Give an Hour is a national organization founded in 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen. Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen recognized a lack of opportunities catering to individuals who were affected by humanmade traumas, such as victims of interpersonal violence, opioid crisis survivors, active duty military, veterans, as well as caregivers for these individuals.
Give An Hour’s Approach
Give An Hour has created a network of over 4,000 mental health providers who have volunteered to provide services to those who may not seek support from a therapist or community-based organization for many reasons, including a lack of insurance or high out-of-pocket costs (Stand Together, 2024). They focus on providing individualized mental health services at no cost to ensure long-term wellness. To date, they have served over two million people and have a 95% satisfaction rate (Our Approach, n.d.).
How It Works
Give an Hour offers an individualized trauma-informed plan to promote self-awareness, self-advocacy, and resiliency (Our Approach, n.d.). The organization’s model focuses on the individual’s journey and incorporates mental health interventions to meet the needs and preferences of the individual seeking services. As a result, participants gain understanding of their experiences. The plan incorporates four main principles:
- LISTEN (Journey Mapping)
- LEAN IN (Informed Response)
- LEARN (Continuous Improvement)
- LEAD (Creating Resilient Communities)
Services Available
Give an Hour offers a variety of services, including:
- Mental Health Services: Individual counseling services with a licensed mental health professional within the Give an Hour Network.
- Peer Support: Support groups led by peers where participants have the ability to share their thoughts, concerns, and journeys.
- Training and Education: Workshops and training on essential skills, knowledge, and tools to enhance resilience in different life domains.
- Tools & Resources: Evidence-based information that promotes self-led skill building and resilience when faced with challenges. Give an Hour has an Online Portal known as ResilienceU, which is free for individuals to sign up for and access knowledge and skills.
For more information about organizations making a difference in the mental health community:
References
Our Approach. (n.d.). Give an Hour. https://giveanhour.org/approach/
Stand Together. (2024, January 5). A new vision for accessible mental health care for Americans. Stand Together. https://standtogether2.org/news/how-give-an-hour-makes-mental-health-accessible/