The Fishers Health Department has launched a free service to help people find mental health providers, connect with community resources and decide where to turn for support.
Appointments for the mental health navigation service are available beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15, according to the department.
The service provides one-on-one help from the department’s Mental Health Support Specialist for people seeking assistance for themselves, a child or another loved one. Concerns may include stress, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed or low mood.
“Finding the right mental health support can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start,” said Monica Heltz, the department’s director and health officer, in a news release. “This service gives people a place to begin and someone who can help them understand their options and move forward.”
The department said the service responds to findings in Fishers’ Community Health Assessment, released last week. The assessment identified mental health as one of the community’s top health priorities and highlighted difficulties accessing services and knowing where to seek help.
The specialist can talk through concerns, identify possible next steps, help locate providers and make referrals. Parents and caregivers can also seek guidance about resources for children, spouses, aging parents or other loved ones.
People do not need a diagnosis to use the service, and it is available to everyone, including people who live outside Fishers, according to the department’s service page.
The navigation service does not provide therapy or replace clinical treatment or emergency care.
“Support does not have to start at a crisis point,” Heltz said. “This service can help people address concerns earlier, understand what options are available and connect with the level of support that makes sense for them.”
To learn more or schedule a free appointment, visit the Fishers Health Department’s mental health navigation page.
For mental health crisis support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Anyone in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency should call 911.