Crisis Resources for Children and Youth
Find behavioral health crisis resources for children and youth in Connecticut and beyond.
You are not alone. Help is available.
Mental or behavioral health crises for children and youth can include (but are not limited to):
- Thoughts of suicide or self-injury
- Feelings of depression, anxiety or hopelessness
- Out-of-control behaviors
- Drug or alcohol use
- Any situation where immediate support is needed
In Connecticut and across the United States, crisis support is available!
Mental Health Crisis Hotlines: 24/7/365 Support
In Connecticut, CALL 988 or 211
From anywhere in the U.S., CALL the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a network of more than 200 state and local call centers across the country. It is free and confidential. Available in multiple languages.
Connecticut’s 988 Contact Center, managed locally by United Way 211, offers immediate, 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help children, teens, and adults experiencing mental health crises or emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, and/or alcohol or drug use concerns.
They will listen, offer support, and provide referrals to resources and services in your community. If needed, they can also perform warm transfers to Mobile Crisis services or emergency services.
Mobile Crisis Intervention Services for Youth (CT)
In Connecticut, Mobile Crisis teams are available to come to the child's location - at home, in school, or anywhere in the community - to help resolve mental or behavioral health crises. This is a free service.
By dialing 211 and, at the prompt, pressing “1” for “crisis,” you will reach trained counselors who can immediately help to resolve the crisis. Calls are answered quickly and Mobile Crisis clinicians will respond in person within 45 minutes to work with the child and family to de-escalate the situation.
Download CT Mobile Crisis brochure
Urgent Crisis Centers for Children and Youth (CT)
In 2023, Connecticut's first Urgent Crisis Centers for Children (UCCs) opened in four locations around the state. They are an alternative to the emergency room for children and adolescents ages 18 and under who are experiencing mental health crises. They all operate on a walk-in basis (no appointment or referral necessary). UCC services are free.
While at the UCC, trained staff will:
- Provide crisis stabilization support
- Complete a comprehensive mental health assessment
- Work with your family to develop a safety plan
- Connect your child directly to additional services
UCC Locations in Connecticut
Nearly all Connecticut residents live within an hour's drive of one of the following UCCs:
The Village for Families & Children - Hartford
Wellmore Behavioral Health - Waterbury
Child & Family Agency - New London
Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital - New Haven
Hours and services may vary - please check each center's website for the most up-to-date information.
For medical emergencies, please call 911 or visit your local emergency room.
Note: The Child Health and Development Institute (CHDI) is providing this list of resources for our website visitors' convenience. We do not directly manage or provide any of the services or websites listed. For questions about any of the services listed and/or to confirm any of the details listed here, please contact the provider directly.