Become a Mental Health Navigator!

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The Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line is a non-clinical service dedicated to educating, informing and offering support to individuals seeking information about mental health services and resources. Our mental health navigators will consist of volunteers and staff we will train in case management and mental health education.

Our goal is to make life-changing and life-saving connections between people who need mental health resources and the professionals who provide services.

Responsibilities of Mental Health Navigators

• Answer calls regarding mental health information and resources
• Collect pertinent information to assess needs and develop an action plan with the caller
• Provide information about mental health conditions and treatment strategies
• Intervene with individuals who are at imminent risk of hurting themselves or others
• Document caller information, mental health concerns, and services provided
• Follow up with callers to assess progress
• Consult with staff regarding callers’ needs to ensure appropriate information and resources are offered

Goals for Each Call

With the help of trained navigators, callers should benefit from increased knowledge about how to navigate the mental health system, empowerment to seek treatment, and improved feelings of hope and support.

Requirements

A Mental Health Navigator must have personal experience with mental illness or recovery, defined as:

• having had a mental health condition,
• having had a relationship with someone who had a mental health condition, or
• having been a student or professional in the mental health field

A Mental Health Navigator must be:

• At least 18 years of age
• Currently living in the North Texas area
• Computer-proficient
• Able to master the case management software and telephone system
• Comfortable talking on the phone
• Able to discuss difficult, complex topics
• Able to comply with confidentiality and legal requirements
• Able to work in a team environment
• A quick learner and able to adapt to new challenges
• An active listener
• Able to communicate with empathy
• Willing to communicate empathically with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and age groups, including adults, youth, family members, professionals, and community agencies

Training and Support

The total training commitment is approximately 40 hours.

• 28 hours of online classroom training
• 6 hours of call observation
• 6 hours on the navigation line with supervision
• All 40 hours must be served to successfully complete the training requirement

Time Commitment

After the training is complete, volunteers are required to serve a minimum of six hours per month (two 3-hour shifts or one 6-hour shift) for at least six months. Shifts are available Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.