Pinellas County has a new service that gives residents easier access to local behavioral health services.
The program is called Care About Me.
It offers a confidential access line to people of all ages who need help finding appointments for mental health, substance use, and addiction services, according to a press release.
Individuals wishing to access the service can call 1-888-431-1998 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
However, the new service is not a crisis line. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call 988. For mental health emergencies call 911.
To connect directly to the website, visit careaboutme.org.
We’ll be updating this story with more reporting.