Counselor's Corner
Introducing REACH NM, a new service of the Children, Youth and Families Department.
REACH NM provides text-based reporting and engagement that allows young people to connect directly with CYFD workers for resources, help, and reporting potential abuse or neglect. The service is free to any New Mexican with a text-message enabled phone.
REACH NM is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can text with an expert for help finding resources in your community, reach out for assistance with basic needs for yourself or others, report concerns of abuse and neglect in your home, or report suspected abuse or neglect that may be occurring in someone else's home or in the community.
Help is a text away: 505-591-9444
Click here to download the flyer.
Caring For Your Mental Health
Behavioral Health
Resources for COVID-19
To help combat strong feelings like anxiety, staying informed is important. The NM.gov website will continue to be updated regularly, so use that as your one-stop information source for New Mexico. Click here to download the flyer.
NM Connect
The state of New Mexico has launched NMConnect, a new phone app that provides free 24-hour crisis and non-crisis support and access to behavioral health professionals who can text or talk via phone with individuals needing a listening ear or referrals to longer-term support. The app links users to the New Mexico Crisis Access Line (NMCAL), which provides safety net services statewide. NMCAL is still available via phone 24/7 toll-free by calling 1-855-NMCRISIS (1-855-662-7474).
https://www.newmexico.gov/2020/04/14/new-mexico-unveils-app-for-behavioral-health-support/
Caring for Your Mental Health
With holiday season looking different this year, help is available to those having trouble coping. Adapted from Albuquerque Journal article.
Alternatives to large family gathering and events
■ Make videos to send to family members. They can include special messages, music, dancing or candid footage.
■ Share the meal remotely with a video call. Try to work out the kinks with a practice call before the big day.
■ Cook food for family and friends and deliver it in a contactless way, like leaving it on the porch or another designated area.
■ Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Create a new tradition or ritual.
■ Go for a walk after eating. Physical activity can help alleviate stress and be a mood lifter. This might also be a good opportunity to call and talk with family.
■ Shop online instead of in stores.