Resource Library

For Parents & Caregivers

Connect4Families Toolkit

Simplifying access to behavioral health services and facilitating collaboration among families, providers, and schools The Connect4Families toolkit was developed in 2023 to help families, providers, and schools better collaborate and connect children to…

For Parents & Caregivers

Disability Rights Connecticut

A statewide non-profit organization with a mission to advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities, including mental and behavioral health disabilities, in CT.

For Parents & Caregivers

National Autism Association

National nonprofit offering resources and support for parents, caregivers, educators, clinicians, and people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

For Parents & Caregivers

Understood

A nonprofit organization that develops resources for parents, children, and youth with learning, thinking, and attention differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing challenges, autism, and more.

Links - National Organizations

The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds

The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital educates parents and caregivers about the behavioral health and well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults with behavioral, emotional,…

For Parents & Caregivers

National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated

This national center at Rutgers University maintains excellent online resource libraries in English and Spanish for children with incarcerated parents.

For Parents & Caregivers

OCD Connecticut

Nonprofit organization serving adults, children, and families in Connecticut living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by promoting early intervention and expanding awareness, treatment and research. Resources, support groups, and more.

For Parents & Caregivers

Autism Services & Resources Connecticut

Autism Services & Resources Connecticut (ASRC) at Clifford Beers Community Health Partners provides training, family support, and advocacy for those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families.

For Parents & Caregivers

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

NEDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Find information, screening tools, treatment referrals, support groups, and advocacy…

For Parents & Caregivers

State of CT Court Support Services Division (CSSD)

The CT Court Support Services Division (CSSD) oversees pretrial services, family services, divorce and domestic violence, probation supervision of adults and juveniles as well as juvenile residential centers including Juvenile…

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS)

DMHAS administers mental/behavioral health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment services and programs statewide. Find treatment providers, educational resources, and more on their website.

Links - National Organizations

Children’s Defense Fund (CDF)

National nonprofit advocating for policies that will help all children reach their potential, on areas including child welfare, poverty, health, education, youth justice, gun violence, and racial justice. Find reports…

For Parents & Caregivers

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a nonprofit offering support and empowering services and resources for people living with depression and bipolar disorder. Find online resources, trainings, and a network of support groups nationwide. Offers training and resources for providers.

For Parents & Caregivers

CT Office of the Healthcare Advocate

The Office of the Healthcare Advocate assists CT residents with finding health insurance, managed care, understanding the referral or pre-authorization process, and problems with health insurance including appeal/grievance procedures.

For Parents & Caregivers

National Federation of Families (NFF)

NFF is a national, family-led organization focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and substance use challenges and their families. NFF works to develop and implement policies, legislation, funding mechanisms, and service systems that utilize the strengths of families.

For Parents & Caregivers

Wrightslaw: Special Education Legal Help

At the Wrightslaw website, parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys can find accurate, reliable information and trainings about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.

For Parents & Caregivers

Resources for Parents and Caregivers – Bipolar Disorder and Depression (DBSA)

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) has compiled a list of resources for parents and caregivers of children with bipolar disorder and/or depression, including support groups, a parent & caregiver network, facts about these disorders, treatment options, and more.

For Parents & Caregivers

Tourette Association of America

The Tourette Association of America (formerly known as the Tourette Syndrome Association) is a national nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness, advance research, and provide ongoing support to patients…

For Parents & Caregivers

Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Advocates for the civil rights, full inclusion, and equality of children and adults with mental health challenges. Learn about your legal rights, advocacy opportunities, find resources and publications, and more.

For Parents & Caregivers

CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD)

Nonprofit working to improve the lives of people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) through education, advocacy, and support.

Links - National Organizations

Child Advocate

Nonprofit serving the needs of children, families and professionals in addressing mental health, medical, educational, legal and legislative issues.

For Parents & Caregivers

10 Basic Steps to Obtaining Special Education Services

This helpful overview from the Center for Parent Information and Resources explains the process by which children are identified as having a disability and in need of special education and…

For Parents & Caregivers

Special Education Resources for Connecticut Families

Information and support related to special education in Connecticut.

Facts, Figures, and Research

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA protects the civil rights of people with disabilities in employment, accessing public services such as education and transportation, and accessing public accommodations such as restaurants, stores, and hotels.…

For Providers

Circle of Security International

A relationship-based early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children. Offers courses and trainings (CEUs available) for providers in the Circle of Security model and parent…

For Parents & Caregivers

Help Me Grow – Connecticut

Free statewide program from the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood connecting CT children and families to community services and resources related to child health, behavior, development and learning.

For Parents & Caregivers

Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International is dedicated to helping mothers suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth. PSI educates family, friends, and healthcare…

For Parents & Caregivers

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families.

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate

The Office of the Child Advocate monitors and evaluates public and private agencies that are charged with the protection of children, and reviews state agency policies and procedures to ensure…

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)

CPAC provides free training, support and empowerment for parents and professionals who have questions about the education of their children and students with disabilities, birth to age 26. Staffed by…

For Parents & Caregivers

African Caribbean American Parents of Children with Disabilities (AFCAMP)

AFCAMP provides resources related to special ed, disabilities, juvenile justice, & health equity, including parent-to-parent support; PPT support; info & training for families & professionals on disability rights & services;…

For Parents & Caregivers

Keep the Promise Coalition

Since 1999, Keep the Promise has worked to improve CT’s mental health system by protecting the rights of all people who require these services. They strengthen voices, share lived experiences,…

For Parents & Caregivers

Center for Children’s Advocacy

The Center for Children’s Advocacy is a nonprofit law firm which fights for the legal rights of Connecticut’s most vulnerable children in such areas as education, juvenile justice, health, housing,…

For Parents & Caregivers

CT Parenting

CTparenting.com is a central hub of useful parenting information from the CT Department of Children and Families. 

For Parents & Caregivers

Essentials of Parenting (CDC)

A free, online resource from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) that addresses common parenting challenges and skills. Modules for parents/caregivers of toddlers/preschoolers and parents of teens.

For Parents & Caregivers

211

2-1-1 is a free helpline for information about community services, referrals to human services, and mobile behavioral health crisis intervention. Call 24/7/365 from anywhere in CT. Multilingual & TDD access.

Facts, Figures, and Research

Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage? (NIMH)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a helpful fact sheet for parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults on how to know…

For Parents & Caregivers

National Alliance on Mental Illness – Connecticut Chapter (NAMI-CT)

NAMI-CT is the CT chapter of the national family and consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with serious mental illnesses and their families. Find trainings, local…

For Parents & Caregivers

Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership (BHP)

Find information on accessing and providing HUSKY behavioral health and support services – for providers and families.  Partnership between CT DCF, DSS, and DMHAS; administered by Carelon Behavioral Health.

Links - National Organizations

Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a leader in advocacy, education, training, and research for anxiety and stress-related disorders. Find treatment providers and information on anxiety and…

FAQs

What is the difference between evidence-based, best and promising practices in mental health?

Over the past 25 years, we have learned a great deal more about which services work best for children with mental or behavioral health challenges. Services that have been found…

FAQs

How do I talk to my child about this?

It is important for parents to be honest and use words your children can understand. A good place to start is by asking your child to talk about what is…

FAQs

How do I talk to the rest of the family about my child’s issues?

If you talk to your child’s brothers and sisters, use words that are right for their age and that they can understand. Be careful not to burden your other children with too…

FAQs

How will mental health problems affect my child in school?

How your child acts at school may or may not be affected by his/her mental health issue. It depends upon the type of issue. Many times, it is helpful to…

FAQs

How do I get support for myself?

Parents and caregivers often say that talking to other parents is one of the most useful forms of support. Connecticut has many family advocacy and support centers where trained parents…

FAQs

How does my child’s gender impact mental health issues?

Both boys and girls can have mental health concerns and sometimes these issues show themselves in different ways. The way in which mental health issues develop depend on many things, but…

FAQs

What will other people think if they find out my child has a mental health issue?

It is common for people to worry about what others think and have concerns about the stigma (shame) of mental health issues. Stigma can sometimes get in the way of…

FAQs

Does this mean my child will have a lifelong problem?

Like other health problems your child may face, many mental health problems take care of themselves with time and the right treatment. It is important to get treatment for your…

FAQs

Will my child take medication forever?

It is not likely that your child will take medications forever. How serious and what type of diagnosis your child has will affect how long your child will need his/her…

FAQs

Are my child’s problems caused by something I did?

It is a common feeling for parents to blame themselves for their children’s issues. Children’s mental health issues are a result of many different things including biological (genes), environmental, family,…

FAQs

What are common side effects of specific medications?

Side effects differ with each medication. Common side effects include symptoms such as drowsiness and changes in appetite. It is best to ask your doctor and/or the pharmacist about the…

FAQs

Is the medication dangerous?

Medications that have been approved for use for children must go through an intense review by the Federal Drug Association (FDA). All medications have risks and it is important to…

FAQs

Is the medication expensive?

Medications differ in price and in some cases can be expensive. Most common psychiatric medications are paid for by insurance plans and HUSKY. If your family is getting HUSKY/Medicaid coverage…

FAQs

What if my child needs medication?

Depending on the type, how serious and how long your child has had the symptoms, your pediatrician or child psychiatrist may prescribe medication for your child. Often, medication is prescribed…

FAQs

Will the medications change my child’s personality?

Typically, no. Medications will not usually significantly change personality, but should affect your child’s symptoms. This is a common concern for parents because giving your child any medication is always a concern.…

FAQs

What are the differences between testing, screening, assessment and evaluation?

Testing is a generic term that can be used in different places and often means that a professional, such as a teacher, pediatrician, counselor or special education consultant wants to…

FAQs

What are the different types of treatment?

There are many types of treatments for children who have mental health issues. Individual outpatient treatment is where your child will see a counselor one or more times weekly to…

FAQs

What other treatments are there?

Some parents choose faith-based support, recreational activities, native or local healers, or nutritional plans to help with their child’s mental health concerns. Parents must find out whether these treatments have worked…

FAQs

What questions should I ask the therapist?

When considering a therapist for your child or teen, it’s okay to ask plenty of questions before choosing the one that best fits your needs. The most important question to…

FAQs

What treatment is best for specific disorders?

The mental health field has come a long way in knowing which treatments work best for some issues and concerns, but there are often not easy answers. If your child…

FAQs

How do I know if my child needs help right away?

If your child is in crisis and is at risk for hurting himself or others, you should get help right away by calling 911 or get help through the 211…

FAQs

How do I find a mental health professional?

If you have private insurance, you may need to choose a provider in your network. Families may also choose out of network providers but may have to pay some costs…

FAQs

What are the differences between different types of therapists – psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, family therapists, nurses and counselors?

There are many types of professionals that provide mental health services to children. When choosing a therapist it is best to seek the services of a licensed mental health professional or…

FAQs

How do I know when to worry about my child’s mental health?

As the person who cares for your child, you usually know your child better than anyone else. As your child develops and grows, they may have problems from time to time.…

FAQs

Who do I turn to for help?

It is sometimes hard to know whom to turn to when your child has mental health concerns. A good place to start is your child’s doctor or pediatrician. You can…