In the News

Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem, or experiencing a crisis, and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Toolbox Talks

It is important to acknowledge the mental and physical stressors and challenges faced by all of us in the entertainment industry and offer your team tools to help them better manage and respond to these challenges. We know that the last months in particular have been very stressful and returning to work is bringing a new set of concerns for everyone. We suggest topics and provide sample language that you can tailor to fit your needs. We also offer brief 90 second to 2 minute pre-written talks.

Stop Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation

Sadly, bullying, harassment, and intimidation occur in the workplace on a regular basis. Join BTS in the campaign to Stop Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation. Together we can help stop this kind of behavior in the workplace. Together, we can improve both psychological and physical safety, and encourage a more respectful and supportive workplace. 

#BeThe1To Help Save a Life

During these difficult times for our industry, many of our colleagues are dealing with anxiety or depression and struggling to maintain their mental and emotional health. It’s critical to know how to recognize the signs that someone may be at risk for suicide and what you can do to help. That’s why we’ve joined the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s #BeThe1To Help Save a Life campaign and are providing you with tools which are available at btshelp.org/bethe1to.

Be Scene – Be Heard Peer-to-Peer Chat App Launched

It can be hard to talk with family and friends about how you’re feeling, especially now when you want to be strong for others because that’s what you do – you’re used to taking care of things. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to people who don’t know you, but who can relate because they’re in this industry too. Maybe you’re doing pretty well but you’d be willing to help someone else just by listening and offering a few words of experience. That’s why Behind the Scenes has partnered with iRel8 to launch Be Scene – Be Heard. A platform to interact with your peers, talk about what’s on your mind, find comfort and knowledge from one another, and, perhaps, offer insight to someone who is going through something you already have. Chats are instantly translatable into 54 languages. Be Scene – Be Heard is available Wherever you are, Whenever you need it, for Whatever is on your mind.

Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder Launched

Find a therapist who understands what you do! We have partnered with HelpPRO to create an online therapist finder specifically for our industry. Only therapists who have previously seen professionals in the entertainment industry as clients, or who have personal professional experience in the industry themselves are included. Search for a therapist using a simple search form which includes location, insurance accepted, what areas the therapist specializes in, and therapist availability such as whether they see clients remotely or on nights and weekends. An advanced search is available which also includes such criteria as theoretical approaches, credentials held by the therapist, specific populations they have experience with, and languages spoken.

Registration Open to Therapists for Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder

We have partnered with HelpPRO to create an online therapist finder specifically for the entertainment industry. Only therapists who have previously seen professionals in the entertainment industry as clients, or who have personal professional experience in the industry themselves will be included in this finder. The finder is now accepting therapist listings. If you know of a therapist with the required experience, please tell them about the finder and ask them to register at btshelp.org/therapist_registration.

Free Online Behavioral Health Screening Program Now Available

These free screenings are completely anonymous, private, easily accessible, and quick to complete. They are a tool to check in on a key part of your overall health – your behavioral health – which includes mental health, substance use, and more. They will help you understand if what you have been thinking and feeling may be associated with a common, treatable behavioral health issue. Immediately following each screening you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources. Take a confidential screening today at www.btshelp.org/screening, or tell a friend or colleague who also might benefit.

Free Behavioral Health Advice for Helping Your Employees

MindWise Innovations is offering free half hour consultations for employers with their behavioral health experts. Right now, behavioral health is one of the most important way companies can support employees during this time of high anxiety and stress. To help employers, they are offering a free session with their specialists to provide advice on topics like how to help employees manage stress in this difficult time, educating teams on the symptoms of depression, anxiety, etc., and communicating what behavioral health resources are available.

Show Maker Symposium Debuts “I’m with the Crew” Free Webinar Series

Hosted by Misty Roberts and Jim Digby and guided by mental health professionals, this live webinar series provides an opportunity to gain greater insight and control over how individuals can respond to these times and manifest the resilience to survive and start again when that time comes. The series is designed to provide a very personal look at human nature and the adaptability that’s required to get through this unprecedented time in our industry. Registration is now open for the live webinars which are every Friday at 2:00pm EDT through May 8th.

New York State Launches COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the creation of a free mental health hotline for New Yorkers. The Emotional Support Line provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. It will be staffed by 6,000 volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling. For free emotional support, consultation and referral to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314.

MusiCares Cyber Support Groups in Partnership with ASCAP

West Coat Group meets every Thursday at 6pm PDT
East Coast group meets every Thursday at 6pm CDT

Signup: [email protected], 615-279-3663