Apr 14, 2020, | Health, Human Services Department, Other Affected Services
SANTA FE – The state of New Mexico has launched NMConnect, a new phone app that provides free 24-hour crisis and non-crisis support and access to behavioral health professionals who can text or talk via phone with individuals needing a listening ear or referrals to longer-term support. The app links users to the New Mexico Crisis Access Line (NMCAL), which provides safety net services statewide. NMCAL is still available via phone 24/7 toll-free by calling 1-855-NMCRISIS (1-855-662-7474).
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to force physical isolation, many people may experience challenging behavioral health symptoms, some perhaps for the first time. This app connects to NMCAL, which is a one-stop-shop for any and all behavioral health resources across the state of New Mexico,” said Bryce Pittenger, CEO of the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative.
The NMConnect app will help close gaps in access to behavioral health services by providing direct contact to professionals. NMConnect also provides resources including self-care tips for people in recovery from substance use and other behavioral health challenges and information on COVID-19 and New Mexico’s response.
The NMConnect app, available now for iPhone and Android, includes a “one-touch” button for connection to a mental health professional on the State of New Mexico’s 24-hour crisis and access hotline. For non-crisis support, including help finding a therapist or support group, or to just to engage with someone that has been there, the “Text Warmline” option connects people to a certified peer support specialist for non-emergency support (available from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and a “Call Warmline” option is available for peer to peer phone conversations with someone in recovery from their own mental health diagnosis, (available from 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.). All are accessible via the app from any cellular smartphone.
About the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative: The New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative is a legislatively mandated collaboration of Behavioral Health-related cabinet secretaries, several state agencies and multiple resources across state government that is involved in behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery. This cabinet-level group represents 15 state agencies and the Governor’s office. https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/behavioral-health-collaborative.aspx.
- Directly connect to a counselor or peer support worker;
- Directly text a peer support worker;
- Access up to date resources for substance use, mental health services, and other community resources
- Updated information on the state response to COVID-19
