By Elizabeth Lenart | Contributor
The Counseling Place, an organization dedicated to offering affordable counseling and educational services across North Texas, is seeking community support for “North Texas Giving Tuesday Now” until May 5 at midnight. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated issues such as anxiety, depression, and emotional fatigue resulting from the virus, job instability, and social isolation—compounding existing mental health challenges and creating new ones, highlighting an urgent need for mental health services now and for the foreseeable future.
“The pandemic has altered life dramatically, and based on the experiences reported by our clinicians, we are preparing for ongoing challenges,” remarked Deborah Dobbs, the executive director of The Counseling Place, who has been with the organization for 23 years.
Between February and March, referrals for suicides and assaults to The Counseling Place saw a threefold increase, while domestic violence reports rose by 30 percent.
“The current circumstances, characterized by confinement and limited movement amid uncertainty, are testing the coping mechanisms of nearly everyone,” Dobbs continued. “Individuals recovering from trauma may find their progress hindered. Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, people are more focused on basic necessities like food and shelter, pushing healing methods such as grounding and mindfulness to the background. As a result, many are experiencing significant setbacks.”
“We are witnessing a surge in substance use as many individuals turn to alcohol and drugs, which could lead to heightened irritability and destructive behavior in relationships,” Dobbs noted. “In volatile relationships, conflicts can rapidly escalate into violence. We are especially concerned about the safety of domestic violence victims. During the pandemic, we have shifted to providing services via phone and video, but these options may not be accessible for many victims. We are mindful of their vulnerability and expect to see a rise in demand for our services post-COVID.”
Dobbs emphasizes that the psychological and social impact of the pandemic is significant and often overlooked. “Our mental well-being greatly influences our capacity to adapt and respond to challenges,” she added.
Since the onset of COVID-19, disputes over custody arrangements have intensified among divorced parents. Many teenagers missing milestones like graduations and proms are experiencing increased anxiety and often lack appropriate coping mechanisms, with some engaging in self-harm behaviors such as cutting.
Particularly concerning is the mental health of healthcare professionals and first responders who are working under extreme conditions, fearing for the safety of their families and their own lives.
The Counseling Place is committed to supporting these essential workers by providing tailored counseling services for first responders, an effort that expanded after the 2019 tornadoes in the Dallas area. Self-care groups for those on the front lines of non-profit agencies were initiated following a request from Cindy Shafer, executive director of The Network of Community Ministries, and later supported by a grant from the Communities Foundation.
In light of COVID-19, The Counseling Place has introduced a “check-in” service aimed at supporting frontline nonprofit workers and emergency service personnel. Through this initiative, individuals can text to schedule a call with a trained listener who will offer a moment of respite before they return home. This confidential service is available at no cost.
“It’s essential that we support those who support others,” emphasized Dobbs. “Additional funding could help us enhance this service. We need to develop innovative solutions like this to address the impacts of the pandemic.”
In 2019, The Counseling Place provided individual and family therapy to 555 new clients; engaged 226 children and teens from the DFW area through psychoeducation groups; and assisted over 1,600 victims throughout the metroplex. However, the demand continues to surpass their ability to deliver services.
“The acute shortage of affordable mental health services in America is well-documented and predates the pandemic,” Dobbs stated. “It’s heartbreaking to turn away those who have taken the courageous step to seek help while battling societal stigma surrounding mental health.”
A 2020 report by Mental Health America highlighted concerning mental health statistics, indicating that over 45 million Americans—nearly 20%—are grappling with mental illnesses. Additionally, more than 10 million adults reported serious thoughts of suicide, an increase of around 450,000 from the previous year’s findings, with 57% of those suffering from mental health issues not receiving treatment.
A recent study by Qualtrics reveals the severity of the global mental health crisis exacerbated by COVID-19, showing that 67% of respondents are experiencing increased stress levels, 57% report heightened anxiety, and 54% are more emotionally drained than before the outbreak. Additionally, 53% are facing daily sadness, while 50% feel more irritable, and 42% believe their mental health has declined.
“We face a substantial journey ahead as we anticipate a surge in clients dealing with trauma and grief,” noted Dobbs. “What may start as feelings of melancholy could evolve into clinical depression, and many will need to mourn losses due to suicide and other deaths, particularly because the pandemic has disrupted traditional mourning rituals. Through ‘North Texas Giving Day Tuesday Now,’ we aim to highlight this deeply hidden crisis that will have enduring repercussions long after the pandemic subsides.”
The Counseling Place appeals for your support at https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/the-counseling-place until May 5 at midnight.
For further information, visit https://counselingplace.org/
The Counseling Place (The CP), established in 1979 as the first nonprofit mental health agency in Richardson, Texas, is committed to fostering emotional health among individuals of all ages and backgrounds in the Dallas area. The CP provides professional, affordable (and often free) mental health counseling services to individuals, families, and couples; offers psychoeducational community courses; and administers a victims’ assistance program under formal agreements with both the Richardson and Sachse Police Departments, as well as for crime victims referred by various jurisdictions. The organization also partners with other nonprofits to extend mental health resources to their clients, including Heart of Autism. For inquiries, call 469-283-0340 or visit https://counselingplace.org/
