Emotional, Mental Health Support Line For Rohnert Park Residents

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Beginning on Thursday, Sonoma County is opening a local warm line to support community members experiencing emotional stress and anxiety during the coronavirus— COVID-19 — pandemic. This free and private phone line is available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. by calling 707-565-2652. Service in Spanish is also available as well as telephone interpretation for other languages.

Anyone who is a resident of Sonoma County and is experiencing emotional side effects of the pandemic and/or the shelter-in-place order, or knows somebody who is, may call the warm line.

"All of us in Sonoma County are dealing with unprecedented circumstances in our lives during this pandemic," Supervisor Susan Gorin, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, said.

"Many of us need support in coping with these changes," Gorin said. "We want to make sure help is available to anyone who needs it. There is someone you can talk to right now."

Local behavioral health professionals are answering calls to the line seven days a week to talk with callers to provide support, guidance, education and referrals, the county said in a news release Wednesday.

Callers may also request that an outreach call be made to someone they are concerned about, which helps reach people who are isolated, lonely and who may not reach out on their own.

"Being at home for an extended period of time can make some people feel anxious and alone," said Bill Carter, Sonoma County Department of Health Services Behavioral Health Director. "The mental health warm line is here so a person can talk to someone about their concerns. Counselors are standing by to provide support to people during this tough time."

Callers can speak to a trained professional who will listen and provide useful guidance to feel better. Callers will also receive information about resources and social services currently available in the County for an array of needs including emotional issues such as depression, grief, and anger; parenting support, substance use; shelter needs; and more.