Alliance Crisis Services to Provide Emergency Mental Health Assistance in North Carolina

Alliance Crisis Services in Brevard, North Carolina has long been known for its motto, "We're here when you need us most." On Wednesday they announced they will be fulfilling that motto to the utmost degree by expanding their mental health services to include an available counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

While other community organizations provide counseling, Alliance is focused solely on mental health issues. They already operate a walk-in clinic on weekdays from 8:30 am until 5 p.m. Services offered during that time frame include emergency evaluations, suicide prevention, referrals, and pre- and post-hospital evaluations. No one is required to have an appointment though it is possible to call ahead and make one. Alliance has also been one of the few agencies in Brevard that has focused on serving those in emergency situations.

According to Tina Nowak, RN and marketing director of Appalachian Counseling, the umbrella under which Alliance operates, "Mental Health crisis don't have a 9-5 time line." Alliance has long recognized the county's need for additional mental health counseling and services. Often people find themselves in crisis outside the normal work day hours. Nights and especially holidays when people might either be alone or in stressful settings is when Alliance felt there was an unanswered need. The change announced today is aimed particularly at those people.

Another change that occurred recently has been the relocation of Alliance to their new location at 89 Hospital Drive. That puts them in immediate proximity to the Transylvania County Hospital. All that only helps patients who may be in dire need of immediate attention. The hospital has a well respected Emergency Room which is open 24 hours a day and will assist in servicing the needs of all referrals from Alliance Crisis Services.

Most of the people who come through Alliance's doors are among the uninsured, under insured, Medicaid recipients or those who require immediate attention and may be in a crisis situation. The eight available qualified professionals are on hand to receive and process all who need their assistance and guidance.There are additional on-call staff members who serve on an as-needed basis.

People who need help or information should call 885-TALK (8255) and speak with a counselor. Depending on the urgency of the situation, callers will be directed towards the care required whether that means immediate attention or making an appointment to come to Alliance to meet with a staff member.