Counseling service adds crisis coordinator

Sunday, July 3, 2005

SIKESTON - Kevin Coffee, MAMFC, MACE was recently promoted to a newly developed position of crisis coordinator for the Bootheel Counseling Services.

A 1993 graduate of Scott County Central High School, Coffee graduated in 1997 with his Bachelor of Science in psychology from Southeast Missouri State University and received his Master's Degree in marriage and family counseling and Christian education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2000.

Coffee began working at Bootheel Counseling Services in August 2000 and is a licensed professional counselor.

Bootheel Counseling Services became a part of MOCARS (Missouri Crisis and Access Response System) which is a part of a 24-hour statewide emergency service for mental health crisis situations. Anyone experiencing or dealing with someone who is experiencing a mental health emergency can contact this service at anytime 24-hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800

-356-5395.

In addition to this on-call service, the crisis response team also sees walk-in patients at Bootheel Counseling Services. If an individual presents him or herself to the office and is experiencing a mental health crisis, the crisis therapists respond to this situation. They will assess the situation and make appropriate arrangements and/or referrals to ensure the person's safety.

School threat assessments are another service offered to the community. The crisis therapist will implement a threat assessment if the school contacts Bootheel Counseling as a result of a remark or action that goes against the Safe Schools Act and/or school policy. Before the student can return to school, an assessment by a crisis therapist has to be completed.

The crisis therapist team is also available for any community education events. They can address subjects such as suicide prevention; civil and involuntary detention; and de-escalating mental health crisis situations.

"Kevin is a dedicated mental health professional who relates well to a wide range of people," said Ron Steinmetz, executive director. "He is especially good at working with people in crisis situations."

Coffee said he is very excited to be a member of the crisis team and looks forward to continue offering these services to the community.

Those with questions or to request a speaking engagement, should contact Coffee or Taryn LeGrand-Lovett, clinical director, at 573-471-0800.

Bootheel Counseling Services accepts Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and offers a reduced rate fee for those who qualify.

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