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Frequently Asked Questions

 Let's Talk is a warm support line available for residents of Tampa Bay who need someone to talk to. It provides a compassionate space for individuals to share their thoughts and feelings and receive emotional support. Our specialists can connect you with local mental health providers for appointments, in-person and virtual, and assist in recommending pathways to care. 

During a Let's Talk session, you can expect a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings. Our specialists will actively listen to you, provide emotional support, and offer resources and referrals based on your needs.

Let's Talk specialists are trained mental health counselors who are here to provide support and assistance. They are not licensed mental health counselors and cannot provide medical recommendations or prescriptions. Counselors do have a compassionate ear and access to referrals to licensed clinical specialists.

Let's Talk is available to all residents of Tampa Bay, regardless of age, background, or insurance status. It is open to anyone who feels the need for emotional support and a listening ear. You can use Let's Talk for yourself or on behalf of someone who may need support.

Let's Talk is free. There is no cost involved in accessing the warm support line or bridge therapy. Costs for appointments from referrals to local mental health service providers are determined by the provider, with free and low-cost options available. We can assist you in navigating insurance coverage.

Insurance is not a requirement to access Let's Talk. Our services are available to all residents of Tampa Bay, regardless of insurance coverage. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the support they need and can help you find low-cost or sliding-scale providers. If you need insurance coverage, reach out to a local healthcare navigator for assistance.

Through Let's Talk, you can be connected to a variety of resources and services based on your specific needs. Our specialists can provide local referrals to therapists, support groups, crisis intervention, and other community-based resources to help you navigate your mental health journey.

Yes, Let's Talk offers both in-person and telehealth options to accommodate individual preferences and circumstances. You can choose the format that works best for you, whether it's speaking with a specialist over the phone or scheduling an in-person appointment at one of our partner locations.

Let's Talk works closely with Tampa's hospital systems and accredited behavioral health providers to ensure that residents receive quality care and support. We have established partnerships with trusted organizations in the community to connect individuals with appropriate resources. Additionally, you can find a comprehensive online resource directory on the Let's Talk website, which includes information about various mental health resources available in the Tampa Bay area.

If you need to cancel or are unable to make an appointment, we encourage you to notify the mental health provider directly as soon as possible. They can assist you in rescheduling the appointment at a more convenient time. In some cases, providers may also offer the option to shift an in-person appointment to a virtual session, allowing for more flexibility in accessing care. Open communication with the provider is key to ensuring you receive the support you need.

Absolutely. It's essential to find a therapist who understands and respects your lived experiences. If you feel that your current therapist is not the right fit for you, it is perfectly acceptable to seek a change. Openly communicate your concerns with your current therapist, and if necessary, they can assist you in finding a new therapist who better aligns with your needs and experiences. Let's Talk can also provide support and resources to help you in your search for a therapist who can provide culturally competent and inclusive care. Your mental health journey is unique, and finding a therapist who understands and resonates with your experiences can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your therapy.

The duration of therapy varies depending on individual circumstances. Some individuals may benefit from short-term therapy to address specific concerns, while others may require longer-term support. Your therapist will work with you to determine the appropriate duration and frequency of therapy sessions. The length of therapy is flexible and can be adjusted as determined by goals set between you and your therapist.

A bridge therapy appointment is a one-time session with a therapist, aimed at providing immediate support and guidance. It serves as a "bridge" of support between reaching out for care and the time of an available appointment with a longer-term mental health provider. Bridge appointments through the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay are free as long as you have a future appointment with a mental health provider. A behavioral health program, on the other hand, involves a more comprehensive and ongoing treatment plan that may include therapy, counseling, and other interventions tailored to your specific needs.

Residents call Let's Talk about a wide range of challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship issues, grief, and other mental health concerns. Our trained specialists are here to offer understanding and support for whatever you may be going through.

Inpatient refers to receiving treatment within a hospital or residential facility, where you stay overnight for a certain period of time. Outpatient services, on the other hand, allow you to receive treatment while continuing to live at home. The choice between inpatient and outpatient depends on the severity of your condition and the level of care needed, which can be determined by a mental health professional.

If you are in immediate crisis, Let's Talk is not the appropriate resource. Instead, you should call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.

Yes, you can remain anonymous when using Let's Talk. We respect your privacy and confidentiality. While you have the option to disclose demographic information to help support Let's Talk research and outreach efforts, it is not required.

Let's Talk is available for referrals and support from 8am to 8pm. If you reach out outside of these hours, you can leave a voicemail and a specialist will return your call during operational hours. 

Yes, Let's Talk strives to aid in multiple languages using translation services and bi or multi-lingual specialists. Please let us know your preferred language, and we will do our best to connect you with a specialist who can assist you.

If you know someone who may benefit from Let's Talk, you can encourage them to reach out to our warm support line. You can provide them with the Let's Talk phone number or website information and let them know that they are not alone in their struggles. Listening, offering empathy, and expressing your willingness to support them can make a significant difference.

Absolutely! It is highly recommended to explore if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP). EAPs are workplace programs designed to provide confidential support and resources to employees and their families. These programs often offer counseling services, referrals to mental health providers, and assistance with a wide range of personal and professional challenges. Checking with your employer about the availability of an EAP can provide you with an additional avenue of support for your mental well-being.

Yes, Let's Talk understands the importance of ongoing support and follow-up. If a resident agrees to a follow-up, a dedicated follow-up specialist will reach out after 7 days and 21 days to check in, provide additional support, and help encourage residents to follow through with their appointments and receive the care they need.

While Let's Talk strives to offer comprehensive support, there may be limitations or restrictions on certain services. These limitations could include the availability of providers in specific areas, specific eligibility criteria for certain programs, or limitations set by individual mental health providers. Our specialists will do their best to inform you of any such limitations and assist you in finding alternative resources if necessary.

Tampa Bay Thrives values your feedback and appreciates you sharing your experience with us. You can provide feedback or share your experience through a post-call follow-up survey, by contacting our Let's Talk support line, or reaching out to Tampa Bay Thrives directly. Your feedback helps us improve our services and better support the community.

If you would like to make an appointment with a mental health provider through Let's Talk, our specialists can assist you in finding local providers who match your needs and preferences. They will guide you through the process of scheduling an appointment and provide you with the necessary information.