Services

Crisis Line
Crisis Line

The Crisis Line is a 24-hour telephone crisis intervention and counseling service offered by trained volunteers under the supervision of the Crisis Center Staff. These volunteers have successfully completed a rigorous 60 hour training program followed by a 1-3 month probationary period. Phone counselors are always available to listen to problems and participate in their solution.

True
Care Team
Care Team

The Care Team is an emergency mobile outreach team composed of experienced, carefully selected volunteers who respond to people in crisis. The team is dispatched at the request of law enforcement, mental health providers or concerned family and friends whenever face-to-face contact is essential. Traumatic deaths, death notifications, suicidal individuals or highly disturbed persons are the most common situations where a Care Team response is indicated. During after-hour shifts, the Care Team is also responsible for the Center and the supervision of crisis line workers.

False
Mobile Response Team
Mobile Response Team

The Mobile Response Team (MRT) is a 24 hour emergency mobile outreach team composed of experienced staff members who respond when a person aged 25 or younger is in crisis. MRTs provide on-demand crisis intervention services in any setting in which a behavioral health crisis is occurring, including homes, schools, and emergency departments. The team is dispatched at the request of law enforcement, school faculty, mental health providers, or concerned family and friends whenever face-to-face contact is essential. 

MRT services are often needed for a person who is experiencing suicidal/homicidal ideation, escalating behavioral concerns, acute mental health concerns, family distress, self-harm, grief reactions, etc. Services include evaluation and assessment, development of safety or crisis plans, providing or facilitating stabilization services, supportive crisis counseling, education, development of coping skills, and linkage to appropriate resources.

False
Crisis Counseling
Crisis Counseling

In order to compliment our phone and emergency outreach systems, the Center offers appointment and walk-in counseling services during day time hours (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). This short term counseling service allows continued contact for individuals in crisis and attempts to offer prevention of further emotional distress to individuals, couples and families using this service. These services are staffed by graduate level practicum and intern students, adjunct (unpaid) counselors who are often post master's level individuals seeking experience toward licensure in a mental health area and the clinical staff of the center. To make an appointment, call the Crisis Line (264-6789) or Business Line (264-6785) anytime.

False
Community Trauma Response
Community Trauma Response

In recent years, our community has experienced numerous traumatic events (multiple homicides, industrial accidents, vehicular tragedies, etc.) that have impacted entire segments of our population. In response, the Alachua County Crisis Center has coordinated and/or participated in community wide debriefings, group crisis counseling sessions, and education programs. 

False
Rumor Control
Rumor Control

First activated in 1990 after the student murders, "Rumor Control" has consistently offered a 24 hour/day number to anyone seeking information or assistance during times of community trauma. Over the years, Rumor Control has been activated for wildfires, storm threats, toxic spills, September 11th, and miscellaneous threatening rumors encountered by our schools or community. The Center's Rumor Control is available 24 hrs/day to respond to concerns arising from any type of actual or potential tragedy or disaster that might impact our Community. During Hurricane Season 2004, 45,000 calls were received from concerned and distressed citizens. At peak times, Crisis line counselors handled over 500 calls per hour.

Working with other local organizations and agencies (law enforcement, Emergency Management, the Alachua County School Board, the University of Florida, etc.) the Center's Rumor Control is able to convey up to date information and resources pertinent to citizens impacted by community traumas as well as immediate crisis intervention services. In the event of a declared local emergency, or at the discretion of the County Manager, 311 will be activated as an easy to remember pathway to the Rumor Control hotline. Citizens will be able to dial 311 to get up to the minute reports, updates, give damage reports, and seek assistance for non-life threatening requests.​ 

False
Survivors of Suicide
Survivors of Suicide

The Crisis Center has responded to a growing need for service to "Survivors of Suicide," those individuals who have been impacted by the suicide death of a loved-one. Services include a monthly "SOS" group, and individual counseling.

The Survivors of Suicide Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 7:15 - 9:15 p.m. at the Alachua County Crisis Center. Services are delivered by professional staff, volunteers and a number of survivors. All persons who have been touched by suicide are invited to attend support group meetings as little or as often as they wish. If you are interested in joining the group or for further information, please call Janet Greene, Training Coordinator, at 352-264-6782. Additional information about the group can be obtained on the Survivors of Suicide section of this web site.

False
Community Education
Community Education

The Center's commitment to the community extends beyond its direct service to individuals in need. Each year the Center also conducts workshops, lectures, consultation and other educational programs to churches, schools, hospitals, businesses and civic organizations. This service includes interviews for term papers, presentations to professional groups, as well as frequent interviews in the news media to disseminate information to the public. Presentations can be arranged by calling our business line at 264-6785.

False
National Suicide Hotlines:
National Suicide Hotlines:

Since 2002, the Center has been involved in two national suicide hotlines that allow individuals anywhere in the United States to call 1-800 numbers and be connected with the nearest certified crisis intervention center. Residents of Alachua County and our neighboring counties are able to access our suicide intervention services through these toll-free numbers.


False


Due to Florida's very broad public records law, most written​ communications to and from Alachua County employees are public records, and available to the public and media upon request.  This means email communication with the Crisis Center may be subject to public disclosure and therefore, not confidential.

If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD

Contact

  • Crisis Center
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6789
  • TDD/TTY: 352-955-2449

Numbers Available 24/7

  • Crisis Line
    352-264-6789

    National Suicide Hotline
    1-800-SUICIDE
    (1-800-784-2433)

    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    1-800-273-TALK
    (1-800-273-8255) 

    Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio
    1-888-628-9454

    Rumor Control
    352-264-6557
​​

Staff Contact Information

  • Alexandra Martinez, Ed.S., LMFT
  • Director
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6792
  • Fax: 352-264-6703
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Kevin Sosa, LMHC
  • Training Coordinator
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • Phone: 352-264-6781
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Hannah Dykehouse, Ed.S.
  • Project Coordinator
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6790
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Ashley Bobroff
  • Volunteer Program Supervisor
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • Phone: 352-264-6779
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Vacant
  • Clinical Community Specialist
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • Phone: 352-264-6780
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Ariel Drescher, Ed.S., LMHC
  • Case Coordinator
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6761
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Amanda DiLorenzo-Garcia, Ph.D
  • Clinical Supervisor
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • Phone: 352-264-6791
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Vacant
  • Mobile Response Team Specialist
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • Phone: 352-264-6790
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Kelley Pace
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6782
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
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