COVID-19 Mental Health Hotline Now Available to Physicians

To support physicians and offer help in addressing the mental health challenges they face during the coronavirus pandemic, HealthLeaders reports that more than 600 psychiatrists are volunteering to provide doctors with free counseling services via the Physician Support Line (PSL). As stated on the PSL website, the hotline offers “empathic and active listening, motivational interviewing, supportive therapy, collaborative problem solving, and cognitive behavioral techniques” to help healthcare employees manage stress, panic, depression, and insomnia that is or is not linked to the pandemic.

The resource comes at a critical time because, as shared by PSL founder and organizer Mona Masood, many doctors are running on empty and haven’t had sufficient time to process grief or loss. As outlined in an article published by The New England Journal of Medicine, circumstances including “risk of exposure to the virus, concern about infecting and caring for their loved ones, shortages of personal protective equipment, longer work hours, and involvement in emotionally and ethically fraught resource-allocation decisions” are causing significant emotional distress.

Physicians with questions and concerns related to their mental health are strongly encouraged to contact the hotline. Services are available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Eastern Standard Time by calling 1-888-409-0141. No appointment is necessary.

MLMIC has assembled a number of critical resources to support New York physicians navigating the COVID-19 public health crisis. This information, which includes the latest developments in medicine and government, can be accessed on our website.

Policyholders also have access to MLMIC’s toll free 24/7 Legal Hotline: (855) FAKS-LAW (1-855-325-7529). Our experts are available to help you address additional challenges that may arise as you continue to care for patients during this coronavirus pandemic.