While summer is often seen as a carefree season, mental health crises don’t take a vacation. The physiological stress of heat, combined with social and environmental pressures, can push individuals closer to a crisis point.
Jack Rozel, M.D., M.S.L., clinical chief, Crisis Services, UPMC Western Behavioral Health, medical director, resolve Crisis Services, discussed the relationship between heat and rates of violence. “As an emergency psychiatrist, we’re interested in who’s coming to our crisis center and why,” said Dr. Rozel. “We’ve noticed a consistent trend that when the temperature rises, our crisis programs get busy.”
“Additionally, heat and dehydration can make the side effects of many medications worse,” said Dr. Rozel, sharing a resource guide for heat-related illness and medication. “So, it is especially important for people who take psychiatric or other medications to be especially careful during heat emergencies.”
For Beaver County, UPMC Western Behavioral Health Beaver Crisis Services is a vital resource during the summer months and beyond. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or another behavioral health concern, UPMC Western Behavioral Health Beaver Crisis Services is available to help.
“At UPMC Western Behavioral Health, we recognize that mental health emergencies don’t follow a schedule,” said Mandy Fauble, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., Director of Clinical Services. “That’s why our crisis services in Beaver County are available 24/7. We’re committed to meeting people where they are, with timely, compassionate care that can make all the difference in a moment of crisis.”
The community can access support through:
- – 24/7 Crisis Hotline: Call 1-800-400-6180 any time, day or night.
Trained crisis clinicians are always available to listen, assess and provide immediate support or guidance.
- – Walk-In Center: Visit 1020 8th Avenue, Suite 136, Beaver Falls, PA. No appointment is needed. Anyone can walk in and speak directly with a behavioral health professional, receive in-person care and connect to ongoing services from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
- – Mobile Crisis Services: Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in August. The team will provide services to law enforcement, first responders, and facilities like nursing homes on a 24/hour basis Monday to Friday, starting in Oct.
- All residents of Beaver County can access these services, regardless of ability to pay. The crisis clinicians are trained to respond with urgency and empathy. They understand the unique stressors that summer can bring, from disrupted routines and childcare challenges to heat-related irritability and sleep disturbances.
At UPMC Western Behavioral Health Beaver Crisis Services, help is always within reach with local services that give our community a place to turn even in the sunniest of seasons.
Related Posts:
