City of Tallahassee Launches New Neighborhood-Based Mental Health Pilot Program

Free One-on-one Counseling at Lincoln Center Provided in Partnership with Apalachee Center

July 30, 2021

The City of Tallahassee is piloting a new program in partnership with the Apalachee Center to bring mental health services closer to neighborhoods. Through the new program at the Lincoln Center, residents can participate in up to three free one-on-one counseling sessions with a certified mental health provider, regardless of health insurance status.

“Supporting our community’s mental health needs is a top priority for our City. I am proud that we continue to innovate and find new ways to reach our residents in need and connect them to free counseling. This new service can help members of our community navigate, or prevent, a crisis with the guidance of a mental health professional,” Mayor John Dailey said.

Individual counseling sessions are available by appointment from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, Monday through Friday, except on holidays. To make an appointment, you can call (850) 523-3333, extension 3221. After the third free appointment, the mental health specialist can provide a referral to a community partner agency for more assistance, if needed.

The City is committed to building a safe, resilient and inclusive community through proactive, community-based solutions that enhance public safety and quality of life. One community-based solution is the designation of Resilience Hubs. To create Resilience Hubs, the City is enhancing some of its existing facilities, including the Lincoln Center. Enhancements vary by facility but can include improvements that strengthen the structure of the building so it can better withstand natural disasters, as well as offering new on-site services to the community like mental health counseling and emergency preparedness programs.

Offering one-on-one counseling at the Lincoln Center is one of many ways the City is addressing mental health needs in the community while fostering neighborhood resiliency. Earlier this year, the Tallahassee Emergency Assessment Mobile Unit (TEAM) began actively responding to non-violent 9-1-1 calls for service with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. To provide individual assistance, the City also partners with Leon County and 2-1-1 Big Bend to rapidly connect community members to mental health service providers. To learn more about these and other programs offered by the City of Tallahassee, visit Talgov.com/HumanServices.