PIERRE, S.D. -- Capital Area Counseling, with offices located in Pierre, is available to provide assistance to local residents affected by the flooding in the Pierre and Fort Pierre communities.

“During and after a disaster, it is important to know when to ask for help,” said Dennis Pfrimmer, CEO of Capital Area Counseling. “If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms such as feeling helpless or hopeless or becoming upset quickly with family and friends, please ask us for help. That is what we are here for.”

Capital Area Counseling is coordinating the local behavioral health (mental health and substance abuse) crisis response with support from surrounding communities and other statewide partners. Individuals and families who have been impacted by the flood and are dealing with stress, anxiety, fear and other behavioral health issues are encouraged to seek professional assistance. Counseling is currently available at no cost to those who are being impacted by this disaster in Pierre and Fort Pierre.

Individuals and families are encouraged to ask for help if they are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and things
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than you should
• Feeling unusually confused or forgetful; on edge, angry, or upset; or worried and scared
• Yelling or fighting with family and friends
• Having thoughts and memories you cannot get out of your head
• Unable to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

If these concerns are making it hard to accomplish routine tasks that were being completed prior to the flood disaster, please contact Capital Area Counseling today. Individuals and families can also contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services’ Division of Community Behavioral Health toll free at 1-800-265-9684 for additional information on behavioral health issues and coping during a disaster.

• Capital Area Counseling:
  Dennis Pfrimmer, LCSW
  
• Phone: 605-224-5811 (during office hours) / 605-295-2311 (after office hours)
  
• Locations: 803 East Dakota Avenue and 2510 East Franklin Street, Pierre, South Dakota
  
• Website: http://www.cacsnet.org/default.asp

About Capital Area Counseling: Capital Area Counseling has been providing services since 1968. They are accredited by the State of South Dakota as a mental health, addiction treatment and child welfare agency. Capital Area Counseling has clinical staff available to serve children, youth, adults and seniors in the following counties: Buffalo, Haakon, Hughes, Hyde, Jones, Lyman, Potter, Stanley and Sully Counties.

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