Connecticut state leaders are working to improve awareness of mental health services for children as the new school year begins. Behavioral Health Advocate Howard Sovronsky and members of the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee are launching a marketing campaign to reach residents and educators who may be unaware of existing resources.

The state provides urgent crisis centers in Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, and New London. These facilities operate as walk-in clinics that do not require appointments. Each of the four centers has 72 daily slots. According to the Tow Youth Justice Institute, these centers are intended to divert parents and children from emergency rooms, which can be slow and traumatizing.

The centers are equipped to address various issues, including:

• Suicide or self-harm
• Depression or anxiety
• Out-of-control behaviors
• Substance use

A mobile crisis intervention program is also available by calling United Way at 211. Laine Taylor, chief medical officer at The Village, noted that transitions like the start of a school year can cause angst due to shifts in expectations, schoolwork stress, and peer pressure.

“After our first visit there, we were able to, within a few hours, get her regulated. She was happy when we left,”

Lisa Paradis, whose daughter has severe behavioral health challenges, described her experience with an urgent crisis center as “life-changing,” noting that staff provided services and referrals and followed up as promised.