Main ContentCOVID-19 Behavioral Health Resources
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CHAMP team has created a webpage of resources for issues related to the pediatric behavioral health issues caused by the pandemic. We understand this is a stressful time for children, parents and primary care providers. We hope that the following list helps support you as you shelter in place and adapt to the new normal.
About CHAMP
The CHild Access to Mental Health and Psychiatry service, known as CHAMP, is a consultation and educational service for pediatric primary care providers in Mississippi.
UMMC’s Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, in conjunction with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, has received a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to provide free and same-day telephone consultations to pediatric primary care providers in Mississippi. These consultations will be offered with an educational focus and will be performed primarily by UMMC child psychiatrists and child psychologists.
Click here to learn how CHAMP works!
Mississippi primary care providers can call (601) 984-2080 to receive a free consultation with the CHAMP team. The CHAMP consultation line is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
General mental health resources
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences: Managing COVID-19 Stress and Anxiety - External site
- A brief discussion with a George Washington University professor of psychiatry about mental health strategies to utilize while the stay-at-home order is in place.
Center for Disease Control: Stress and Coping - External site
- An extensive list of practical activities to manage stress and take care of family and friends. This resource includes all aspects of health that help build resiliency that is crucial to managing stress and anxiety.
Mental Health America: Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information And Resources - External site
- Resources aimed at the 1 in 5 Americans who will experience a mental health issue at some point every year. It is especially important for individuals who have mental health issues take particularly good care of their mental health when they are at an increased risk for suicide.
National Suicide Hotline - 1-800-273-8255 - External site
- We can all help prevent suicide. The hotline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 - External site
- For anyone affected by abuse and needing support, call 1-800-799-7233. If you’re unable to speak safely, visit thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. You are not alone.
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Alcoholism may be challenging to overcome, but it does not have to be a lifelong sentence. Getting help can be one the most empowering decisions you make in your life. It starts with admitting you can’t do it alone. Contact a treatment provider today to discover treatment options and get the help you deserve.
Resources to help your children cope
Seattle Children’s: Helping Children and Teens Cope with Anxiety About COVID-19 - External site
- Dr. Jennifer Blossom, a psychology postdoctoral fellow at Seattle Children’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Clinic, gives advice on how to share information with the children and teens in your life in a way that helps prevent too much worry.
Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During COVID-19 - External site
- Resources include daily email tips for parenting during the crisis, twice-daily Facebook Live video chats with expert clinicians, consultations, and many more resources for parents. The Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders.
World Health Organization: Helping Children Cope with Stress During the Outbreak - PDF
- Clear and simple tips for reassuring and supporting your child.
National Association of School Psychologists: Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19 - External site
- A guide to talking to children about COVID-19 and the changes that have occurred because of social distancing. This guide is very thorough and goes through many recommendation when talking to your child about COVID-19
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Helping Children with Traumatic Separation or Traumatic Grief Related to COVID-19 - External site
- Offers information on how to talk with children about traumatic separation or traumatic grief as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has resulted in thousands of children being separated from loved ones who require isolation and/or hospitalization due to a loved one testing positive for COVID-19 or because of potential exposure for essential workers. This tip sheet is for caregivers or other adults supporting children with traumatic separation or traumatic grief related to COVID-19. Especially in stressful times, in addition to the suggestions here, all children benefit from caregivers listening to and validating their different feelings.
Pediatric primary care provider resources
The CHAMP team believes that an increase in pediatric mental health issues is likely to be a consequence of the changes caused by the pandemic. Feel free to share the resources we have listed above with concerned families and check out the resources below that are specific to the healthcare profession.
CHAMP consult line - (601) 984-2080
- Any Mississippi primary care provider can utilize the CHAMP consult line by calling 601-984-2080. The CHAMP consult line is operated by a team of psychologists, psychiatrists, and a social worker who are available to assist you with diagnosis, resource and referral, and medication management.
UMMC: Mississippi testing resources and information
- An overview of the most up-to-date information about testing and COVID-19 policies from UMMC.
AMA announces private practice resources during COVID-19 pandemic - External site
- The American Medical Association (AMA) announced three new resources for private-practice physicians in response to the unique operational and business challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resources build on previous AMA efforts to ensure physicians and their practices have the latest, up-to-date information and resources necessary to navigate the changing landscape of COVID-19.
Pediatric Mental Health Minute Series by the American Academy of Pediatrics
- New video series on mental health which is designed to provide real-time education to support you as you care for children and youth with mental health disorders. These quick yet in-depth videos aim to improve your knowledge and skills, both during the current national crisis and in the future.
Mississippi community and family resources
A list of Mississippi-based resources for families in need during the pandemic. Listings are for informational purposes, and do not imply endorsement.
Families as Allies - (601) 355-0915
- Families as Allies is the only statewide organization run by and for families of children with behavioral health challenges. We support each other and work together to make things better for our children. Families as Allies is providing increased virtual support, resources and training to families and those working with them during the COVID outbreak. Please visit our website and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to learn more.
Free COVID-19 screening and testing
Mississippi Chapter of the Salvation Army - External site
- The Salvation Army is providing boxes of food and supplies to the homes of seniors and serving meals in shelters to those in need.