Care & Support Program
The Care & Support Program provides free & confidential support to those in need via regular check-in phone calls. To provide consistent and ongoing support, participants receive a scheduled call weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, presenting an opportunity to connect with a Care & Support Specialist for listening & support or crisis intervention.
This program is available to anyone who may be facing a mental health challenge such as:
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Concerning use of substances or alcohol
- Loneliness
- Difficulty during a transition in life
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression
Simply dial 9-8-8 to request the Care & Support Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sign up for the Care & Support Program?
Anyone in need can begin receiving calls from the Care & Support Program! Whether you need support during a transition or particular circumstance, or are seeking consistent ongoing support, we are able to check in weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
For individuals aged 13 or younger,Ā parental consent must be provided in order to begin receiving regular calls.
How do you sign up for the program?
Anyone can sign themselves up to receive Care & Support calls by simply dialing 9-8-8. FirstLink answers the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for the entire state of North Dakota and parts of western Minnesota.
Individuals may also be referred by one of our partnering mental health facilities. If you have recently been discharged, you may receive an initial call from FirstLink to offer the Care & Support Program!
When will I receive my call?
Calls are scheduled for an approximate time each week, every other week, or each month. The day of the week & approximate time of the call are completely up to you!Ā FirstLink is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What if I miss a call?
We ask each participant for permission to send occasional text messages or leave voicemails . If you agree, a message will be left following any missed call, either in the form of a voicemail or text message.
After 3 missed calls, the Care & Support team will leave a final message and discontinue check-ins. Should this occur, you can re-enroll for the Care & Support Program at any time by calling 9-8-8.
What happens when on a Care & Support call?
The FirstLink Care & Support Specialist calling will offer the most appropriate type of support for you at the time of the call. This may include:
- Listening & support – provides a space for you to share what is on your mind without judgement.
- Explore coping skills – work through a plan to help you feel better between calls.
- Crisis intervention – assist during a crisis such as panic attack or thoughts of suicide.
- Safety planning – collaborate to determine, or remind you of, a plan to keep safe-for-now.
- Resource referral – identify resources to aid with any of life’s challenges.
Participants are regularly screened for thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harm to others.
Is the Care & Support Program free?
Absolutely! FirstLinkĀ neverĀ charges a participant for receiving Care & Support calls. The program is, and will always be, free.
Can the Care & Support Program provide therapy or diagnosis?
FirstLink’s Care & Support Program is not therapy and we are unable to provide a level of care comparable to behavioral health services from a licensed provider. The Care & Support Program is a great addition to your existing support system, and can be helpful during a period of transition or following graduation from a mental health program.
FirstLink is happy to provide referrals to a higher level of care if and when appropriate.
