FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- SalusCare, the largest nonprofit mental health and substance abuse treatment agency in Southwest Florida, has partnered with FISH of Sanibel-Captiva – a nonprofit dedicated to providing food, island-based education, social and senior services, and help to the island communities – to provide free weekly group therapy sessions focusing on hurricane-related topics, including mental health services to those who have been displaced on the islands, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, trauma and loss.

Laura Guarino, MA, LMHC, CBHCMS of SalusCare, leads the group from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, followed by one-on-one sessions until 2 p.m. at St. Michael & All Angels Church's Gathering Place, 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. SalusCare partner Project H.O.P.E. is also available from 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays at FISH, 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, offering open discussions on post-storm trauma, including mental exhaustion, decision making, financial fears and more.

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"We realize many storm survivors are struggling with emotional stress, trauma and anxiety since Ian, so we formed important partnerships to address these issues," says Maria Espinoza, executive director of FISH. "When Hurricane Idalia recently threatened our area, it became abundantly clear how necessary mental health resources are as they relate to hurricane survivors."

For SalusCare, it is one of many valuable collaborations throughout the community to help meet the mental and behavioral health needs of Southwest Florida.

"Many of the long-term effects of the hurricane are problems that we and our partner agencies address long after storms have passed," says Stacey Cook, CEO of SalusCare. "Storm-related stress can damage tenuous relationships and aggravate mental health issues. It is our role to help rebuild the community's resilience to support recovery."

For details about FISH's hurricane recovery and other services, contact Espinoza at 239-472-4775 or visit fishofsancap.org. (https://www.fishofsancap.org/)  To learn about SalusCare's mental and behavioral health programs, visit saluscareflorida.org. (https://www.saluscareflorida.org/)