October 20, 2014 (Omaha, NE) – Nebraska residents who are struggling with the trauma of this summer’s devastating weather can now access a voucher system to help pay for therapy services.
Deadly tornadoes, hailstorms and flooding led to federal disaster declarations in 29 Nebraska counties. Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) has been working with community leaders and other organizations to determine how to best meet the needs of residents in those counties. Disaster response dollars donated to LFS are being made available to pay for mental health and substance abuse treatment through a voucher system.
A major component of personal disaster recovery is learning to cope with fears and feelings in the aftermath of the storms. Unresolved trauma can lead to a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, even suicide.
LFS therapists have spent time in some of the storm-ravaged communities, where mental health needs are evident. LFS Clinical Supervisor Katie Hruska, LIMHP, LADC says, “People are trying to help each other, but everyone recovers in his or her own time. Everyone we met is trying to make sense of what they are feeling. There is healing that needs to happen.”
The first step for anyone who believes they could benefit from speaking with a mental health counselor should call the Rural Response Hotline at (800) 464-0258. Hotline staff will gather information to determine county of residence eligibility, and will then direct the caller to an approved mental health provider in their area.
Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska is a 122-year-old statewide, community-based human care organization. LFS seeks safety, hope and well-being for all people through three core areas of competency: children services, behavioral health and community services. LFS serves over 5,000 behavioral health consumers statewide each year. LFS is the recipient of the 2013 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award and the 2014 Greater Omaha Chamber Business Excellence Award, Non-Profit.
