Therapists offer free counseling

Mental health therapists are offering free counseling to people who may be affected by the stresses of the coronavirus pandemic.
Miami Lakes officials announced the support program during a Facebook video on April 16.
Folks may not want to talk about mental illness or feel there is a stigma around it, “but I think we’re breaking through that,” Mayor Manny Cid said before he introduced Rosa Barroso, a therapist at The Therapy Labs.
The counseling center’s Miami Lakes location, at 14411 Commerce Way, is offering six free “telemental health services” to anyone in need.
Clients may include those who are COVID-19 positive; people who may have lost a loved one to the virus; those who may have become unemployed because of the outbreak or firefighters and medical professionals who treat the sick.
Therapists will counsel clients by phone or online over Zoom or Skype apps.
Many Miami Lakers have stayed inside since March 26, when Town Manager Edward Pidermann issued a “safer at home” order.
The Florida Department of Health reported 43 cases of COVID-19 in Miami Lakes on April 26.
Statewide, there were 31,528 cases, with 1,074 deaths.
The virus has also taken a toll on the economy.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reported from March 15 - April 23, 1.8 million unemployment claims were filed.
Barroso is a state licensed mental health counselor and said she employs 29 therapists and specialists who help people cope with mental illnesses.
She said the company’s services are available to Florida residents.
Her company also participates in the town’s wellness program for senior citizens who are the most vulnerable population to the virus.
Barroso said she often meets elders who feel alone and are scared.
“I stay for a while in the driveway, practicing social distancing, and talk to them a little bit,” Barroso said. “It’s heartbreaking to see them that way. This pandemic is a catastrophe.”
Barroso underscored the need to check on the well-being of anyone who may be at risk.
“It’s important they are not stressing over the pandemic and causing depression and other mental illness issues,” Barroso said. “Together, I’m sure we are going to get through this.”
The Therapy Labs can be reached at 305-530-8119. Voice messages will be returned.
Other mental health resources include calling 911 if there is an emergency; the National Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990; Veteran’s Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255, or 211.
In Miami Lakes, elders may call 305-364-6100
to sign up to be on a call list for wellness checks and participate in the hunger relief program.
A bag of groceries is delivered every Friday.
Cid said each week, the town will present other therapists who will be available to assist residents during the pandemic.