Following the shocking deaths of Jefferson County siblings – 9-year-old Scarlet Parmeley-Daugherty and 2-year-old Isaac Baum on May 28, mental health care providers are realizing they need to spread the word about the services they offer, said Sue Curfman, regional senior vice president of corporate services for Compass Health Network.
The children’s mother, Ashley Parmeley is facing murder charges for allegedly killing her two children.
“There have been many comments posted on social media expressing concerns about access to mental health services with long waits,” Curfman said. “This may have been true in the past, but today there are many organizations with available access to care and same-day opportunities for help.”
Kelly Kerr, the company’s vice president of marketing, said Compass has recognized the importance of mental health and has made significant strides in ensuring accessible care for all Jefferson County residents.
Since Comtrea merged with Compass last July, the company has opened three new offices and hired more than 200 new staff members in the county.
“With seven locations offering same-day (open) access, individuals can receive the behavioral health support they need without long waits, getting immediate assistance in times of crisis or need,” Kerr said.
The seven Compass locations are at 222 N. Mill St. (lower level), Festus; 148 Richardson Road, Arnold; 21 Municipal Drive, Arnold; 1817 Gravois Road, High Ridge; 5684 Hwy. PP, High Ridge; 4 Hickory Ridge Road, Suite 600, Hillsboro; and 351 Main St. (court services), Hillsboro. For more information, call 844-853-8937.
On June 12, Compass Health held “debriefing services” at the Festus Public Library to offer support and resources to anyone affected by the May 28 tragedy. Michelle Horvath, Compass’ senior director of access and urgent care services, said the debriefing gave people a space to support one another and find out how they can get help.
“Our hope is to spread awareness that help is available and access is easier than ever with the implementation of the (24/7) 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline,” Horvath said.
Compass has plans to open a 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Center in August in Festus.
Other groups provide help
■ Chestnut Health Systems has an outpatient office at 102 Fourth St. in Hillsboro where adult and youth mental health and substance abuse services are offered, said Jim Wallis, director of business development. For an appointment, call 800-446-0972.
Chestnut also offers school-based services at the De Soto, Fox C-6, Jefferson R-7, Northwest R-1 and Windsor C-1 districts.
■ Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri provides telehealth services, as well as services at locations throughout Missouri, said Amanda Harris, director of communications for LFCS.
The organization also has counselors working in schools in Jefferson County to support the youth, families and school staff.
“We provide support to parents and guardians so they can overcome challenges and ensure a safe and stable environment for their children,” Harris said. “We provide support for children and families to address and manage issues such as anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, behavioral problems, anger management, family conflict, bullying, as well as helping children cope with separation and divorce.
“Our counselors can help children and families develop a more positive outlook and strengthen their ability to cope with life’s challenges.”
For more information about LFCS services, email help@lfcs.org or call 1-866-326-LFCS (5327).
■ Sharon Spruell, CEO of Queen of Peace Center and St. Louis Counseling, said St. Louis Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, offers school-based counseling services and professional counseling and psychiatric services at five offices, including ones in Herculaneum and Fenton. Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment by calling 314-544-3800 or visit SaintLouisCounseling.org. People also may access Chatbot Hope 24 hours a day by texting “Hi” to 202-949-7249.
■ ASPEN Network Inc., a nonprofit organization, has a virtual resource directory that includes validated mental health and substance abuse resources in the St. Louis region, including Jefferson County. At this time, more than 400 mental health resources and other types of information can be found there, including more than 75 in Jefferson County. Visit aspennetworkinc.org to find more information.