It's no secret that times have been challenging for all of us here in WNC as we recover in the wake of Hurricane Helene — but beyond dealing with physical needs, part of that recovery is taking care of our mental health.

According to Dr. Richard Zenn, Chief Medical Officer at Vaya Health, if you're exhibiting feelings or behaviors such as overwhelming fear, anger, sadness, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, or increased substance use, it may be time to seek help. Here are some mental health resources available to support your well-being.

Local group practices + resources

Linked4Life and All Souls Counseling
The Linked4Life nonprofit was established by the co-owner of Bear's Smokehouse BBQ, Cheryl Antoncic — locally, it has partnered with All Souls Counseling. As Bear's continues to work with World Central Kitchen to provide free meals, counselors are also ensuring the community has access to support services.

SeekHealing
The Asheville-based social health nonprofit provides a safe space for Connection Practice circles, offering support from trained facilitators for anyone looking to talk about or process their feelings and experiences. You can drop into sessions at the Asheville office (50 S. French Broad Ave., Ste. 138) on Wednesdays and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. You can also consider donating to support their staff as they hold the free sessions.

Jewish Family Services of WNC
"After the Storm: Healing Together" is a free, weekly, licensed therapist-led support group where you can discuss the emotional impacts of the storm. Head to 53 South French Broad Ave., Ste. 100 on Tuesdays at noon to participate. There are also additional services available through the nonprofit's Healing Solutions Counseling program.

Resources for Resilience
Through the nonprofit's partnership with Vaya Health, it hosts weekly listening circles for residents affected by Helene, as well as training sessions to equip people with tools + strategies to support others. The sessions are on Zoom and are free to join.

Vaya Health
During a news briefing in early October, Vaya Health's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Richard Zenn shared multiple resources you can access for mental health services.

Here’s how to access resources shared by Vaya Health:

Text or call 988 to speak with a trained mental health professional.
Call 1-855-PEERS NC to access NC’s Peer Warmline — here, you can talk to a peer living in recovery from mental health or substance use issues.
Call the VAYA Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127 for crisis assistance.
First responders and volunteers can call Hope4NC at 1-855-587-3463 for support.

Pro bono referrals

A network of NC mental health specialists and therapists have come together to create a comprehensive spreadsheet of Mental Health ProBono Referrals for WNC Survivors.

National resources

Disaster Distress Helpline
This national hotline is available 24/7 for anyone in distress after a natural or human-caused disaster. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
There are a variety of resources, tool kits, and care options to assist children and families after natural disasters.