Connecticut Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Connecticut
When U.S. Mental Health America released its annual report on mental health access and wellbeing, locals in the Constitution State may have been pleased to find that Connecticut ranked second in the nation for overall mental wellness.
However, that doesn’t mean that the state hasn’t experienced its own setbacks. Data from the state government shows that 21% of adults here are living with a mental illness, while 20% of young people aged 12 to 17 are dealing with their own. In addition, finding in-network providers has been a challenge for locals.
Following a trend that’s plagued much of the nation, there are critical gaps in mental healthcare coverage in Connecticut. A 2024 report from the state’s Office of Health Strategy (OHS) shows that while many social workers and psychologists across New England accept Medicaid for their services, far fewer do so here. As a result, more than 1.5 million residents live in designated mental healthcare shortage zones.
Reaching this group and removing barriers to care can help the state keep wellness top of mind while improving accessibility. Initiatives like the Connecticut Health Strategy are dedicated to improving mental healthcare funding, growing the behavioral health workforce, and expanding non-clinical direct support to individuals and families.
1.5 Million
Connecticut residents living in designated mental healthcare shortage zones
21%
Connecticut adults are living with a mental illness
20%
Connecticut teens aged 12 to 17 are living with a mental illness
Free Mental Health Resources in Connecticut
NAMI Connecticut provides support groups for adults and adolescents with mental illness or mental illness with substance abuse, as well as family members and friends. They also provide Fact Sheets, LGBTQ+ support resources and advocacy. They host mental health awareness events supporting mental health and criminal justice.
PFLAG Tolland-Mansfield offers online and in-person support group meetings for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, advocacy, and online training webinars on topics of trans and nonbinary identity issues, safety, wellness, and PFLAG group facilitator trainings.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Triangle Community Center provides LGBTQ support group programs include a monthly social event for teens and a monthly teen creative arts program. Other groups include a men’s group, a bowling group, games nights, and AA and NA meetings, all scheduled on the website calendar. Their website also offers a newsletter and information about local Pride events.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
Disability
The Hartford Healthcare Support Groups offer group counseling and peer coaching for persons of all ages. Peer-based mental health support is available for adolescents, adults, and seniors, including specialized programs for persons in addiction recovery, persons with disabilities, persons experiencing grief and loss, trauma survivors, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
Disability
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website provides information about bed availability at facilities offering inpatient mental health care, transitional housing, group home residency, or respite care. They also offer referrals for assessments, outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment, MAT treatment, and naloxone access. They can coordinate transportation if needed.
The Mary J. Sherlach Counseling Center provides individual, group and family therapy as well as crisis intervention and substance abuse counseling services. They also offer youth enrichment programs and diversionary programs for at-risk teens, plus support groups, screenings, and a tutoring service for Trumbull students.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Seniors
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
The Hartford Vet Center provides counseling for depression, PTSD, military sexual trauma, grief, and more. Veterans and family members can also access recreational and creative arts therapies. Referrals are made for substance abuse treatment. Telehealth visits are available.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Veterans
Disability
211 Connecticut offers access to a suicide prevention helpline, referrals to mental health counseling services for adults, youth, and children, and referrals to support groups. They also offer an e-Library with information on mental health conditions, crisis services, involuntary admission guidelines, social services support providers, and other mental healthcare-related topics.
Join Rise Be is a peer support for young adults that advocates for reduction of discrimination related to substance abuse recovery. In addition to warmline, they also offer in-person and online support meetings. A newsletter and blog are available online. The website accepts artistic contributions, such as writing, art, or music pieces.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Veterans
CT State Mental Health Counseling and Wellness Services provides free in-person counseling, crisis response, mental health screenings, suicide prevention assistance, first aid trainings, wellness programs, and referrals to free or low-cost off-campus community resources. You'll also find referrals to local resources for LGBTQA+ individuals, undocumented individuals, and those needing support for disabilities or neurodiversity conditions such as autism or dyslexia.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
LGBTQ
Men
Women
UCONN Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) provides students with free individual or group counseling, crisis support, case management services, grief support, and mental health screenings. They also offer wellness programs including meditation, mindfulness training, and yoga. They give referrals and coordinate with off-campus providers and provide assistance accessing low-cost options for prescription medications when needed.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Reach Out Connecticut provides emotional support and referrals for mental health or physical health needs. They also provide referrals for food assistance via food pantries, food drives, or government programs, as well as supplies for daily living, such as diapers, baby supplies, and hygiene products. They offer help with rental assistance applications.
Focus on Veterans, Inc. provides transportation services to Newington and West Haven and is available most weekdays. Transportation to Andover is available Thursdays, and on other days depending on availability. Transportation to some out-of-state VA hospitals may be available upon request.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Veterans
Disability
Coastal Connecticut Counseling provides counseling for adults, families, and children. Play therapy for children takes place in a therapeutic playroom, where kids can interact with therapists while playing with toys, puppets, doll houses, and a sand tray. The website has links to additional LGBTQ+ resources.
The Trumbull Community Wellness Services and Resource Guide provides local community resources listings and links, including services of mental health providers, food and financial assistance programs, older adult and caregiver programs, wellness screenings, suicide prevention, and grief counseling services. You can also access smoking/vaping cessation programs, SUD and mental health support group referrals, and family violence prevention referrals.