In the aftermath of tragedy, such as the mass shooting in El Paso that left 22 dead and dozens injured, an entire community can be grief-stricken. Processing and coping with the emotional distress that comes with such a traumatic event can be difficult, but there are counseling and emotional support resources available to aid the community in the road to healing. 

The UTEP Counseling and Psychological Services department is offering their services through the after-hours Miner Talk Crisis Line at (915) 747-5302. In addition, there will be support groups meeting August 12 to August 16, Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 4 PM at Union West, Room 202. 

Dr. Temperance Johnson, Licensed Psychologist and owner of WellMind, along with trauma treatment providers at WellMind will be providing free emotional support to the community by means of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. A group meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at 1316 N. Yarbrough Drive, Suite 1A. It will also offer two free individual sessions to families who have been affected. Please call 915-201-2606 to schedule an appointment.   

An additional EMDR group will held by the Center Against Sexual & Family Violence, led by Dr. Ignacio Jarero. Free of charge, strictly confidential, and with Spanish speaking options, these sessions will take place at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Aug. 16-18. For information, contact 915-595-2238 extension 508.  

Emergence Health Network has qualified mental health specialists operating a 24/7 crisis hotline at 915-779-1800. To reach its toll-free number, call 877-562-6467.  Its Extended Observation Unit also operates during these same hours and is available for face-to-face counseling. The Extended Observation Unit can be reached at 915-599-4900. 

Emergence Health Network and Atlantis Health Services, together with the El Paso Psychiatric Center, offers EPStrong Counseling Co-Op’s services free of charge. Their behavioral health professionals will be available through Aug. 23. For information or to speak with someone, contact 915-887-3410 or visit any location, no appointment necessary, at EHN East Valley Clinic, EHN Child/Adolescent Clinic, UMC West Clinic, El Paso Psychiatric Center, Atlantis Health Services.

El Paso Mental Health has four providers, five therapists and a 24/7 crisis line that can be reached at 915-232-0758. To schedule an appointment, call 915-249-6639. A benefit fundraiser will also be hosted at the El Paso County Coliseum from 1-6 p.m. Aug. 11 with all proceeds going to the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation victim’s relief fund. 

Texting “HOME” to 741741 will connect you to Crisis Text Line, where counselors are available for emotional support around the clock.