The Contact Care Line has been serving Knoxville for a number of years, it provides support for those who need help with mental health but aren’t in crisis.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — When someone is struggling with mental health, it can feel like there’s no one to turn to. That is why therapists want people to know about the Contact Care Line.
“The contact care line is a 24/7 hotline that’s associated with the 988 number, and it’s been serving Knoxville for a number of years now,” said licensed therapist Julius Jefferies.
The Contact Care Line is connected with the 988 suicide prevention hotline, providing mental health services even if those using it aren’t in crisis.
“Us therapists utilize 988 and the Contact Care Line, likewise, they will refer to us if they say, ‘Hey, this person needs some services’ and things like that,” said Jefferies.
The hotline acts as a way for people to get help whether they don’t have a therapist or they’re in between therapy sessions.
“If you need to talk to a therapist to process something, they actually have therapists that they hire but also that volunteer so that you can talk to them,” Jefferies said.
Therapists say the goal of the care line is to stop a crisis before it starts.
“Let’s say that you’re at a three and the scale is one to five with five being the worst,” said Jefferies. “You’ll want to reach out when you’re starting to feel a bit overwhelmed because by the time you get to a five you may need a higher level of care, you might need a bit more of a support system.”
They also want people to know that no matter what you’re going through, you’re never really alone.
“Mental health is not the absence of having issues, mental health is the ability to manage issues as they come. So, the contact care line is definitely something that all of us need to be aware of because you never have to feel like you’re alone,” Jefferies said.
If you or someone you know would like to access the Contact Care Line you can call 988 or through their website.