In the midst of COVID-19, KVC Kentucky’s skilled and passionate professionals have continued to provide mental and behavioral health support and substance use assessment to youth and adults in need of counseling or therapy virtually, and a new grant will allow us to better serve youth and adults.

Recently, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act distributed by the Federal Communications Commission, KVC Kentucky was awarded a grant to expand the reach of our virtual counseling and therapy services. These funds will allow us to provide clients with tablets with data plans and our staff with laptop computers and mobile hotspots, which will greatly help our team engage in mental health services remotely anywhere in Kentucky. Virtual services allow our trained professionals to continue to provide behavioral health and substance use treatment, case management, psychiatry and other therapeutic services in this time of social distancing.

What Is Virtual Counseling and Therapy? 

This is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage your behavioral health care needs.

How Does It Work?

• We serve children and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, substance use, child behavior challenges and more.
• Referrals will be matched with a caring therapist who is readily available at convenient times for the client. Services are offered virtually with the use of an internet-capable device.
• Our services are intended to help individuals better manage life’s challenges, improve relationships and experience a sense of peace and purpose.

Original press release from Senator Mitch McConnell’s website:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today KVC Behavioral HealthCare in Lexington was awarded $42,354 to expand its telehealth services. The federal funding, distributed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), was made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Senator McConnell introduced the CARES Act, the largest economic rescue package in American history, and led it to enactment in about a week. 

According to the FCC, KVC Behavioral HealthCare can use these CARES Act funds for laptop computers, tablets, and mobile hotspots for providers and patients to engage in mental health counseling remotely. 

“The CARES Act is providing needed resources to help expand the reach of healthcare heroes, including those at KVC Behavioral HealthCare, as they safely care for at-risk Kentuckians,” said Senator McConnell. “As the only congressional leader not from New York or California, I’m constantly looking to provide for Middle America, especially Kentucky. I’m proud of the work Kentuckians are doing to provide mental health treatment for individuals and families, especially during the coronavirus crisis.” 

“The Kentucky children, adults, and families we serve have serious needs like depression, anxiety, thoughts of hopelessness and suicide, and the effects of childhood trauma. We are so thankful for this FCC telehealth funding which provides devices, data plans and network extenders to both our frontline mental health professionals and people we serve. Entire communities benefit when our neighbors in need have access to critical mental health services via electronic devices during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” said Gina Klyachkin, President, KVC Behavioral HealthCare Kentucky. “This FCC funding prevents needs from escalating into full-blown family crises, and gives more children and adults direct access to caring experts who can help them navigate difficult times to a brighter tomorrow.” 

In addition to these federal funds, the CARES Act has had a $12 billion impact in Kentucky so far. Senator McConnell’s legislation has delivered $3.7 billion in relief to address urgent housing, transportation, healthcare, education and economic development priorities. His legislation also created the Paycheck Protection Program, which is helping more than 47,000 Kentucky small businesses access over $5.2 billion in loans to keep their lights on and employees on payroll. Kentucky families have also received more than $3.2 billion in Economic Impact Payments from the U.S. Treasury.