National Organizations - Links American Foundation For Suicide Prevention The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) raises awareness, funds scientific research, and provides resources and aid to those affected by suicide.
National Organizations - Links National Autism Association National nonprofit offering resources and support for parents, caregivers, educators, clinicians, and people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
National Organizations - Links 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,…
CT Organizations - Links 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.
National Organizations - Links 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…
National Organizations - Links 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…
CT Organizations - Links 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.
CT Organizations - Links Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a nonprofit offering peer-based, wellness-oriented support and empowering services and resources for people living with depression and bipolar disorder and their families.…
National Organizations - Links 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.
CT Organizations - Links Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford Nonprofit offering counseling and therapy for children and families of all faiths in the greater Hartford region. They also offer a food pantry and other social services.
National Organizations - Links 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.
CT Organizations - Links U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services – Administration For Children & Families A federal agency funding state, local and tribal organizations to provide family assistance (welfare), child support, child care, Head Start, child welfare, and other programs relating to children and families.
National Organizations - Links 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.
National Organizations - Links Child Advocate Nonprofit serving the needs of children, families and professionals in addressing mental health, medical, educational, legal and legislative issues.
Facts & Figures 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.…
CT Organizations - Links 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.
National Organizations - Links 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.
CT Organizations - Links 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…
CT Organizations - Links 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;…
CT Organizations - Links 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…
CT Organizations - Links 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,…
CT Organizations - Links 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,…
CT Organizations - Links CT Parenting CTparenting.com is a central hub of useful parenting information from the CT Department of Children and Families.
National Organizations - Links CDC Essentials of Parenting Essentials for Parenting is a free, online resource developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With one module designed for parents and caregivers of toddlers and preschoolers…
National Organizations - Links CDC Parenting Infants Information Resource from the CDC for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers. Covers topics such as behavioral health, childhood diseases, home safety, developmental milestones, and positive parenting tips. To go…
National Organizations - Links National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) The National Center for Children in Poverty at the Bank Street Graduate School of Education is the national leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and…
CT Organizations - Links 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.
CT Organizations - Links 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.
CT Organizations - Links 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…
National Organizations - Links 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 20 years we have learned a great deal more about which services work best for children who have mental health issues. Services that have been found to…
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 What questions should I ask the therapist? The most important question to ask a therapist is about their background and if they have experience working with children, and with children who have had some of the same…
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 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 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 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…
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