W I N T E R IS COMING Help is Available
VIRTUAL RESOURCES Pyx Health, a mobile app available to teens and older adults in Middlesex County, is on a mission to help people suffering from loneliness and social isolation. Middlesex County teamed up with Pyx Health to address these problems, as they tend to contribute to behavioral health issues. Pyx Health can serve as a preventative measure and additional, confidential support to those experiencing loneliness and isolation. Individuals can receive personalized assistance, structured activities, and access to resources tailored to their unique needs. Download the free Pyx Health app on your device and enroll using partner code mccommunity. Residents can also sign up by phone at 1-855-499-4777 (TTY: 711) Additionally, for those needing help with stress, substance use, relationships, physical health, grief, depression, and more, the County recently announced a partnership with CredibleMind. This digital mental health program will give residents access to free and personalized behavioral health resources while tracking users’ progress and keeping their personal information private and secure. To access the CredibleMind platform and all virtual resources go to middlesexcountynj.gov/support . IN-PERSON RESOURCES In addition to these virtual options, Middlesex County operates its own comprehensive community mental health center, the George Otlowski, Sr. Center for Mental Health Care. The Otlowski Center has over 50 years of experience providing mental health services and employs more than 45 licensed professional mental health clinicians (e.g., psychiatrists, advanced practice nurses, and therapists) ready to meet the County’s mental health needs. Call 732-376-6789 today to book an appointment.
County Offers Mental Health Services to Help Fight the Winter Blues
The winter months can bring a variety of mental health challenges that can affect anyone — regardless of age, gender, or economic status. Last year, the United States Surgeon General declared a nationwide mental health crisis, especially among young people. In response, Middlesex County is pioneering new ways to mitigate this crisis, building on existing programs and services to provide a broader range of free or low-cost support to eligible residents, all while working to end the stigma around mental health. Whatever a resident is struggling with, help is available. “The behavioral health crisis impacts so many families and individuals, and ensuring everyone in Middlesex County, particularly among our youth and vulnerable populations, has access to affordable, high-quality mental health care is paramount,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “We regularly reaffirm our commitment to residents’ mental health by investing in care that centers the individual, treatment, and compassion in its strategy. I’m proud our County and key partners continue to work together to ensure we meet all our residents’ needs.” WHERE TO START In 2023, Middlesex County hired Behavioral Health Navigators to help residents find the best services, including mental health support, addiction and recovery, wellness, and other ancillary services. To reach them, call 732-745-3810. Similarly, residents can use the Services Locator to find vetted resources for needs ranging from food insecurity and substance abuse support to job training and veterans’ services. Looking for help can feel overwhelming; the Services Locator is here to alleviate that feeling.
SCAN FOR SERVICES LOCATOR
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12 Your Middlesex | 2024 Issue 3
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