One in four Pinellas County teens struggle with mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, far surpassing the state’s average of 17%. They now have a unique new resource.
Care About Me is a holistic, free initiative that eliminates the arduous task of searching for behavioral health services during turbulent times. The county-sponsored coordinated access system – the first of its kind in the nation – streamlines and guides residents through the process.
Human services director Karen Yatchum said the overarching goal is to reach people before they need crisis stabilization or hospitalization, which makes Pinellas County Schools (PCS) an ideal partner. The district has already connected nearly 200 at-risk teens with the program…