Mental health in America has always been overlooked and underfunded.
It’s no different here in central Ohio. I started researching this article as a way to gather and provide resources for individuals who were experiencing mental health issues, searching for places they could seek immediate care.
After thoughtful and careful research, I found that there are few such places in the city. Aside from visiting an emergency room, there is currently only one place in the city that you can be seen on the same day for mental health issues.
Netcare Assesment Center
Netcare offers non-emergency walk-in alcohol, drug, and mental health assessments at 199 S. Central Avenue. Assessments are available from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
In the midst of a more serious episode, Netcare offers Crisis Intervention Services. These services are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. Services include:
Crisis Care in the future
In 2025, a new crisis center is expected to open on the city’s west side. The Franklin County Crisis Care Center is being funded by public and private investment and will be located at 465 Harmon Avenue.
Services at the crisis center will include 24/7 walk-ins, extended crisis stabilization and inpatient services, substance use disorder treatment services, urgent care, family support services, and more.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 5 Americans is affected by mental illness.
Mental illness is a large, umbrella term. From depression to anxiety, to more serious behavioral health issues, individuals impacted by our lack of mental health services are varied. They are teachers, lawyers, and doctors. They are high school students, unhoused youth, and college graduates.
Mental illness doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor. It doesn’t care if you’re successful or struggling. Mental illness has touched the lives of most Americans, through their own experience, or the experiences of those around them.
For many seeking care, the issues aren’t just with facilities and access to treatment. Society’s reaction to mental illness is a major barrier for those trying to feel better.
What would happen if we talked about physical health the way we talk about mental health?
Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes and heart disease. But the support for individuals facing these illnesses is often lacking.
Resources you can access right now
If you’re feeling overlooked, please know that you’re not alone. Know that there are people out there, people who have walked the same path that you’re on now. Please utilize the resource directory of the Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH).
ADAMH provides a variety of services to the Franklin County community. From easily accessible suicide prevention resources to support groups where you can speak with other individuals who understand what you’re going through to opioid treatment options, the programs are filling a pivotal role in our community.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, please consider texting or calling 988, contact Netcare, or visit an emergency room.
Helpful Phone Numbers:
Suicide Prevention Hotline: (614) 221-5445 (Call or text. Text Line available Monday – Friday noon to 10 p.m.)
Older Adult Suicide Hotline: (614) 294-3309
Teen Suicide Hotline: (614) 294-3300
The Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition: (614) 299-6600 ext. 2073
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
Training for Teachers Ohio Campaign for Hope: Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative 614.429.1528
LGBTQ Youth Suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline: The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386
Featured image by sydney Rae on Unsplash
