With the new school year under way, Connecticut officials are working to raise awareness of urgent mental‑health crisis centers that serve children and families. The state currently operates walk‑in clinics in Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury and New London, each offering 72 daily slots for immediate help with issues ranging from suicidal thoughts to severe anxiety, out‑of‑control behaviors and substance use.
State‑wide marketing push
Behavioral Health Advocate Howard Sovronsky says many residents and educators still aren’t aware of these resources. To change that, Sovronsky and members of the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee are launching a statewide marketing campaign aimed at parents, teachers and community leaders.
Family testimony highlights impact
Lisa Paradis, whose daughter faces serious behavioral‑health challenges, described her experience at one of the urgent crisis centers as “life‑changing.” She said the center helped regulate her daughter within hours, provided immediate services and referrals, and followed up as promised.
Medical perspective on school‑year stress
Laine Taylor, chief medical officer at The Village, explained that the start of a school year often brings heightened stress for children—new expectations, academic pressure and the desire to fit in with peers. Those stressors can trigger or worsen mental‑health concerns.
“When big life changes occur, it causes a lot of angst,” Taylor said. “Even before problems become obvious, creating space to check in with your kids is important.”
How parents can use the resources
The urgent crisis centers operate as walk‑in clinics, so no appointment is needed. United Way also offers crisis support through the 211 and 988 hotlines, with callers potentially referred to a mobile crisis team that can respond in the community.
Taylor advises parents to watch for changes in sleeping patterns, eating habits, social interaction and motivation for activities such as sports. Those shifts can signal that a child is struggling and merit a conversation.
Parents can call an urgent crisis center, dial 211, or reach the 988 suicide‑prevention line for advice. “You don’t have to be in a severe crisis to use these resources,” Taylor emphasized. “A quick call can help you get the support you need before things escalate.”
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
