ESSEX COUNTY — Essex County Mental Health and Essex County Health Department recently launched a free, comprehensive online platform with a suite of resources for mental health support called CredibleMind.

This initiative aligns with the priorities outlined in the 2022-2024 Essex County Community Health Improvement Plan. It is a paid subscription based on population, paid for by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the New York state Office of Mental Health System of Care.

“While our close-knit, caring communities are one of our biggest assets here in Essex County, we still sometimes find that we need more support than what our friends or family can offer. CredibleMind is here to provide the support and resources you need, right from your own living room,” said Linda Beers, director of public health for ECHD, in a press release Thursday.

CredibleMind includes resources for many mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression and substance use, as well as resources for other life stressors like parenting, caring for aging loved ones and nutrition. Terri Morse, master director at Essex County Mental Health, said the platform is intended to be useful for those who have diagnosable mental health concerns and for people who don’t.

“Use this before, during or after a time that you need it,” Morse said.

The resources come in the form of apps, videos from experts on a variety of topics, podcasts and articles. There are scientifically-validated assessments, curated lists of resources on specific topics, and answers to frequently asked questions. The website also includes an in-depth list of community resources, information about the services they provide and links to their websites.

Morse initially sought out this platform to be used as a tool at the Essex County Mental Health waiting room, which includes a kiosk where patients can research their diagnoses. But since it’s a web-based platform, any of the residents in Essex County can now access it. This idea was hatched before the coronavirus pandemic began, but Morse said the need for accessible mental health support became increasingly evident during that time.

“In some ways, people were reaching out more for mental health support and some people weren’t reaching out because they were isolating,” she said. “This helps those people that may be reluctant to access professional services, but it gives them a qualified resource for support if they’re feeling like they need help.”

So far, the response has been promising. The platform was launched officially on Oct. 1. Eight days later, Morse said they already had 2000 people accessing the website.

To spread the word about this free resource, the county is distributing information to as many groups as possible — pastors, health care providers, social services and emergency services. CredibleMind will also be loaded onto the tablets that incarcerated individuals receive at the Essex County Jail.

CredibleMind can also be helpful for people who are unable to get treatment right away or people who are in moments of crisis. Morse said they will be encouraging the local 988 number to alert callers to this resource.

“There are lots of different ways we can get this material into the hands of anybody, so they can empower themselves,” Morse said.

Learn more at essexcountyny.crediblemind.com.