Information and Resources for SIMS Service Pause
If you are in an immediate crisis, please call or text 988, call our local Mental Health Crisis Line at 512-472-HELP (4357), or go to the nearest emergency room.
The SIMS Foundation announced the pausing of most services for a 90-day period, from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, to restructure and develop a sustainable service model going forward.
Over the last 20 years, HAAM has worked alongside the SIMS Foundation as a sister organization to improve the mental health and wellness of our music community. During this time of change, we are working to keep our community informed and connected to the care they need. Many of us know the invaluable support the SIMS Foundation has provided to Austin's musicians over the past 30 years to ensure that mental health and substance use recovery services are within reach. We are working closely with SIMS to be supportive partners as their organization makes significant changes.
Here’s what this transition means for musicians and the resources that are available during this time:
Impact on Services: For musicians receiving weekly sessions from SIMS, they will receive one funded session per month from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Musicians may elect to self-pay at discounted rates with their existing provider(s). We encourage musicians to reach out to SIMS or HAAM to discuss and clarify next steps for funding their mental health care.
Ongoing Services for SIMS Members: Both organizations will encourage SIMS musicians who cannot self-pay or secure grant funding for existing therapy services to transition their care to in-network providers if they are insured. Uninsured musicians will be encouraged to reach out to HAAM to apply for comprehensive healthcare coverage. SIMS musicians needing specific information or support for any current services being received should email clinical@simsfoundation.org.
Bridge Funding for Current Services: SIMS and HAAM will assist musicians in applying for grant funds for current services. Musicians should reach out to Musicares, Music Health Alliance, Sweet Relief, and Sofaburn for funds to help pay for therapy, psychiatry, medication, and other mental health and substance use recovery resources.
Health Insurance Enrollment & Guidance: SIMS is referring musicians to HAAM to help them get comprehensive healthcare coverage, including coverage for mental health and substance use recovery services, during this year’s Open Enrollment. Musicians should join HAAM now to learn about the best options for getting coverage. Email us at support@myhaam.org or give us a call at 512-541-4226, Option 2 with questions. If you are interested in joining HAAM, request an application HERE.
Continued Communication: To stay informed on SIMS’s progress, follow updates on SIMS Foundation’s website. We encourage you to check out HAAM’s Mental Health Resources for a list of commonly used providers, along with helpful tips for accessing services.
Joining HAAM: Musicians, DJs, and music teachers living in Travis and surrounding counties should visit myhaam.org/join-haam to request an application if they aren’t already a member.
Reach Out: When in doubt, reach out! We want to hear from musicians and will do our best to find every resource we can. We know that crises don’t always happen during business hours when both SIMS and HAAM staff are available. There are around-the-clock resources available for immediate assistance. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please don’t hesitate to call or text 988, call 512-472-HELP, or go to the nearest emergency room. Also, use these additional resources that can provide critical support outside of regular business hours.
HAAM has always been dedicated to supporting the health of Austin’s musicians, and during this service pause at SIMS, HAAM will be assisting musicians with healthcare navigation, connecting them with health insurance and other funding options, and offering guidance on available resources during HAAM’s annual Open Enrollment. We encourage musicians to take advantage of HAAM’s membership benefits; it’s free to join. By becoming a HAAM member, musicians gain access to affordable medical, dental, vision, and mental health and substance use recovery services.
Both SIMS and HAAM are focusing on serving musicians as seamlessly as possible through this transition. As we continue to support the SIMS Foundation in their mission, we want you to know we are here and available to help you.
To learn more about the resources HAAM offers or to join, click here.