Boone County News Release

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FACE of Boone County to Pay for Free Counseling Services for Boone County Youth and Families During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 17, 2020 – Boone County families struggling to cope with stressors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can now get access to free counseling. With support from the Boone County Children’s Services Board (BCCSB), the Family Access Center of Excellence (FACE) will connect Boone County families who have a child aged 0-19 to a local provider for up to 6 hours of free counseling services.

“Increased stress and anxiety resulting from COVID-19 is normal and affects both children and adults,” says FACE Director Adielle Ehret. “Stressful reactions may include excessive worry about your health and that of your loved ones, changes in sleep or eating patterns, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and excessive irritation or emotional outbursts,” among other concerns.

With family and child stress expected to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, FACE will help those in need by providing families with a menu of local provider options, supporting family access by scheduling appointments, and addressing any barriers to accessing the services families have chosen—including paying for up to six hours of therapeutic services for families who are struggling to cope with COVID-19 stressors and unable to pay for these services.

For Boone County families and youth wishing to access free mental health services due to COVID-19 stressors, contact FACE at (573) 771-FACE (3223) or visit the FACE website at www.FACEofboonecounty.org  and request a referral. FACE staff will reach out to complete a brief needs assessment and connect families with a menu of providers.

Any mental health provider serving Boone County families who wishes to participate in receiving referrals and direct payments from FACE for up to six hours of therapy for Boone County families may contact FACE at (573) 771-FACE (3223).    

The mission of the Boone County Children’s Services Board (BCCSB) is to improve the lives of children, youth and families in Boone County by strategically investing in the creation and maintenance of integrated systems that deliver effective and quality services for children and families in need. BCCSB oversees revenue collected through the Children’s Services Fund sales tax and disburses funding to governmental and nonprofit organizations.

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