SECTION A
Free Public Assistance:
The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists has noted an increase in persons seeking advice on how to cope with stress and anxiety and manage their mental well-being during the pandemic. We deem it our responsibility to assist the society in maintaining a level of calm, and to help others to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and others around them.
On Tuesday 24th March, 2020, we launched an initiative to help people in Trinidad and Tobago who are struggling with the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. We put together a team of qualified volunteers from the Crisis Intervention team that had been started post-Social 2019, from a list of members who were willing to volunteer when a crisis or disaster occurred, in addition to those persons who were called upon to give of their service.
This Initiative consists of a HOTLINE of persons who would service callers from East, West, Central and South Trinidad as well as in Tobago. This team of psychologists was put together with the specific goal of telephonically advising persons dealing with overwhelming and persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or depression. To cater to our migrant neighbors currently residing on our shores, there is also a special line dedicated to Spanish speaking callers.
EAST: Raymond – 732-2702; Laura – 474-2737; Margaret – 342-1578; Greisy – 769-8094
WEST: Wendy-787-0975; Sally-730-7639; Michelle-469-9983; Patricia-386-2815; Vicky-366-0843
CENTRAL: Deborah – 757-9348; Kareen – 731-2386; Jeff – 689-1243; Luscia – 784-6678
SOUTH: J’elle – 727-6723; Leslie-Ann – 754-0170; Arlene – 722-0188
TOBAGO: Stacy- 718-4387; Marion – 485-7382
SPANISH callers: Greisy – 769-8094
(Specifically for parents who are finding it difficult to cope during this time with very young children 0-5 years, call Karin – 620-8783; and children with special needs, call Laura – 474-2737)
We also have a hotline for nationals living in the United States. Please call our TTAP member, Karine on 1(702) 528-1276
PLEASE SEE GRAPHIC BELOW FOR UP-TO-DATE CONTACT INFORMATION AND CALL TIMES.
SECTION B
Procedural Guidelines for TTAP Members
TTAP also posted and sent out notices to all our members, stating recommended actions and WHO guidelines to help protect therapists and clients against the Covid-19 virus.
Wash your hands frequently (Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water)
Sanitize your therapy space after each client (Surfaces can be sprayed with disinfecting sprays like Lysol or wiped down with disposable wipes moistened with alcohol. Wipes should be carefully discarded after use and hands sanitized)
Offer clients hand sanitizer upon arrival (Alcohol-based sanitizer upon entry can help stop potential Covid-19 carriers from infecting your workspace, door knob etc)
Maintain social distancing (Try to maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and clients)
Avoid touching your face (touching eyes, nose and mouth with contaminated hands can help the virus to enter your body and make you sick)
Practice respiratory hygiene (This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately.)
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, it is recommended that you seek early medical assistance. Be wary of clients exhibiting these symptoms (Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority)
Try to avoid physical greetings and farewells where possible (Try not to engage in giving handshakes, hugs, kisses as may be your custom)
Where possible, consider the option of giving e-therapy (If possible, explore telephone therapy, mobile video calls, online audio calls, online video calls, text therapy, and email therapy)
SECTION C
TTAP Covid-19 Public Awareness Video
In March 2020 TTAP created a document designed to help people (or their loved ones) cope the global crisis created by Covid-19. It gathered tremendous interest both from people aided by the document’s contents, and from people who saw an urgent need for the dissemination of such important information. An animated video quickly followed to get this crucial message out to even more people in a more practical medium. The short video touches on many pertinent topics including general coping, social distancing, young ones and teens, special needs children, crisis responders, persons with addictions, avenues for assistance and a host of other topics. Take a look below and feel free to share.
This page will be updated from time to time. Please feel free to check periodically for changes or updates.
