Feeling more anxious and depressed these days? These North Range Behavioral Health services might help

By Kelly Ragan

There are many words you could use to describe 2020, but among them is “stressful.”

COVID introduced many unexpected stressors, such as unemployment, uncertainty around the school year, health concerns and more. It’s a kind of stress most of us aren’t used to.

“We’re seeing a lot of people who typically don’t identify themselves as someone who experiences anxiety or depression or any sort of mental unease experiencing that now,” said Micaela Sanchez, spokesperson for North Range Behavioral Health. “COVID has really taken the rug from under us.”  

When the pandemic started, Sanchez said, there was a lot of talk about how we’re all in this together. North Range wanted to put that some action behind that idea.

Amid the chaos, North Range launched a couple initiatives in an effort to be more accessible.

North Range Cares

One of those is North Range Cares, a no-cost telehealth therapy appointment. It’s a service open to Weld County residents who aren’t currently enrolled in other services.

With North Range Cares, the first appointment is free, Sanchez said.

“It may be that someone only needs one appointment,” she said. “They might just need to get something off their chest or need some validation. Maybe they just need some potential suggestions on resources and next steps.”

Navigating the system can be tricky, Sanchez said, but North Range wants to make it as easy as possible to get help.

To access that free service, call (970) 347-2120 and mention North Range Cares.

North Range Warm Line

North Range also launched an initiative called the Warm Line in May. The service offers callers a sympathetic ear for anyone, no matter what they’re feeling, high or low, according to a news release. Mental health professionals answer calls from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays.

“You’ve heard of a hotline and now we have a Warm Line,” Sanchez said. “If you need to talk to someone, we’re here. It doesn’t have to be about a big crisis.”

Crisis center

North Range also provides Colorado Crisis Services, which are free. Folks can access those services by texting TALK to 38255, calling the North Range Crisis Line at (970) 347-2120 or by walking into the Crisis Center at 928, 12th St. in Greeley.

“At North Range, we believe ‘crisis’ is in the eye of the beholder,” Sanchez said.

As ramifications of the on-going pandemic unfold, Sanchez said North Range anticipates an uptick in need.

When COVID first hit, everyone was in survival mode, Sanchez said.

People had to figure out how to get toilet paper and hand sanitizer, stay socially distant, and navigate massive changes to work and school.

But as people get used to this new way of life, Sanchez said she expects to see a spike in mental health challenges.

People have been feeling a little out of sorts, maybe a little anxious, she said, and they’ve been pushing through to get to the other side. But now that we’ve had time to settle down, rest and think about all the things we’ve pushed to the side, she said, she anticipates a spike in the need for mental health services.  

When people start to feel that way, Sanchez said, North Range will be there for them.

“It’s not hard to get in, it’s not scary to do it,” Sanchez said. “We can do this quite easily for you. We can get you the access you need.”

For more information

For more information about North Range Behavioral Health, go to https://northrange.org/.