Essex County Health Department is partnering with the digital platform CredibleMind to launch an online portal that expands access to mental health care in the North Country.
The platform, CredibleMind, is used by local governments around the country to offer tools and resources on mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to the stress of caring for aging loved ones.
The Health Department says the platform features “accessible and informative information” via a library of content that includes apps, videos, podcasts and articles on mental heath and self-care.
Terri Morse, director of Esses County Mental Health, said CredibleMind helps bridge the growing gap between those who want care and those who actually get it.
“Especially since the COVID pandemic, we are seeing that the effects of stress and social isolation linger,” Mores said. “CredibleMind is about expanding our village and increasing access to the societal guardrails and guideposts that may not be readily available to everyone.”
Linda Beers, the health department’s director of public health, said CredibleMind is not intended to replace professional mental health treatments.
“Rather it’s another tool we can draw upon to improve our well being and resilience,” she said.