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DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE/PODCAST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

Although I have served or do serve as a spiritual counselor, a chaplain, and/or ordained minister, I am not your counselor nor a medical professional. All content on this website and podcast is provided for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical, psychological, or spiritual advice, and does not establish any kind of patient-client or pastor-congregant relationship. Although on this website and podcast, we strive to provide accurate general information, the information found through these posts are not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this content. Always consult a professional in the area of your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any professional, legal, medical, financial or tax-related decisions. Opinions expressed by the host or guests do not necessarily reflect those of any other person or entity.  

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

National Suicide Prevention Line is now available (24 hours) by simply dialing 988.

The National Suicide Awareness for Law Enforcement Officers Program (SAFLEO) located at valorforblue.org/SAFLEO offers resources and training regarding officer mental health issues. It is a program of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

1stHelp is a searchable database dedicated to finding emotional, financial, and spiritual assistance for first responders. In addition to assisting first responders in finding crisis-specific help, it will collect data on suicide and traumatic-stress events. This information will be used to save lives and improve the quality of life for first responders. This tool will always be free to first responders, and there is no charge to register your organization to be listed in the database: bluehelp.org/resources/1sthelp/

CopLine is the first INTERNATIONAL law enforcement officers’ hotline that is answered by retired law enforcement officers. Retired law enforcement officers are trained in active listening and bring the knowledge and understanding of the many psychosocial stressors that officers go through both on and off the job. Active/Retired officers and/or their families can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and be assured that there is a trained retired officer on the other end of the line whether the caller is calling while on duty or off. The line is strictly confidential, the caller can remain anonymous and there is no fear of punitive repercussions from initiating the call.

Virginia Law Enforcment Assistance Program (VALEAP) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) committed to serving law enforcement officers and first responders who have undergone traumatic critical incidents in the line of duty or in their personal lives. Established in 2008, in the wake of the mass shooting at Virginia Tech, the organization has served more than 1,500 officers from over 70 Virginia agencies and trained over 250 law enforcement peers to date. To find upcoming events or look up LEAP programs in other states, click here.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 is free.

Psychology Today provides a searchable “Find a Therapist” directory online where you can search by location.

The non-profit, enCircle, formally Lutheran Family Services, has immediate openings for new patients using their telehealth services. They have expertise helping people of all ages to include family issues. They accept several major insurances, Medicaid, and self-pay. They also offer sliding-scale fee arrangements. Schedule by calling 888-841-4835 or click here for more information:
encircleall.org/counseling

In the Fredericksburg (VA) region, emergency services remain available through the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board at 540-373-6876.

The Helpline at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg is 540-371-2704. This is a local community resource line that can match the caller with our local mental health resources including counseling, local tele-psychiatry, and support groups.

Need additional assistance with a referral or assistance perhaps to a chaplain in your area? Contact Contact Chaplain Lou at midnightsleo@gmail.com. He will get back to you as soon as possible.