Page last updated on December 1st, 2022 at 02:24 pm
Throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) will provide additional guidance and resources for behavioral health providers, patients, and families. This webpage will serve as our communications hub and will contain all COVID-19 related information from DBH.
DBH is open for business and will remain open. We continue to serve Idahoans in need and support behavioral health providers.
The division has created a Provider Resource Guide to help you find Idaho, national, and state region-specific information during this difficult time, and the Behavioral Health Newsletter contains a lot of helpful information. Additional information and resources are listed under What You Need to Know.
Contact us by emailing behavioralhealth@dhw.idaho.gov or calling 1-833-644-8296. We’re here to help.
Behavioral Health Resources
- Idaho Crisis Centers for mental health and substance use disorders
- Mental Health and Coping Tips
- Guide for Parents
What You Need to Know
Identifying Behavioral Health Distress
Disaster situations and traumatic events can overwhelm our ability to cope. Often people experience anxiety, fear, helplessness, and hopelessness. Some of the signs of distress are listed below:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little.
- Pulling away from people and things.
- Having low or no energy.
- Having unexplained aches and pains, such as constant stomachaches or headaches.
- Feeling helpless or hopeless.
- Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs, including prescription medications.
- Worrying a lot of the time or feeling guilty but not sure why.
- Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else.
- Having difficulty readjusting to home or work life.
Getting Help
If you feel like you or someone you know is experiencing distress, there are numerous ways to get help.
Idaho Hotlines
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Text or call 9-8-8. Help is available 24-7.
- Veterans: Dial 9-8-8, then press 1.
National Hotlines
- Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741
Anonymous texting service is available 24/7. Starting a conversation is easy. - SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline — 1-800-985-5990
Provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. - Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Advocates are available 24/7 to talk to anyone who is experiencing domestic violence, looking for information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
If your life or someone else’s is in imminent danger, please call 9-1-1. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call the number above.
Behavioral Health Resources for Consumers
Idaho COVID-19 Resource Guides — Division of Behavioral Health
National COVID-19 Resource Guides
- Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information and Resources — Mental Health America
Resources and information for self-care and coping
- Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health — Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration
- Stress and Coping — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Behavioral Health Resources and Information for Teachers, Parents, and Educators
- Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreak — National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
- Guide for Schools on a Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching through the Coronavirus — NCTSN
- COVID-19 Mental Health Support Resources – Idaho State Department of Education
Behavioral Health Resources for Providers
Provider COVID-19 Resources and Guidance
- Telehealth Information and Resource Guide — Division of Behavioral Health
- Tips for Effective Use of Tele-Behavioral Health — Division of Behavioral Health
- Behavioral Health Resource Guide for Providers — Division of Behavioral Health
- Guidelines for Behavioral Health during the COVID-19 Crisis – Division of Behavioral Health
- Recommendations for Supporting Individuals Receiving Care in State Psychiatric Facilities during the COVID-19 Crisis
- How to Prepare for a Video Appointment
Communications and Plans from the Division of Behavioral Health
- DBH COVID-19 Strike Team
- DBH COVID-19 Strategic Response Plan
- Letter to Behavioral Health Providers — Divisions of Behavioral Health and Medicaid
- Ensuring Behavioral Healthcare Amid COVID-19 Crisis
- DBH Stakeholder Meeting Slides – May 25, 2021
- DBH Stakeholder Meeting Slides – April 32, 2021
Laws, Rules, Ethics, and Other Information
- DBH Statute Waiver Requests
- Interstate Telehealth Waivers and Exemptions
- Idaho Telehealth Access Act
- IDAPA Rules (Idaho Administrative Code)
- Counseling in a Time of COVID-19 – American Counseling Association
- Policy Regarding the Provision of Distance Professional Services – National Board for Certified Counselors Code of Ethics
- COVID-19 Ethics Resources – National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics
- SUD-Specific Resources — Association for Addiction Professionals Code of Ethics
- American Counseling Association (ACA) 2014 Code of Ethics — See Section H, Distance Counseling, pg. 17-18)
- Policy Regarding the Provision of Distance Professional Services — National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse Considerations During COVID-19 – SAMHSA