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 are involved in behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery. This cabinet-level group represents 15 state agencies and the Governor’s office.
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The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMCAL) has developed the NMConnect smartphone app for all New Mexicans.
NMCAL has been serving the state for over 7 years;
has fielded over 245,000 calls and 70,000 text messages;
averages 4,500 calls and 4,500 text messages each month;
The NMConnect App enables us to reach even more of New Mexico’s 2 million+ residents.
NMConnect is here to close the gap by engaging people with immediate access to mental health professionals and resources.
Key features:
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
Information on the state response to COVID-19
This feature can be tailored for future mental health initiatives the state is leading.
Highlights of NMConnect:
The NMConnect App is available now on both IOS and Android.
What is the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMCAL):
The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line is funded by the State of New Mexico and answered everyday of the year by ProtoCall Services, Inc.
ProtoCall is the nation’s leading provider for specialty telephonic behavioral health services providing seamless access to crisis assessment, intervention, stabilization, and referrals.
Our staff of mental health professionals have either a Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral-level degree and support callers on our Crisis Line 24 hours a day, while our Certified Peer Support
Specialists answer calls on the Warmline from 3:30pm – 11:30pm MT and texts from 6pm – 10p MT;
Additional information can be found online at www.nmcrisisline.com