Crisis Counseling Available 

Release Date: November 12, 2002
Release Number: 1439-06

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Corpus Christi, TX -- The emotional consequences of any disaster can be far reaching and long lasting. Stress can surface in many forms, and it often appears even weeks or months after the traumatic event.

Crisis counseling helps disaster victims deal with emotional reactions, such as sadness or anger, caused by stressful situations. Counselors can help adults and children gain emotional control by offering them coping mechanisms, including stress management techniques.

Residents who live in the seven declared counties affected by the tornadoes, severe storms and floods that began on October 24 may seek crisis counseling by calling designated Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR) centers, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

"Stress can show up in many unexpected ways when a disaster strikes," said Sandy Coachman, head of the recovery effort for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "The best way to combat stress is to help people from being overwhelmed when situations are beyond their control."

To support those affected in the declared areas, state and federal officials have a crisis counselor at the DRC now open at the West Heights Baptist Church on 642 Scott Drive in Corpus Christi. This center will remain open until Wednesday, November 13 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Counseling services are available to individuals and families who reside in the seven disaster-declared counties of Aransas, Hardin, Harris, Jefferson, Nueces, Orange and San Patricio. FEMA applicants may call the regional numbers listed below to seek support.

CRISIS COUNSELING HOTLINE NUMBERS (available seven days a week/24hrs.)

Center Counties Phone number
Nueces Co. MHMR Community Center Nueces 361-814-8633
Coastal Plains Community MHMR Center Aransas, San Patricio 800 841-6467
Spindletop MHMR Center Hardin, Jefferson, Orange 800 937-8097
MHMR Authority of Harris County Harris 713 970-3458 ext. 7631

Last Modified: Monday, 21-Apr-2003 14:49:04