Aspire’s COVID-19 Mental Health Resources Hub
A Message From Our CEO
At Aspire Health Partners, we are committed to providing Central Florida with compassionate, comprehensive and cost-effective integrated behavioral healthcare every day. During this time of crisis, we understand that this mission is more pivotal than ever.
We want to assure our community that we are focused on delivering the same quality services while making them accessible through telehealth and telephone options for your safety.
In the past two weeks, we have mobilized over 200 behavioral health clinicians to serve you through a 24-hour crisis support line. You can access this support by calling (407) 875-3700 and pushing 2 for the COVID-19 support line.
We want to be able to serve you and your family whenever you might need our assistance. This page – our new online COVID-19 Mental Health Resources page – includes a collection of videos, articles and other resources featuring advice from our clinical experts.
These resources offer insights on how you can manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms initiated or exacerbated by the trauma of life in this ongoing pandemic.
This page also includes information about how new and existing patients can expect to receive access to treatment and care at Aspire. We will keep this page updated on an ongoing basis as the situation in our community evolves.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly for more assistance. You matter to us, your needs matter to us, and we are with you during this time of unprecedented crisis.
Yours in service,
Babette Hankey
CEO
Aspire Health Partners
What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may feel like flu and may even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
If you have received a vaccine from Aspire Health Partner’s vaccine clinic and have any questions, concerns, or side effects please contact infectioncontrolhotline@aspirehp.org
Please allow up to 24 hours for a response from Aspire’s Infection Control team. Thank you.
Follow this link for more information about What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
Si ha recibido una vacuna de la clínica de vacunas de Aspire Health Partner y tiene alguna pregunta, inquietud o presenta algunos efectos secundarios, comuníquese con InfectionControlhotline@aspirehp.org.
Espere hasta 24 horas para recibir una respuesta del equipo de Control de Infecciones de Aspire. Gracias.
Siga este enlace para obtener más información sobre qué esperar después de recibir una vacuna COVID-19.
For information on where you can access/schedule a COVID vaccine in the following counties, please click on the links below:
- Seminole County:Seminole County (seminolecountyfl.gov)
- Orange County:Coronavirus – Vaccine Information (orangecountyfl.net)
- Osceola County:COVID-19 Vaccinations (osceola.org)
- Brevard County:Brevard County COVID-19 Vaccine Information (brevardfl.gov)
How do I speak with my doctor to get refills? Do I need to come in for my appointment?
Only those clients receiving injectable medications or needing medication related labs need to come physically to the Medication Clinics. All other appointments will be conducted through telehealth/telephonic means. For individuals with currently scheduled appointments, the Scheduling Team will be attempting to contact everyone in advance to provide information on how to access the appointment. If you have not been contacted, or if you contact information has changed, you may contact the Scheduling Team Directly.In Orange County call (407) 875-3700, ext. 5008.
In Seminole County call (407) 875-3700, ext. 7262 or (407) 323-2036 ext. 7262.NOTE: In Seminole County, the Fernwood Medication Clinic is currently closed. All appointments have been moved to the Sanford Medication Clinic located at 919 East Second St Sanford, FL 32771.
Is the pharmacy open to fill prescriptions?
Yes, the Princeton Plaza Pharmacy, located at 1800 Mercy Drive Orlando, FL 32808 is still open and filling prescriptions. The pharmacy is open Monday – Friday, 7:15am – 5:00pm and Saturdays 900am – 1:00pm. The contact number for the Princeton Plaza Pharmacy is (407) 875-3700, ext. 5015.Clients may have their prescription filled at the Princeton Plaza Pharmacy or another pharmacy of their choice. Individuals using the Princeton Plaza Pharmacy should check in at the main lobby where they will wait while someone from the pharmacy brings their medication out to them.
Are you still admitting clients into residential treatment during this pandemic? If so, how do I get in?
Yes. Aspire continues to admit new clients into residential, inpatient and crisis services in adherence to the Center for Disease Control and Florida Department of Health public safety guidelines. Individuals in need of services will be assessed to determine the appropriate level of treatment. Assessments can be conducted over the phone. If an individual program is at full capacity, appropriate individuals will be placed on a Wait List. and all infection control precautions are being taken. Cost is not a barrier to receiving treatment, and services may be provided whether insured or not.
My family member/friend appears to be struggling but doesn’t want treatment. What can I do?
Stress levels and anxiety are high for everyone right now due to the COVID -19 Crisis and its impacts to health, employment, income, etc. It is important that we provide a supportive and encouraging environment for one another, especially those experiencing increased levels of anxiety, depression, increased substance use, etc. You can share with your loved one that you care about them and are concerned for their stress levels right now. You can tell them we would love to have a simple phone conversation with them to ask how they are doing and discuss what supportive services we may be able to provide during this time.If the individual is in severe crisis (i.e: suicidal, homicidal, or experiencing acute symptoms of psychosis), call 911 immediately and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained officer. CIT officers are specially trained in mental health and substance use disorders and can initiate an involuntary Baker Act or Marchman Act to our facilities for assessment and stabilization if appropriate.
If you are concerned they may harm themselves or others, but they are open to talking to a professional, you can bring them to our facilities for assessment.
In Orange County go to the Central Receiving Center at 1800 Mercy Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
In Seminole County go to the Sanford Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) at 919 East Second St Sanford, FL 32771.
What if I am looking for information on emergency shelters, assisted living facilities (ALFs), housing, or treatment options in areas outside of Central Florida?
While Aspire does provide a broad continuum of services, our scope is limited to behavioral healthcare including mental health, substance abuse and HIV-AIDS/Hepatitis spectrum disease. For individual in need of other services, our Call Center team will attempt to provide appropriate referrals.
How does the coronavirus affect people with behavioral health issues differently?
How do I get help if I don’t have insurance or a medical provider during the coronavirus pandemic?
Someone I care about is a client at an Aspire facility. How can I visit them during this time?
1.) Limit news.
Leaving your TV running all day on news channels can feed anxieties and stress. When you do get information, make sure that you obtain it from reliable sources such as “.gov” or “.edu” sites. Be sure to double check any information you discover on social media as there has been a lot of misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic.
2.) Build a routine.
With the normal routines being upended, and many people needing to stay home, it’s important to establish new routines for you and your family. Try to have a consistent time to wake up and have a daily routine that incorporates healthy rhythms like exercise and good meals.
3.) Remain active.
You don’t just have to do push-ups or sit-ups to stay active. You can go for a walk or jog providing that you keep 6 feet of distance between you and anyone you encounter. You can also try activities within your home, such as yoga, Pilates, or dancing to some of your favorite music.
MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH DURING COVID-19
Coping with Grief
Helping Children Adjust
Coping with the Real Life Consequences of COVID 19
Coping with Uncertainty
Coping with Racial Trauma
Managing Fears of Contracting COVID 19
Returning to Work Amid the Pandemic
Adjusting to the New Normal
How to Talk to Children about COVID-19
It’s important to remember that children aren’t smaller adults. They process and learn things differently. It’s important to remain calm and reassuring when talking to your children and to give them a sense of safety and security.
How to Maintain Healthy Relationships in Quarantine
Being patient and understanding are the keys to creating healthy relationships while sheltering in place. Everyone has a different response when being faced with the unknown. Be open and honest about your feelings and it can help decrease stress and anxiety as you self-isolate during the Coronavirus pandemic.
How to Cope with Depression During COVID-19
Depression is a normal life experience and reaction. Learn the signs and symptoms of depression and how it affects you.
How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship With Your Partner During a Pandemic
How to Use Self-Care to Cope with Depression
How to Recognize and Manage Maladaptive Behaviors
Managing Existing Mental and Behavioral Health Disorders During a Pandemic
Social distancing has put an added stress on our everyday lives. Many people have experienced an increase in anxiety about this situation and how it will continue to impact us going forward. Below are some tips on how to cope with stress & anxiety.
How to Cope with Stress and Anxiety During COVID-19: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
To accurately determine how the pandemic is affecting you, you must first know how you respond to stress and stressful situations. From there you can determine if you are experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety and how to manage those feelings.
How Good Sleep Can Reduce Anxiety and Stress
Maintaining Eating Patterns and Nutrition
How to Maintain a Regular Schedule
Distracting Yourself During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Being Together is a Coping Mechanism for Stress and Anxiety
Why It’s Important to Detach from Social Media and News
Why You Should Reach Out During the Coronavirus Pandemic
When to Seek Professional Treatment for Mental Health Issues
If you’re feeling anxious about missing an appointment or that you won’t be able to have access to a prescription for your medication, contact your doctor, counselor, or case manager about keeping your appointment through telehealth options.
Many offices are speaking to patients through telehealth services so appointments aren’t missed and needed prescriptions can still be filled during “stay at home” orders and while practicing social distancing.
Currently, all of Aspire’s outpatient therapy services are being provided through telehealth and telephonic methods.
- The medication clinics, the FACT Team and the CAT Team will be offering limited in-person services and will shift existing clients over to telehealth.
- The Access Center will be suspending all walk-in assessments and moving to telephonic assessments only.
- The Medication Assisted Treatment program is complying with the Florida State Methadone Authority and no patients will be denied their prescribed dose. Please reach out to your individual counselor for your specific dosing information or if you have questions about the Medication Assisted Treatment Program.
- All inpatient units, the Central Receiving Center, the Addiction Receiving/Detox facility, and residential sites remain open as normal.
- All visitation has been suspended, but options for remote video visitation will be launching shortly.
Dealing with Substance Abuse Disorder During the Pandemic
Dealing with Increased Stress and Substance Abuse Disorder During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Aspire’s Opioid Services During Coronavirus Pandemic
ACCESSING TREATMENT
What Services Does Aspire Health Partners Offer During This Pandemic?
During the Coronavirus crisis, we are able to offer almost all of our services. Dr. Valerie Westhead-Tonner explains Aspire’s telehealth services and on-site availability for those who are in an acute crisis.
How Our Services Have Changed as a Result of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Aspire continues to provide behavioral health services to our patients, as well as the community. However, accessing those services will look a little bit different during the coronavirus pandemic than it did in the past. Executive Nurse Officer Shannon Robinson walks you through what to expect.
How to Access Care with Behavioral Health Issues Unrelated to COVID-19
Dealing with Behavioral Healthcare Issues as a Direct Result of the Coronavirus Pandemic
LINKS
Updates on the Coronavirus (via NAMI)
https://nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus
Managing Anxiety & Stress (via CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Coping with Stress, Fear, and Uncertainty (via Help Guide)
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/coronavirus-anxiety.htm
Q&A on COVID-19 (via World Health Organization)
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Feeling Stressed About The Coronavirus? (via Magellan Healthcare)
https://www.magellanhealthcare.com/documents/2020/03/feeling-stressed-about-the-coronavirus.pdf/
Resources for Aspire Health Partners Employees
- Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel With SARS-COV-2 Infection or Exposure
- Q&A COVID-19 Exposure and More Updated 06.2022
- Staff Covid Flowchart Updated 6.2.2021
- Client Covid Flowchart Updated 6.2.2021
- IPA Overview
- Electronic Assessment
- OSHA COVID-19 Healthcare ETS Model Written Plan Updated 9.1.2021
Aspire Health Partners is committed to providing individuals and families of Central Florida with compassionate, comprehensive and cost-effective behavioral health care services that lead to successful living and healthy, responsible lifestyles.
We offer the highest quality of services at the most reasonable cost by developing relationships with appropriate partners.
Aspire Health Partners respects the dignity of the people we serve and those with whom we work. Our core values ensure the highest level of customer service within the company, the community and those we serve.