There are many resources to support the mental health of children and adolescents in Stamford. The YMHA strives to make resources available and increase access and eligibility to the entire community, so that families can identify support and get help as quickly as possible. As part of our service to the community, we will be updating and adding to the list below on an ongoing basis.
Before it’s time to head back to school, use these tips to help ensure your child has a safe, healthy and happy year: Back to School Tips for Families
How to help kids manage worries and have a successful start to the school year: Back to School Anxiety
As students and their families face a back-to-school transition, families have a vital role in helping their children to prepare for the changes and process their feelings. Talking Points for Conversations with Your Children about Returning to School
How Do I Find a Therapist That is Right for Me?
When selecting a therapist, you’ll want to find someone who meets your needs, matches your preferences, has compatibility with your schedule and location, and works within your budget.
Questions to Ask a Child Therapist
Here are a few questions you might consider asking during that initial phone call or the first appointment to help find a therapist who has the right experience and is a good fit for your family.
Stamford Mayor Youth Leadership Council
The mission of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council (MYLC) is to promote safe schools and communities. It is one of the largest youth activism organizations in Connecticut. MYLC uses three approaches to address social issues: public awareness activities, volunteer programs and social change campaigns. Through this model to educate and, if necessary, confront people and institutions about oppression, injustice and/ or human indignity.
Below is the QR code to access our podcasts, or search AITE MYLC Podcast as we are available on Apple, Spotify, and Audacy.
Adolescent Depression Outside/In – By Kathleen Keena
“…an innovative book for adolescents, parents, and clinical professionals. Keena, a licensed addictions and mental health counselor, takes her readers inside the depressed adolescent’s imagination, and insecurities.”
If Your Adolescent Has an Anxiety Disorder – By Linda Wasmer Andrews and Edna B. Foa
“Growing up can be stressful for any teenager, but it is considerably harder for the many adolescents who develop an anxiety disorder. This book is an essential guide for parents, teachers, or other adults involved with teenagers who may be affected by these disorders.”
More Than Moody: Recognizing and Treating Adolescent Depression – By Harold S. Koplewicz, MD
“One of the nation’s most distinguished child and adolescent psychiatrists shows parents the warning signs, risk factors, and key symptoms that offer important clues about depression…. With solid advice and compelling real-life stories, More Than Moody is an invaluable resource.”
SuperBetter: A Revolutionary Approach to Getting Stronger, Happier, Braver, and More Resilient – Powered by the Science of Games– By Jane McGonigal
“What if there was a game that could help you through your recovery process? SuperBetter is a book designed to help you to become stronger, happier and healthier by simply completing playful exercises and challenges.”
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
American Psychological Association (APA)
APA Services, Inc. is a companion professional organization to the American Psychological Association serving all members and advocating for psychology.
Carelon Behavioral Health (formerly Beacon Health Options)
Beacon offers clinical mental health and substance use disorder management, a comprehensive employee assistance program, work/life support, specialty programs for autism and depression, and insightful analytics to improve the delivery of care.
Catalyst CT (formerly The Hub: Behavioral Health Action Organization for Southwest CT
We support and coordinate behavioral health initiatives (mental health, suicide, substance misuse, and problem gambling) in Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.
Child Mind Institute
The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need to thrive.
Hartford HealthCare / St. Vincent’s Medical Center Behavioral Health Network
St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health Services treat a range of behavioral health needs, offering exceptional, stabilizing care for individuals, their families, and community. Inpatient and Outpatient care network includes Bridgeport, Norwalk and Westport locations.
HealthyChildren.org
HealthyChildren.org is the only parenting website backed by 67,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. All information comes from the nation’s leading child health experts backed by scientific research.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
For Kids, Teens and Young Adults, NAMI’s main goals is to ensure that people get help early. Since mental health conditions typically begin during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood. NAMI supplies essential information and resources intended to help young people get the mental health support they need.
National Training & Technical Assistance Center
A Resource Directory created for clinicians, administrators, educators, service providers, families, peers and all who want to learn more about children’s, youth and family mental health.
Psychology Today
Psychology Today is the world’s largest mental health and behavioral science destination online. Psychology Today covers various topics related to psychology, mental health, and wellness.
Silver Hill Academy for Research and Education (SHARE)
SHARE provides education for mental health providers regarding the best available treatment in the care of complex mental disorders and addiction, and to stimulate curiosity for ongoing, lifelong learning.
Mental Health America (MHA): A Spanish-language resources hub that provides a comprehensive collection of mental health materials to assist individuals, families, and others in accessing valuable mental health resources for the Spanish-speaking community.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Brochures and fact sheets in Spanish on mental health disorders and related topics for patients and their families, health professionals, and the public. Printed materials can be ordered free of charge.
