Free counseling services are available to individuals in the St. Louis region who continue to feel stressed or traumatized by the unrest in Ferguson. Interested residents should contact United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626 to be connected to resources.
In executing its contract with St. Louis County of up to $1 million to help residents impacted by events in Ferguson, United Way of Greater St. Louis awarded $123,750 to six local organizations to provide crisis support and mental health counseling by trained counselors.
The agencies, which include Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Center, Catholic Family Services, Crider Health Center, Lutheran Family and Children Services, Provident and Queen of Peace, will provide counseling services with this funding until September 22.
Eligible clients will receive up to seven counseling sessions and are able to select their providers based on their personal preferences. Saundra Barker, chief program officer at Catholic Family Services suggests individuals experiencing symptoms such as memory problems, anxiousness, aches and pains, moodiness, feeling overwhelmed, eating less and general unhappiness should contact United Way 2-1-1 for help. Eligibility is based on criteria developed by St. Louis County.
For more information on United Way’s efforts to help people in Ferguson, visit HelpingPeople.org/HelpingFerguson.Â