The shooting at Allen Premium Outlets that took place on May 6, 2023 left a significant impact on the Allen community and surrounding areas. Many are left with feelings of grief, anxiety, depression, and helplessness following this tragedy.
At times like these, it’s important to remember that none of us are alone. There are many people, organizations, and services ready to assist those who are struggling to process this terrible event.
Crisis Lines in Collin County
If you are in distress and need urgent support, there are professionals ready to speak with you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch as soon as possible.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline :: Call or text “988” to be directly connected to free and confidential support. You can also chat with someone online here.
Crisis Text Line :: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
LifePath Systems :: This service provides urgent support to residents of Collin County. Call LifePath Systems’ Crisis Hotline (877-422-5939) any time, day or night.
Free or Reduced Cost Counseling in Collin County
It’s common to have strong emotional responses to traumatic events. That doesn’t mean you need to white-knuckle it on your own. Whether your symptoms are short-term or turn out to be long-term (such as post-traumatic stress disorder), there are counselors who understand what you are going through.
LifePath Systems provides mental health services to Collin County. You can call LifePath Systems at 972-422-5939 or fill out this form to request free counseling.
Children’s Health Virtual Visit is offering mental health consultations at no charge. Use the code SUPPORTALLEN when you schedule an appointment. This code will remain active through June 8 and is for one-time use.
Here are a few tips if you want to look for a counselor beyond these resources:
- Check your insurance plan and/or your employer’s (or spouse’s) benefits to see if you have an EAP (employee assistance program). EAPs can offer a variety of benefits and often will include a set number of free mental health counseling sessions.
- Read our article “3 Ways to Find a Mental Health Therapist in Collin County,” which discusses three different approaches to finding the right match for a therapist.
- If you’re not having luck connecting with a provider, consider virtual mental health options such as MDLIVE or BetterHelp.com.
Articles and Resources for Parents and Children
5 Ways Parents Can Support Their Children After the Mass Shooting in Allen :: Mental health experts and doctors from Cook Children’s share their advice for parents.
Action After Allen: A WFAA Special Presentation :: A broadcast with special guests discussing the aftermath of mass shootings.
Allen Outlets Shooting: How to Talk to Your Kids About Mass Shootings :: Experts in child trauma talk about the importance of being proactive in conversations with children.
Children’s Health: How to Talk to Children About Tragic Events :: A Children’s Health clinical psychologist discusses age-appropriate ways to discuss tragic events with children.
How to Cope with Vicarious Trauma :: This article gives tips about coping after experiencing community violence.
Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events. This guide may be helpful for parents, caregivers, and teachers.
Understanding Childhood Trauma. This page has information about the impact of trauma on children and how to recognize signs of child traumatic stress.
What to Expect in the Wake of Mass Violence. The National Center for PTSD describes common reactions and ways to cope after mass violence.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network :: Provides educational resources to parents to help children recover from traumatic events. Resources are available in both English and Spanish. The following tip sheets may be helpful.
- Talking to Children About the Shooting
- Parent Guidelines For Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting
- Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators
- For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence
Donate to Victims and Their Families
Credit Union of Texas Charitable Foundation :: The foundation covers all administrative costs and fees so 100% of donations go to the victims. Your donation is also tax deductible.
Official Allen Victims’ GoFundMe :: This site lists all of the verified fundraisers for individual victims, their families, and a general fund that will be distributed to the victims in need.
Donate to our Local Helpers
A great way to give back is by donating to our first responders, hospital staff, therapists, and non-profits on the front line of this tragedy. Below are a few verified funds that will go towards continuing to provide assistance to the professionals who need it. You can also drop off gift cards to grocery stores and restaurants to your local police station, fire station, or hospital to keep them well supplied with sustenance.
Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund :: This organization assists Allen police and fire emergency personnel who are injured in the line of duty.
Donate Blood
Be Gentle with Yourself
