MOORHEAD — Anyone living in Clay County whose mental health is suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic now has access to free, walk-in mental health support here.
The Village Family Service Center at 815 37th Ave. S., in Moorhead offers the help to adults and children living in the county every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Made possible through Clay County CARES funding, the free walk-in service will be available through Dec. 9.
Related stories:
-
Spike in COVID hospitalizations, surge in cases in western ND nursing homes, bring major worries Some facilities report dozens of active cases; one was named in a spate of deaths reported over the weekend.
It includes mental health screenings, brief therapy sessions and referrals to services.
“COVID-19 has taken a great toll on mental health in the community, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to increase access to services by offering a walk-in mental health clinic to all residents of Clay County at no charge,” said Joni Medenwald, The Village’s Minnesota Division Director.
ADVERTISEMENT
Britni Joubert, a licensed professional counselor at The Village, said she is seeing people previously diagnosed with mental health issues whose conditions have worsened and those seeking mental health help for the first time due to the pandemic.
She said many people, especially teenagers, are becoming more willing to talk about their mental health struggles.
“The conversation is happening and is much more out in the open than it was previously,” Joubert said.
Social isolation, increased worries over health, finances, job security and disrupted school routines during the pandemic are all factors.
Joubert suggests people focus on what they can control and try to stay connected with others using technology, or with in-person visits while following health guidelines.
For adults, it’s helpful to read or do short meditations and limit social media.
“Maybe we don't need to scroll through an hour of negative posts,” she said.
For children, who are sitting more and spending more time online because of hybrid or distance learning, they need regular breaks and body movement.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I would really encourage individuals to... find something that works for them, especially as we move into these winter months,” she said.
Clients seeking the free, walk-in service at The Village may be seen in person or by video, via Zoom.
To maintain social distancing guidelines, walk-in visits to the Moorhead center are limited to one adult or one child, plus one adult. Mask-wearing, per state requirements, is mandated.
Across the Red River in North Dakota, the Southeast Human Service Center also offers walk-in behavioral health assessments.
That service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2624 9th Ave. S., Fargo.
As a public service, we’ve opened this article to everyone regardless of subscription status. If this coverage is important to you, please consider supporting local journalism by clicking on the subscribe button in the upper righthand corner of the homepage.
