This page will be updated every few days to make sure the information is as useful as possible.

If you’re interested in volunteering with TYSA virtually, contact Jazmin at jazmin@sipcw.org. We will be holding regular virtual workgroup meetings, webinars, and community workshops over the coming weeks.

Looking for a licensed mental health or substance use treatment provider? Telehealth allows you to access traditional healthcare without going into the clinic. Many Staten Island organizations are offering telehealth services that can connect with you even if you’re stuck at home. Please visit our resource page for phone numbers and website.

Hotlines

If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, use these hotlines:

• Richmond University Medical Center: 718-818-6300
• NYC Well: 1-888-692-9355 OR text 65173
• RUMC Mobile Outreach: 718-818-6900
• NYS Free Emotional Support Hotline: Thousands of therapists have signed up to offer free emotional support to New Yorkers who are struggling with the mental health impact of this pandemic. Call the state’s hotline at 1-844-863-9314 to get free emotional support, consultations and referrals to a provider.

If you are interested in talking to a peer:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness: Call 800-950-6264 or text NAMI to 741741

Virtual support groups for people using or recovering from substance use 

NA
https://virtual-na.org/
na.org/meetingsearch

AA
aa-intergroup.org/directory.php
onlinegroupaa.org
aaonlinemeeting.net

Other behavioral health groups/resources

In the Rooms
Addiction Campuses
Sober Grid
Women for Sobriety
SOS Sobriety
Life Ring

Groups for family members or loved ones

SMART Recovery for Family & Friends (www.smartrecovery.org)

• Online Community: http://www.smartrecovery.org/srol-2/

Now more than ever, parents should be talking to your children. With many schools and daycares closed, we are spending a lot more time together at home. Add in the stress of concern over this virus, and many adults and children may be feeling anxious.

Hotlines for support if your child has a substance use disorder:

• Center for Addiction: 1855-378-4373 OR text 55753

General Guidelines for talking to your children about COVID-19 (National Association of School Psychologists)

• Remain calm and reassuring
• Make yourself available
• Avoid excessive blaming
• Monitor television viewing and social media
• Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible
• Be honest and accurate
• Know the symptoms of COVID-19
• Review and model basic hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices for protection
• Discuss new rules or practices at school
• Communicate with your school
• Take time to talk with each other

Just Talk – Parents You Matter

Interested in a workshop to build your skills to communicate with your child, recognize changes in behavior, and find community resources for behavioral health? We offer our Just Talk – PYM virtually. Reach out to Abby at abigail@sipcw.org for more information.

Social Emotional Learning in the Home

In stressful times like these, it is important we maintain the social and emotional needs of our children. There are a number of resources available to support parents and educators in discussing the virus with their child, learning from home, and fun activities to do while inside.

• PBS Parents: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
• Confident Parents Confident Kids
• Scholastic: Free Resources for School Closure
• CASEL SEL Resources during COVID-19

The NYC Unity Project provides a comprehensive catalog of mental and physical health, social, and legal aid resources. Visit their website to learn more about LGBTQ programs and services that are available citywide.

Feeling stressed or anxious during this time? Need to find a behavioral health provider? Check out some of our social media campaigns on maintaining positive behavioral health for yourself and your loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19: Access to Services & Social Distancing

Resources for Parents during COVID-19 Pandemic

Beat the COVID Blues & Suicide Prevention