| GUIDE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES
We know this year has been a challenging one for many of us and our families. If you or a loved one are struggling with emotional, mental, or behavioral health, please find below a list of resources and phone numbers carefully compiled by mental health professionals and clergy. These are places that you or family members can call to seek out help. Also know that our clergy are here always to talk to you or a family member who may be struggling right now. We want our synagogue community to be a support for those seeking or struggling with their emotional, mental, or behavioral health. Wishing you all a Shabbat shalom.
National Resources
Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741
Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
(800) 826-3632 www.dbsalliance.org/
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a leading national organization focusing on mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder. DBSA offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support services online 24/7.
Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUS to 66746
The Disaster Distress Helpline, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster.
Kids in Crisis: 203-661-1911
Whether you’re a child, parent, relative, teacher, therapist, doctor, neighbor, friend, or anyone else concerned about the welfare of a child, any time of the day or night, there is always a live counselor on the end of the phone. These trained Crisis Counselors are available to provide immediate help and assess services needed to address and work through any situation.
Mental Health America
1-800-969-6642 www.nmha.org
Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all.
Mobile Psychiatric Crises: 2-1-1 Option 1
Mental health crisis intervention services are provided by teams of mental health workers who intervene in situations where an individual’s mental or emotional condition results in behavior which constitutes an imminent danger to him or herself or to another.
Mobile crisis teams visit people in their homes or community sites, and others meet clients in clinics or hospital emergency rooms.
National Eating Disorders Association
800-931-2237 www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Contact the Helpline for support, resources, and treatment options for yourself or a loved one. This helpline provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (8255) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved one.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
This is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Veterans Crisis Line – 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
Connecticut Resources:
Brain Injury Alliance of Ct
860.219.0291
BIAC sponsors approximately 18 support groups throughout Connecticut, giving individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers the opportunity to connect and share their stories.
The C.A.R.E.S. Group Inc.
Provides substance abuse education and hosts regular meetings in several towns including Trumbull, Shelton and Stratford. They support friends, family and those recovering with substance abuse problems.
Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
860-418-7000 1 (800 ) HOPE-153 or 211
www.ct.gov/dmhas
CT Suicide Prevention
Call 2-1-1 www.preventsuicide.org
CT Youth Services Association
www.ctyouthservices.org/Find
CT Community for Addiction Recovery
800.708.9145 https://ccar.us
Ct Family Support Network (CTFSN)-Parents Supporting Parents
https://ctfsn.org/parents-supporting-parents/
877-376-2329 or email commsdirector@ctfsn.org
Online meetings:
Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center (GBCMHC)
1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
PH: 203-551-7400 FAX: 203-551-7691
Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County
203-921-4161
Provides Support groups and workshops include topics such as divorce, bereavement, parenting, elder care, and health issues.
Kids in Crises-Lighthouse LGBTQ Youth Group
Avon Theater 272 Bedford St, Stamford
203-622-6556
Meetings held every Tuesday 5PM-6:45 PM
LifeBridge/Fairfield Counseling
203-255-5777 125 Penfield Road, Fairfield
LifeBridge helps adults, youths, and families by providing the tools that strengthen their ability to cope, adapt, and overcome challenges.
Mental Health Ct
800-842-1501
MHC offers a variety of programs and services to promote recovery for people with mental health conditions, including residential services, supported and transitional employment, support education, psychosocial rehabilitation, peer support services and case management.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Fairfield
First Congregational Church 148 Beech Road Fairfield 203.586.0826
Peer-led support groups for adult family members of individuals living with mental illness. Support groups are led by trained facilitators. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
True Colors (Sexual Minority Youth and Family Services)
860-232-0050 www.ourtruecolors.org
Provide education, advocacy, and support to LGBTQ+ youth, their families, communities, and those who work with them.
Turning Point Ct
www.turningpoint.org
Website for youth and young adults
A few possible suggestions on how to find an individual, couples or family therapist during these times when many therapists have limited availability:
Call your insurance company or check their website to obtain a list of the behavioral health providers in your area covered by your insurance. Also check your out of network benefits as this can potentially expand your options. If you do not have insurance, there are therapists that might reduce their fees, interns who may charge a lower fee, or community mental health centers that work on a sliding scale based on your ability to pay.
Ask your primary care provider or any trusting medical provider for referrals.
If you contact a mental health provider and they do not have any availability, ask if they have a waiting list and if you can add your name to the list. Call back as it is not uncommon for a therapist’s schedule to change and for an opening to become available unexpectedly. You can also ask the therapist if they know of any colleagues who are taking new patients.
Psychology Today at www.psychologytoday.com is a good resource to find providers in your area. You can obtain information from the website about a therapist’s location, credentials, areas of specialty, fee structure and treatment modality.
You may be able to get an appointment through a local College or University clinic. These on campus outpatient clinics are staffed by clinicians in training who are being supervised by senior clinicians. For example, Fairfield University has the Kaslow Center in which advanced graduate students, under the supervision of professional faculty and supervisors, provide clinical services to individuals, couples, and families from the community. Their number is (203) 254-4000, ext. 2306.
Alzheimer’s Association link:
https://act.alz.org/
Help with Medicare Issues (Congregant Jerry Demner)
email: Medicarehelper@optimum.net |
