The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) is launching a new initiative on February 8, 2021, to offer remote counseling to community members experiencing coronavirus-related mental health issues.

The initiative will connect community members dealing with fear, anxiety, depression, and other coronavirus-related mental health issues to limited, temporary therapy. A group of linguistically and culturally-competent mental health Clinicians will provide the counseling and ensure clients have access to health care providers and psychiatrists if needed.

“As we approach a full year of COVID-19 isolation, our staff report that many of our clients are suffering,” said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS Executive Director. “Many are overwhelmed with stress and trauma due to illness, deaths of loved ones, loss of jobs and income, or lack of support due to immigration status. It is our responsibility to do everything we can do to provide some relief.”

“It is more important than ever that we do not neglect our mental health,” said Ana Nava, Ph.D., a mental health clinician at the Cambridge Health Alliance who has joined the community initiative. “We want to encourage our friends in the community who are struggling to reach out if they need help or someone to listen to their experiences.”

Community members who need help or someone to talk to about their experience are encouraged to call MAPS at 617-864-7600 to schedule a free and confidential appointment. Services will be provided remotely, via phone, or other electronic devices. This initiative is funded by the Fish Family Foundation, the Social Equity Access Fund, and the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA).