LOUISVILLE, Ky — The city of Louisville launched a directory that features more than 300 mental health providers in an effort to improve access to those services.
The directory, which is on MentalHealthLou.com, helps individuals search for a mental health provider within Jefferson County.
“Many people struggle with finding the right provider, and we want to make that easier,” said Amanda Villaveces, director of Mental Health Lou. “The resource guide is home to not just local mental health providers, but it also offers referrals to services beneficial to mental health like yoga and acupuncture.”
The resources are a part of a larger initiative to expand mental health initiatives within the county. Approximately $400,000 in federal funding, which was secured by the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, will go toward those initiatives, such as improving mental health resources and methods for suicide prevention. Of those funds, $200,000 will be used to create the Suicide Fatality Review Board, which will compose of mental health professionals and representatives. They will help identify risk factors and circumstances that lead to suicides, as well as identify trends to come up with prevention and intervention efforts.
“Data from the coroner’s office shows that more than 170 people died by suicide in Jefferson County last year,” said T Gonzales, director of the Center for Health Equity and LMPHW. “Our goal is to achieve zero deaths by suicide in our community. Additionally, we hope to address mental health inequities by identifying ways we can improve conditions and services in Louisville communities facing the greatest barriers to optimal mental health.”
The money will also be distributed between multiple organizations, such as the Americana Community Center, Louisville Urban League and Queer Kentucky, to assist with suicide prevention training and address other issues.
“Improving access to mental health services is an important first step toward improving our community’s health,” said Ben Goldman, administrator of the Behavioral Health Equity team at LMPHW. “Our department is committed to working with community partners to identify and address systemic barriers to mental health, while reducing the stigma of mental illness and mental health care.”
Other than the resources on MentalHealthLou.com, individuals can also text LOU to 741741 or call/text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.