Where to find grief counseling support in wake of Michigan State mass shooting

Feb. 13's mass shooting at Michigan State University left three students dead, five others injured and tens of thousands more struggling to process the horrific events that unfolded.

Licensed counselors have stepped up in response, offering those in Greater Lansing an opportunity to access trauma-informed help. Michigan State University compiled a list of crisis response therapists, for a fee, that people can schedule time with on the Thriving Campus website.

Counseling is available on an ongoing basis for Michigan State students, faculty and staff. Various local therapy practices, animal shelters and businesses have opened their doors for Greater Lansing to seek help.

Here's what's available to the greater community:

Resources for MSU:What you need to know: Counseling offered, classes canceled, resources available

Resources in East Lansing

  • Licensed therapy dogs are available on an intermittent basis, the City of East Lansing said in a release. Licensed counselors are available at both the Hannah Community Center on 819 Abbot Road and the East Lansing Public Library on 950 Abbot Road from noon to 5 p.m. through Thursday.

  • Counselors at Rooted Counseling in East Lansing and Lansing's Old Town neighborhood are offering crisis support for free for anyone whose insurance isn't accepted by their offices. To schedule an appointment, call (517) 273-2706.

Resources available elsewhere

  • Mitten Misfits at 8650 W Mt. Hope Highway in Grand Ledge is offering free tours of the sanctuary to MSU families through the end of February. Tours can be scheduled over the phone by calling (517) 204-0783. "We would like to invite you to stop out and walk through our sanctuary, visit the animals, and take advantage of the serenity that we offer," the sanctuary wrote on Facebook. "We hope that our sanctuary can provide a small moment of contentment and a chance to take a break from the stress of recent experiences."

  • MYBody mental health center in Birmingham is offering telehealth and in-person crisis counseling to anyone impacted by the tragedy on campus and in East Lansing. Call MYBody at (248) 537-2639 or email info@mindyogabody.com

  • Listening Ear Crisis Center has volunteers available to offer help over the phone from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day at (517) 337-1717. According to its website, all services are free and no identifying information will be collected from any callers.

  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Disaster Distress Helpline is available. Connect with volunteers by calling (800) 985-5990. Additionally, a private Survivors of Mass Violence Facebook is available for people to connect with volunteers over social media.

  • If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or by texting TALK to 741-741. Help is available.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Counseling is available after Michigan State shooting. Find it here.