Now, more than ever, it is critical for people who need mental health services to have access to the help they need. Because of the coronavirus quarantine, Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) is now offering counseling via telephone and video. Those who wish to speak to a therapist can call the clinic at (310) 670-1410 for an initial consultation.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic and related financial hardships, we know that, now more than ever, Los Angeles residents are coping with stress and anxiety that can result in a mental health crisis,” said Eden Garcia-Balis, Chief Executive Officer of AMCS and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. “We are now able to serve clients regardless of how far from our Westchester-based clinic they may be! We are piloting a new intake procedure to make things move smoother and faster, even online.”
Coincidentally, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Garcia-Balis said online counseling offers many benefits for those seeking help:
It is convenient. Online therapy takes less time since there is no need to travel miles to meet up with your therapist. Dial a number or log in to a site, and the session can happen wherever you are comfortable.
It is comfortable. Online communication is very comfortable for many people, especially younger adults or those who use technology often.
It is easy. It can provide access to those who can’t get to an office, and not just because of the quarantine. Some people with chronic illnesses or disabilities may not be able to drive or easily able to leave their home. In these situations, web- or telephone-based therapy may be their only option for help.
What is even more important during these times of financial uncertainty, online counseling services with one of AMCS’s 60 trained therapists are offered on a sliding-scale basis. Garcia-Balis added that in addition to one-on-one counseling, AMCS is offering a variety of online therapy groups covering everything from “Grief and Loss” and “Mindfulness for Stress, Pain and Sadness” to groups for emerging adults like “Navigating Your 20s.”
“We hope everyone who needs help, regardless of where they live, takes advantage of our new services and gets the help they need from a trained therapist,” she said.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call AMCS at (310) 670-1410 today! For more information about the clinic, please visit www.AMCShelps.com.
Great Counseling tips, Thanks for sharing.