Mental Health 4 You: Special report on the mental health crisis and resources to use

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — In Mental Health 4 You, our special report on the youth mental health crisis presented by Spectrum Health and Human Services, News 4’s Kelsey Anderson and Jordan Norkus shared stories of the ever-changing, and ever-present, need for mental health support in the region.

In Buffalo’s East Side, leaders in local government and community organizations are focusing on the people inside the problems, providing support two years after the mass shooting at Tops on Jefferson Avenue, and bringing more representation into healthcare in the neighborhood.

We also spoke to a family who, after years of mental health struggles, had their lives transformed for the better thanks to Mental Health Advocates of WNY.

We also sat down with Spectrum Health and Human Services, who have been providing Western New Yorkers with everything from crisis support to in-school counseling for decades.

You can view the whole special in the video player above. Additional resources can be found below.

Mental Health Resources

Local

• Crisis Services: Visit https://crisisservices.org/ or call their 24-hour Hotline: 716-834-3131
• Buffalo & Erie County Addiction Hotline: 716-831-7007
• Kids’ Helpline: 716-834-1144
• Spectrum CARES Team for families and children in crisis: 716-882-4357
• Erie County Warmline Call: 716-248-2941 or Text to: 716-392-2221
• 211 WNY
• Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME) options: Website
• Teen Dating Abuse: 1-866-331-9474 (TTY 1-800-787-3224)
• Veterans & Active Members: Dial 988 then press 1
• Niagara County 24-hour hotline: 716-285-3515

State

• NYS Office of Mental Health: Website
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
• New York State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
• Crisis Text Line: Text “Got5” to 741-741
• Frontline worker specialized support : Text “FRONTLINENY” to 741-741
• Visit the state emergency website, which includes a specialized section for people impacted by Tops Mass Shooting
• The University at Buffalo also has a website with resources for those impacted by the mass shooting

National

• SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration : Visit their website or call their hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Our 2023 Mental Heath Special can be seen here.