Pinellas County launches new program to streamline access to behavioral health services
Pinellas County on Tuesday launched a new service that will make it easier for residents to access behavioral health services locally. The program, called Care About Me, provides a confidential access line for Pinellas County residents of all ages who need help finding appointments for mental health, substance use and/or addiction services.
“The Pinellas County Commission is proud to support this much-needed service that will help so many individuals and families in our community who are searching for the right behavioral health care,” said Pinellas County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters. “Today represents the culmination of years of research, community partnerships and work with providers to make sure we can help improve our community’s overall wellbeing. We want our residents who are struggling to know they are not alone and that help is available through Care About Me.”
Care About Me is not a crisis line. Individuals experiencing a mental health emergency should call 911. Those experiencing suicidal thoughts should call the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. Care About Me instead eliminates the guesswork of searching for local services by creating a space where residents or family members of individuals in non-crisis need can call in, speak directly with experienced behavioral health specialists who can triage their needs, and get an appointment scheduled with a local provider.
The County partnered with national technology company Unite Us to provide the technology infrastructure for connecting residents to verified behavioral health services in the state’s coordinated care network, Unite Florida.
Using the secured platform, Care About Me specialists can send electronic referrals, track the progress of care and ensure residents receive timely and impactful assistance and follow up if needed. Specialists are also trained to connect callers with supportive services such as: counseling, support groups, educational resources, and referrals to local, specialized treatment centers and providers.
Individuals wishing to access this service may call 1-888-431-1998 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays/legal holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“In 2019, we underwent an intensive project that evaluated the existing behavioral health system to identify ways in which we could provide more patient-centric services,” said Pinellas County Human Services Director Karen Yatchum. “What we found was a need for a coordinated access model that would increase transparency in how clients, families, caregivers and professionals could access the right services within the system. We are excited for Care About Me to meet this need and truly make a difference in the lives of our residents.”
“At Unite Us, we are proud to support Pinellas County in its mission to streamline access to mental health and addiction treatment services,” said Megan Ducoff, Senior Vice President of Operations at Unite Us. “Leveraging our technology, verified provider network, and care coordination services, the partnership exemplifies the transformative impact of teamwork in fostering a healthier, more resilient community.”
To learn more about the program, access services or become a provider, visit careaboutme.org.