HopeSpoke Brings Awareness to Youth Mental Health Crisis, Offers Support
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has advised that youth are facing mental health challenges like never before, a crisis that has been heightened with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In a public health advisory, Murthy notes adolescents report significant increases in depression and anxiety, and increased emergency room visits for mental health needs including suicide attempts. Feelings of loneliness are a key factor in mental health symptoms, according to the report.
HopeSpoke (www.hopespoke.org) is here to help individuals of all ages build tools of resilience to find hope and healing. HopeSpoke’s mission is to inspire healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services.
“The pandemic has impacted our youth, and it’s vital that they seek help,” says Katie McLeese Stephenson, MSW, executive director of HopeSpoke. “In Lincoln and across the country, access to care is challenged by the increased need and workforce limitations. Many providers in our area have lengthy wait lists, and using crisis hotlines and emergency care triage can also be helpful.”
Since 1949, HopeSpoke has provided an array of community-based mental health care, often at a reduced cost thanks to community support. Programs include outpatient services, school-based therapy within LPS, extended day treatment for youth ages 5-11, a therapeutic group home for adolescent males, and more. For more information about HopeSpoke’s services, or to support mental health across the lifespan, visit www.hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.