LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The city of Louisville now has free mental health counseling for people impacted by violence.
Trauma-trained mental health specialists will now be available at all eight Louisville Neighborhood Place locations for immediate and free assistance for any Louisville resident dealing with violence or other trauma.
Appointments and walk-ins are accepted.
La Casita Center Executive Director Karina Barillas spoke Tuesday during a news conference announcing the initiative.
"It is very important that we change the narrative," Barillas said. "That narrative that tells us every day: 'You don't belong. Go back to where you came from, we don't want you here.'"
Barillas said the new narrative should be: 'You belong. You are part of the city. You make this city very strong because you are here. You are Louisville. We are Louisville. We are all Louisville."
The free services are funded by federal American Rescue Plan money.
The city said another $800,000 will be specifically dedicated to mental health assistance for Louisville's Latinx and immigrant communities.
The city has also set up a trauma hotline that is free to call. The number is: 502-901-0100.
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