Following the events in Gilroy, El Paso and Dayton, the Las Vegas community is providing counseling resources to 1 October survivors
As the country deals with the aftermath of three recent mass shooting tragedies, a likely reminder for local survivors of 1 October, the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center (VSRC) is partnering with additional agencies to offer more support groups including virtual, daytime and nighttime, and increasing office hours.
“We are extremely grateful for local therapists who have offered 1 October survivors innovative and traditional processing groups free of charge,” said Tennille Pereira, director of the VSRC.
Available resources this week (August 5-9) include:
Bridge Counseling Associates is providing Process Groups. Learn more by clicking here.
Group times:
Monday – Friday at 10 a.m., Noon, and 2 p.m. beginning Monday, August 5. (No appointments required at those three times and there is no charge.)
Location:
1640 Alta Dr., Las Vegas
Desert Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is opening its first responder discussion group to those affected by 1 October
Group time:
Monday, August 5 at 6 p.m. (No appointment required and there is no charge.)
Location:
3247 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas
UNLV Schools of Medicine and Social Work, in partnership with Desert Parkway, is offering one evening support group session
Group time:
Tuesday, August 6 at 6 p.m.
Thursday, August 8 at 6 p.m.
Location:
Desert Parkway Healthcare Hospital, 3247 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas
H.O.P.E. Counseling Services is offering four online support groups
Group times:
Tuesday, August 6 at 6 p.m. (Click here to join)
Wednesday, August 7 at 4 p.m. (Click here to join)
Thursday, August 8 at 4 p.m. (Click to join)
Thursday, August 8 at 6 p.m. (Click to join)
Location:
Online–Links to join online session to come. To join the online group, simply click the link at the time of the group and you will be joined into the session.
H.O.P.E. Counseling will also provide crisis stabilization services.
- 1:1 crisis stabilization face to face or virtually by contacting their office for an appointment.
- (702) 437-4673
- Address: 6600 W Charleston Blvd, Ste 140, Las Vegas, NV 89146
- Virtual services are available for anyone, regardless of location.
- Assistance will be provided with finding support in local communities as needed.
- There is no cost for this service.
Survivors of 1 October can obtain more details by calling 702-455-2433 or emailing vegasstrongresiliencycenter@clarkcountynv.gov, where Resiliency Center professionals can connect you with appropriate resources.
The recent tragedies may serve as reminders for survivors of other shooting tragedies. Coping tips include:
- Reach out for help. Feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety and depression are common after a traumatic event. When you feel distressed, don’t be alone. Talk to someone who is understanding and cares about you including a friend, family member, pastor or therapist. Afterhours, weekends or holidays, call the National Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 to talk with a trained crisis counselor.
- Seek counseling. If you are struggling with memories, flashbacks or reminders of the violent event, counseling can offer some coping strategies. It’s not uncommon for a survivor of mass violence to seek out counseling months or even years after an event.
- Stay in your normal routine as much as possible. Even if you don’t feel like it, go back to work or school and try to carry on with your usual chores. It will help to reduce stress if you continue doing the things you would normally do every day. To cope, plan to be with people who care about you and plan an activity together.