b'DECEMBER 2020Puente Counselors Transition To Remote TherapyPuentes Community Mental Health and Wellness Team found creative new ways to adapt to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, with spotty wi-fi connectivity affecting the remote therapy sessions in our rural area. From the beginning of the pandemic, they were able to migrate online to bring free, bilingual mental health support to the community-especially youth.Many community members reported struggles with isolation, uncertainty, and anxiety. Caseloads went way up and referrals kept coming in. As a result, Puentes second biggest challenge has been to recruit therapists during the pandemic. Puenge counselors created an entire virtual office with games and online Working from home, Puentes mental health team developedadventures to engage with younger clients. Los consejeros de Puenge crearon una a platform to connect with young people by integratingoficina virtual completa con juegos y physical activities within therapy sessions. Kids wereaventuras en lnea para interactuar con los encouraged to play activity-based gamesscavenger hunts,clientes ms jvenes.art projects, and even video gamesto help the therapists connect with them and support their mental health. Its all about finding ways to connect with people right now because the need is obviously there.161 Individuals received counseling services. 14'