In the wake of the recent shooting that occurred at the IHOP shopping center, Carson Tahoe Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is providing grief counseling and support at no charge to anyone affected by the incident on September 6.
BHS will provide confidential, emotional support and guidance by professionally-trained and licensed counselors. "A tragic event like this can forever change the lives of those involved and we want people to know that they are not alone," said Cathy Dinauer, VP of Patient Care at Carson Tahoe. "Our hearts go out to the victims and we want community members to have a lifeline to better understand and deal with the overwhelming emotions that accompany a tragedy."
Stress from this kind of trauma resonates through a community. And while it's natural to feel sad, there are signs to watch for that may mean you need help. "Like a sense of unrelenting stress, you feel depressed and anxious, maybe irritable like things have just gotten out of control in your head and outside," says Grant Clowers.
To access this community resource, please call BHS at (775) 445-7350. Those in immediate need of assistance are encouraged to call the toll-free crisis line at (800) 283-7671.
Representatives say they're already have gotten a few calls from people needing help, but they expect to get dozens more as time goes on. "This is the kind of stress that can build and grow over time. It's one that months later people will start to feel this."
Officials say the free counseling will be available as long as it's needed.
(Carson Tahoe Behavioral Health Services)
