Resources for Parents

The links below are listed to provide you with additional online mental health care information. The following is not meant to be a comprehensive list, nor is it necessarily an endorsement of the content of the sites.

For Immediate Help

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) - Get 24/7 free, confidential support by calling 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. In an emergency, please call 911.

CTSafeConnect from the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 24/7 confidential hotline, email, or webchat for domestic violence support at (888) 774-2900, safeconnect@ctcadv.org or ctsafeconnect.com.

211 Connecticut - 211 is a free, confidential helpline staffed by trained referral specialists at the United Way of Connecticut. Call 211 or visit 211ct.org to get connected to resources related to children’s and adults’ behavioral health (including mobile crisis support), child development, housing, child care, financial help, legal assistance, education, and more.

CT School-Based Health Centers - Many Connecticut schools and districts have School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs), many of which provide behavioral/mental health services to students or can help connect you to services in your community. Find your local SBHC here.

About Mental Health & Treatment of Children and teens

KidsMentalHealthInfo.com - Informational site managed by the Connecticut-based nonprofit Child Health & Development Institute - learn about common children and youth mental health conditions and find evidence-based treatment, services, and resources in Connecticut.

Child Mind Institute - Wealth of reliable information on child and adolescent mental health and treatment.

Taking Your Child to a Therapist - CT Children’s Medical Center

Why Your Child May Need to See a Therapist - Very Well Family

Improving Treatment Adherence in Teens - Child Mind Institute

How to Work Well With Your Child’s Therapist - Child Mind Institute

Learning to Help Your Child and Your Family - National Alliance on Mental Illness

Why Teen Girls Are at Such a High Risk for Depression - U.S. News & World Report

Mood Disorders and Teenage Girls - Child Mind Institute

Mental Health in Girls and Teens - Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)

How to Help Depressed and Suicidal Teenagers - Webinar from ADAA

Caregiving

A Caregiver’s Guide to Coping with Stress and Burnout - Caring.com

Connecticut Family Support Network - Resources & support for CT families raising children with disabilities (including mental health disabilities) and special healthcare needs throughout the lifespan

Education

Your Child’s Rights in School - CTLawHelp.org

Special Education: Protecting Your Child, Protecting Your Rights - CTLawHelp.org

State of Connecticut Special Education Resources

General Support

Women & Family Life Center - Guilford-based organization offering a range of services to women and families on the Shoreline, including legal assistance, financial coaching, support groups, divorce support, and more.

Legal Rights

Center for Children’s Advocacy in Connecticut

Your Child’s Rights in School - CTLawHelp.org

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