Did you know that CCMH offers a Crisis Counselor for those in need

Quite often, situations and issues occur in which there is an immediate need for a brief psychologically-based therapeutic intervention. Many times, these situations are unpredictable and intense, and are not easily dealt with on our own or even by talking to people that know us well. Family situations, suicidal thoughts and feelings, grief from relationships, or someone passing away are examples of situations that may need further intervention.

The good news is there are local counselors waiting to assist and work with you through these difficult moments.

Campbell County Health offers a unique service through Behavioral Health Services that acts like a quick screening for those in crisis. This is a 24/7 service that utilizes an on-call counselor from Behavioral Health Services for a brief 15-20 minute therapeutic intervention at Campbell County Memorial Hospital, 501 S. Burma Avenue in Gillette, Wyoming.

Anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, can meet briefly with a counselor to help process the conflict and determine next steps. Some of those next steps include setting up a longer counseling appointment, or an appointment with a psychiatric provider. The on-call counselor can help assist in developing coping skills or a plan of action with referrals to other social service providers.

When someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the on-call counselor will conduct a risk assessment and help facilitate a safety plan or assist with a hospital admission.

Our on-call counselor services are not intended to be therapy sessions. They are designed for a quick assessment of your needs and brief intervention.

On-call counselors can be accessed on the Fifth Floor of CCMH during business hours 8 am-5 pm. They are available by phone during night hours. If you or anyone else you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts after daytime hours, please utilize the CCMH Emergency Department. An on-call counselor will meet with you in the ED.

The phone number for the after-hours on-call counselor is 307.688.5050.

This blog was written by Brian J. Edwards, LMFT, CATC. Brian is a clinical supervisor at BHS at Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette, Wyoming. BHS provides professional mental health and substance abuse services to the community through prevention, education, advocacy and treatment for all ages in the community. Appointments are available Monday–Friday from 8 am–5 pm. Call 307.688.5000. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/BHS.