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Resource Library
This section provides a wealth of resources, references, and links to information and education on a variety of mental health and addiction topics, skill builders, legal rights, and services.
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- Ability Beyond Disability
For over 55 years, Ability Beyond Disability has been the premiere resource helping individuals with disabilities pursue lives that most people take for granted. Finding homes where people can live, providing supports that they can count on, training them to work and then helping them to find jobs. And above all, teaching people the skills so that they can make friends, pursue their interests, feel good about themselves by volunteering, and in essence…have a life.
Ability Beyond Disability also specializes in creating employment and training opportunities for persons with disabilities and the economically challenged. Are you someone with a disability who is looking for a job? Are you an agency, organization, corporation, or business looking to hire someone with a disability? Then check out Employment Resources available from Ability Beyond Disability.
- Addictions Help/Resources - Connecticut
Resources in Connecticut for help and treatment with addictions (these are links to external sites and will open in a new browser window).
• Alcoholics Anonymous Connecticut (Area 11)
• Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR)
• Gambling Help - See Gambling Help in Connecticut
• Narcotics Anonymous (Connecticut Region)
• Rehab Info - A comprehensive guide to rehab treatment (from RehabInfo.net)
• SAMHSA - Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
• Treatment Centers in Connecticut (from TreatmentCenters.net)
• Easy-to-Read Drug Facts (from the National Institute on Drug Abuse)
This easy-to-read website talks about drug abuse, addiction, and treatment. It has pictures and videos to help readers understand the text. The website also can read each page out loud. The pages are easy to print out to share with people who do not have computers. This website does not show pictures of drugs or drug use, as such pictures can cause problems for people who are addicted to drugs.• Resources for Youth:
Teen Challenge New England - Residential drug recovery program for teens.The Next Right Thing - Community-based substance abuse and mental health treatment for adolescents ages 16-23 and their families.Connecticut Turning to Youth and Families (CTYF) - Prevention, treatment and recovery support services for youth and families.The Courage To Speak Foundation, Inc. - Empowering youth to be drug free through fostering education and open communication.Northeast Communities Against Substance Abuse - The principal mission of Northeast Communities Against Substance Abuse (NECASA) is to prevent substance abuse in the youth population within the twenty-one towns covered by the coalition. The ultimate goal of NECASA is to reduce substance abuse in Northeast Connecticut.Talking to Kids: Drug and Alcohol Help Resources - An excellent article from www.recoveryconnection.com for help with talking to kids about the consequences of drug and alcohol use, along with links to several more very helpful resources about kids and drugs or alcohol use. - Advance Directives
Connecticut specific information regarding Advance Directives with links to other prominent Advance Directives resources.
- Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Stigma Resources
Links to resources dealing with anti-discrimination and providing help and education about the myths, misconceptions, and bias surrounding mental illness.
Resources include the BringChangetoMind web resource created by Glenn Close, the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF), Fountain House, and Garen and Shari Staglin of the International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO) for help in dealing with mental health stigma, misconceptions, and bias. The idea of a national anti-stigma campaign was born of a partnership between Glenn Close and Fountain House, where Glenn volunteered in order to learn about mental illness, which both her sister Jessie Close and nephew Calen Pick live with.
Also included is "No Kidding, Me Too!" Founded by actor Joey Pantoliano, well-known for his role in the HBO series The Sopranos, "No Kidding, Me Too!" is a nonprofit public charity whose purpose is to remove the stigma attached to mental illness (brain dis-ease, or "BD") through education and the breaking down of societal barriers. Their goal is to empower those with BD to admit their illness, seek treatment, and become even greater members of society.
• Discrimination: A Roadblock to Recovery - An exhibit of photographs depicting types of discrimination experienced by people with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Active Minds - Active Minds is a national 501(c)3 organization that empowers students to speak openly about mental health in order to educate others and encourage help-seeking. We are changing the culture on campuses and in the community by providing information, leadership opportunities and advocacy training to the next generation. Through campus-wide events and national programs, Active Minds aims to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, and create a comfortable environment for an open conversation about mental health issues on campuses nationwide.
• No Kidding, Me Too!
Also see Joe Pantoliano's (The Sopranos) in-depth NBC and ABC News interviews.
• NØStigmas - The mission of NoStigmas is to raise awareness and erase the stigmas of suicide and mental illness by sharing stories of hope and inspiration from those touched by suicide and mental illness and educating the general public about mental health issues. NoStigmas began in 2007 as a grassroots movement to unify those touched by suicide and mental illness with the common knowledge that they are not alone and to change the public's generally negative perception of those touched by suicide and mental illness.
• Stand Up For Mental Health Campaign - Dedicated to eliminating the stigma of mental illness, including self-stigma, and letting others know that talking about mental health openly is a good thing. Like other groups throughout history, people with a mental illness have been marginalized, discriminated against, and made to feel like second class citizens. Others refused to tolerate it, why should you? 
Join the Campaign!
• Stigma: Language Matters - Adapted from SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services and "Removing Bias in Language: Disabilities," originally from the APA Style Manual, now available on the Barstow Community College Tutorial Center website.
- Asian Family Services
Asian Family Services, a program of Community Renewal Team, Inc., helps the Southeast Asian refugee and immigrant community to address their mental, physical, social and emotional needs in a culturally competent, holistic, integrated environment. AFS is the only mental health agency in the state that concentrates on the growing Asian population of the region, providing services in the preferred language of the client. Clinicians, health educators and case managers help individuals and families deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and the effects of acculturation, family violence, compulsive gambling, job loss and poverty. In addition to individual, family, and group counseling, AFS provides citizenship classes, care coordination, advocacy, health education, and recreation.
- Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
This is a link to the SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services. CMHS is charged with leading the national system that delivers mental health services. The goal of this system is to provide the treatment and support services needed by adults with mental disorders and children with serious emotional problems.
- College Resources for Persons with Disabilities
See Higher Education Resources for Persons with Disabilities.
- Connecticut - State Resource Guide
SAMHSA's Resource Guide for the state of Connecticut. This guide provides contact information for mental health agencies and advocacy organizations in Connecticut, including the Dept. of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Protection and Advocacy, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Advocacy Unlimited, and other statewide consumer organizations.
- Connecticut Clubhouses and Social Clubs
Here you'll find a listing of Connecticut Clubhouses and Social Clubs. You can locate a club by either city or clubhouse name.
- Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
CCADV is comprised of 18 programs throughout Connecticut. These programs provide services to victims of domestic violence. Their services are confidential, and available to all individuals regardless of age, race, religion, sexual preference, class, or physical ability. They offer safety planning, advocacy, information, referrals, counseling, support groups and emergency shelter. You can be immediately connected with a program in your area by calling our toll free domestic violence toll free hotline 1-888-774-2900.
- Connecticut Crisis Services
This is a link to the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' comprehensive list of crisis centers. Crisis centers are located throughout the state, and through the above link you can locate services by town or region.
For Crisis Intervention Services by Region, see:
Crisis Intervention Services Region One
Crisis Intervention Services Region Two
Crisis Intervention Services Region Three
Crisis Intervention Services Region Four
Crisis Intervention Services Region Five
Also see Connecticut Warm Lines / Suicide and Crisis Lines
- Connecticut Fair Housing Center
The mission of the Connecticut Fair Housing Center is to ensure that all people have equal access to housing opportunities in Connecticut. Because Connecticut's low-income residents are particularly affected by discriminatory housing practices, the Center devotes its scarce resources principally to assisting Connecticut's low-income residents.
- Connecticut General Assembly
This is a link to the Connecticut General Assembly website.
- Connecticut General Statutes
This is a link to the General Statutes of Connecticut. The first page provides information on the organization of the statutes and instructions on how to search or browse this information.
- Connecticut Legal Rights Project, Inc.
CLRP is a nonprofit agency providing legal services for individuals with or in recovery from psychiatric disabilities, whether they are in hospitals or in the community.
- Connecticut Legal Services
Connecticut Legal Services is a private, non-profit, civil law firm dedicated to helping low-income families and individuals obtain justice. The bulk of their work consists of providing civil law representation and counseling to thousands of low-income families and individuals each year.
- Connecticut Legislative Guide
This is a link to the 2010 Legislative Guide (.pdf document, opens in a new browser window) on the General Assembly website. Prior years can be linked to from here.
- Connecticut Office of Managed Care Ombudsman
Now called the Office of the Healthcare Advocate, the State of Connecticut's Office of Managed Care Ombudsman is a powerful Independent State Agency that Helps Connecticut's 1,700,000 managed care patients with their problems related to managed care. The toll free number in Connecticut is 866-HMO-4446 (1-866-466-4446). This independent agency was created by the Connecticut State Legislature and the Governor and has a broad base of powers.
- Connecticut's Network of Care for Behavioral Health
The Network of Care site is a resource for individuals, families and agencies concerned with mental health. It provides information about mental health services, laws, and related news, as well as communication tools and other features. Regardless of where you begin your search for assistance with mental health issues, the Network of Care helps you find what you need
- Connecticut Public Transportation Info
This is a complete directory of information about Connecticut's ridesharing, van pooling, and public transportation resources, including train and bus schedules, bus routes, Rideshare, Easy Street, etc.
- Connecticut Shelters
Links to contact info for food, homeless, and emergency shelters in Connecticut:
• HomelessShelterDirectory.org (Connecticut) - A complete list of Connecticut Shelters.
• Connecticut Domestic Violence Shelters
• MACC Charities (Manchester)
• Mercy Housing and Shelters
• Columbus House (New Haven)
• My Sisters' Place (Hartford)
• Amazing Grace Food Pantry (Middletown)
• St. Vincent De Paul - Liberty Commons Supportive Housing (Middletown)
- Connecticut Trauma Info and Help
Links to various trauma resources:
• Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• The Trauma Directory (from Connecticut Women's Consortium):
How to use the Trauma Directory
The Trauma Directory
• Trauma Matters Newsletter (current issue)
• Center for Trauma Response, Recovery and Preparedness
• DMHAS Trauma Initiative
• Warm Lines and Crisis Lines
• Women and Children's Programs
Also see Trauma-Informed Care below for links to national trauma resources.
- Discrimination Resources
- See Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Stigma Resources.
- Domestic Violence Resources
Resources that can provide help regarding domestic violence issues:
• Asian Family Services
• Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Connecticut Domestic Violence Shelters
- Driving Directions to Key Locations
Detailed driving directions to the AU Office and other locations frequently used for AU activities, meetings, classes, legislative activities, and other pertinent events.
- Drug Information from DrugWatch.com
Drugwatch is dedicated to informing you about seemingly safe, doctor-prescribed drugs and medical devices that could negatively impact your health and your life. All prescription drugs have side effects, but some that are approved by the FDA carry serious risks to your long-term health. DrugWatch.com provides information about potentially dangerous drugs and their side effects as well as medical devices that may not be as safe as you assume.
- Drug Interactions from DrugDigest.org
A very handy web page for checking drug interactions. This interactive tool from DrugDigest.com is driven by a database of more than 5,000 drugs, vitamins, and herbals and 11,500 potential interactions. If you or any of your friends or family members take prescription drugs, you should find this web page very useful (opens in a new browser window).
- Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that connects you to services for older adults and their families. It is a nationwide service that provides information on senior services for older Americans and their caregivers.
- Gambling Help in Connecticut
Resources for support and help with problem gambling:
• Recovering Gamblers - Recovering Gamblers (RG) is a group of men and women in recovery that want to see change in the way people with a gambling addiction are treated. Our focus is on both advocacy and outreach. We want to advocate for better treatment of this disease in the criminal justice system and in the healthcare system. We believe outreach has to be widespread and needs to show the reality of the disease. Recovering Gamblers is directed by Mr. Deron Drumm. It is run and operated by people in recovery.
• Gamblers Anonymous Meetings in Connecticut - A listing of meetings in Connecticut by day of the week and town.
• Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) - CCPG's mission is to reduce the prevalence and impact of problem and pathological (compulsive) gambling on individuals, families, and society. Toll-free confidential 24-hour helpline: 1-800-346-6238.
• DMHAS Problem Gambling Services - Help; prevention; training; help for family members, friends, employers and co-workers; resources for counselors; and more. Toll Free Help Line: 1-800-346-6238.
• Connecticut Partnership for Responsible Gambling - In 1999, as part of its on-going efforts to balance revenue raising goals with social responsibility, the CT Lottery teamed up with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to form the CT Partnership for Responsible Gambling -- an alliance dedicated to promoting responsible gambling. The mission of the CT Partnership for Responsible Gambling is to serve as a combined leading resource for responsible gambling by offering information on guidelines for responsible gambling, warning signs of problem gambling, and available treatment services. Each partner contributes to the effort by offering its expertise and support to the program.
• Resources from Connecticut Clearinghouse…
- Problem Gambling Resources, Links, and Info
- If You Choose to Gamble
- Youth and Gambling: What Everyone Needs to Know - General Assistance Recovery Supports Program (Formerly Basic Needs Program)
This is a link to the General Assistance Recovery Supports Program section of the DMHAS website, which contains complete information about the program. Formerly the Basic Needs Program, the General Assistance Recovery Supports Program (GA RSP) is a program administered by the State of Connecticut to assist eligible participants with basic living needs. The program is for SAGA recipients engaged in behavioral health treatment services who are temporarily unemployed and not receiving cash benefits. GA RSP is not an entitlement but rather is designed to provide temporary assistance to eligible participants when no other community resources are available.
- Greater Hartford Legal Aid
Greater Hartford Legal Aid is a not-for-profit legal services agency whose staff helps clients with civil legal issues. We are advocates -- primarily lawyers and paralegals -- who use our resources and know-how to help people who have little money. Since 1958, GHLA attorneys have represented thousands of people and won significant victories for our clients in the fight for justice.
- HealthCare.gov
Take health care into your own hands. HealthCare.gov is a valuable resource for small businesses, consumers, and their families to search for coverage options and understand the new benefits under the Affordable Care Act. By putting the power of information at your fingertips, HealthCare.gov is helping American families everywhere to take control over their health care and make the choices that are right for them.
The Insurance Finder tool enables users to begin the process of searching for coverage options. The tool asks users two initial questions: "select a state" and "which best describes you." Users then click on "next steps," and are redirected to a page on HealthCare.gov that continues with the insurance finder process based on answers to their specific questions.
HealthCare.gov allows consumers to search for both public and private health coverage options through an easy to use health insurance finder tool. Based on answers to a series of questions, the coverage finder produces a menu of potential coverage choices personalized for the user.
- College and Higher Education Resources for Persons with Disabilities
Links to resources and information that can be helpful for persons seeking college or post graduate degrees…
• MSWOnlinePrograms.org - A website dedicated to helping social work students find the right graduate program at the right time in their career. The site offers a wealth of information relevant and helpful to your professional future. The site's blog is frequently updated with career information and other useful resources to get you on your way towards a long and successful journey in social work. Also see Careers in Social Work: Bachelor's Degree vs. Master's Degree.
• Accredited Online Colleges - The web's premier site for finding accredited online colleges around the US. School accreditation is vital to ensuring a quality education. But, determining accreditation can feel like working your way through a maze. Let our site be your guide. Accredited Online Colleges lets you search through countless accredited schools, based on a variety of criteria, to find the accredited college that best meets your needs. Also see Accredited Online Colleges and Disability Education.
• We Connect Now - A website for college students with disabilities. We Connect Now was developed in an effort to connect and integrate college students with disabilities as a virtual community with a voice on important issues. The website is used as a resource by institutions of higher learning, colleges, universities, and groups serving people with disabilities in all 50 states and at least 10 other nations.
• Scholarships for Persons with Disabilities
Governor's Coalition for Youth with Disabilities - Scholarship applications for 2013 are now closed. However, applications for 2014 scholarships will open later this year. Complete information about the scholarships and the application can be found on the GCYD website.
Disability Scholarships - Information about disability scholarships and help in searching for a scholarship, from Scholarships.com. Disability scholarships exist to provide college funding for students who have overcome a range of difficulties in their journey towards a degree. These scholarship opportunities help deserving students stay in school and out of debt, allowing them to more easily achieve their educational and career goals.
- History of the Consumer Movement
In December 2009, SAMHSA's ADS Center (Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion) broadcast a teleconference covering the History of the Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Movement. This teleconference provided a context to help consumers/survivors and others understand the origins of the movement, the challenges that members of the movement have encountered and overcome, and the societal advances gained through effective advocacy. This movement set the stage for efforts to support individuals in their personal recovery and to strengthen support for continued systemic change.
"What is the mental health consumer/survivor movement? Why is it important to understand its origins? Coinciding with the emergence of other civil rights movements, the consumer/survivor movement arose from the need to advocate for changes in the way society viewed and treated people with mental health problems. Early pioneers of the movement overcame multiple barriers and challenges to establish a powerful voice with an enduring message of self-determination and inclusion. Despite the enormous successes of the consumer/survivor movement over the last several decades that include a complete re-orientation of the mental health system around the concept of recovery, negative perceptions and attitudes about people with mental health problems are still prevalent. Further, many people are not aware of the impact of the movement on contemporary attitudes or the full range of capabilities offered by people with mental health problems. Discussing the accomplishments of the consumer/survivor movement can provide inspiration and hope for consumers/survivors and others and spark public awareness of the benefits of social inclusion."
You can view and/or download this comprehensive and well-rounded document here…
History of the Consumer Movement (Adobe reader format, 3MB).
- Housing and Mortgages for People with Disabilities
A comprehensive guide on housing and mortgages for people with disabilities covering everything from the process of buying a house to financial assistance and terminology.
- Housing for Persons with Disabilities
Sources of information for housing and homelessness services for persons with disabilities, including supportive housing and group homes in Connecticut:
HUD: Housing for Persons with Disabilities - This is a link to the HUD website section for people with disabilities. It contains information from all parts of HUD's website and brings together everything pertaining to housing for persons with disabilities. Specific information that can assist persons in recovery find affordable and accessible units is available at HUD's Multifamily Inventory of Units for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities web page.
Housing Resources and Homeless Services Brochure - A downloadable brochure of information and resources in Connecticut from the DMHAS website (in Adobe Reader format).
Leeway Supportive Housing - Leeway provides many services to support residents' needs. Besides excellent direct clinical care, they offer many services for addictions. They also provide supportive housing for the community and many of the Leeway Alumni.
Liberty Commons Supportive Housing - A service of St. Vincent De Paul in Middletown, Liberty Commons is a rehabilitated 1920's hotel opened in 1996 as a premier supportive housing complex for forty men and women who have a history of homelessness, mental, physical, and addiction disabilities.
My Sisters' Place - My Sisters' Place is a safe haven for homeless women and their children who are suddenly forced into the streets due to domestic violence, eviction, unemployment, or mental illness. Through guidance and empowerment, My Sisters' Place helps those who slip into homelessness transition to a future of self-reliance and permanent, safe housing.
Connecticut Fair Housing Center - The mission of the Connecticut Fair Housing Center is to ensure that all people have equal access to housing opportunities in Connecticut. Because Connecticut's low-income residents are particularly affected by discriminatory housing practices, the Center devotes its scarce resources principally to assisting Connecticut's low-income residents.
Also see Connecticut Section 8 Waiting List - Latino Community Services
Latino Community Services (LCS) provides a variety of programs and services designed to work with individuals at risk of HIV infection, people living with HIV/AIDS, and organizations who focus on populations impacted by HIV/AIDS. Programs and services include HIV/STD Testing, HIV Rapid Test, Prevention Services, Services for people with HIV/AIDS, and much more.
LCS's Project STEP
LCS has introduced a new initiative called Project STEP (Support, Treatment, Education & Prevention), a 12 month program focused on enhancing a system in which young MSM (men who have sex with men) of color can access effective and culturally competent treatment and supportive services. The project is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA).
~ The goals of the Project are to:
• Reduce HIV risk and incidence
• Increase access to mental health, substance abuse, HIV, and Hepatitis C treatment.~ Eligibility:
• Latino or African American with a history of substance abuse
• Men who have sex with other men (MSM)
• Between the ages of 18-29
• MSM 30 and older as well as heterosexual men and women will also be served as needed.See the Project STEP Brochure.
- Legal Services in Connecticut
A listing and map of legal service agencies in Connecticut for low-income and elderly individuals. Also see on this page:
• Connecticut Legal Rights Project
• Connecticut Legal Services
• Greater Hartford Legal Aid
• New Haven Legal Assistance Association
• Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut
- Local Mental Health Authorities
A listing of the primary Mental Health Authority in each region, along with a link to the DMHAS web page of all MHA's in the region.
- Malta House of Care
Malta House of Care provides free basic primary health care to the uninsured at various locations in the city of Hartford.
- Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy
The Low-Income Subsidy, also known as "Extra Help," provides financial assistance for some Medicare Part D beneficiaries who have limited income and resources. Those who are eligible for this low-income subsidy will get help paying for 75% or more of their monthly premium, yearly deductible, prescription co-insurance and co-payments and no gap in coverage. See Low Income Subsidy for complete info.
- Medications and Sensitivity to Heat or Sun
Excessive heat exposure can pose higher risks for those on psychotropic medication or other substances. Individuals with behavioral health conditions who are taking psychotropic medications, or using certain substances such as illicit drugs and alcohol, may be at a higher risk for heatstroke and heat-related illnesses. These medications and substances can interfere with the body's ability to regulate heat and an individual's awareness that his or her body temperature is rising…read more.
Also see:
• Extreme Heat: What You Should Know
• Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide To Promote Your Personal Health and Safety - NAMI Connecticut
NAMI-CT is the only Connecticut organization affiliated with NAMI, the nation's leading grassroots family and consumer organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with serious mental illnesses and their families. Founded in 1984 by a group of Connecticut families, NAMI-CT is now the strongest family and consumer organization in the state, serving thousands of people. NAMI-CT offers support, education, and advocacy to people living with psychiatric conditions, family members, friends, professionals and the public at large. Visit the NAMI-CT website.
- New Haven Legal Assistance Association
The New Haven Legal Assistance Association (LAA) provides high-quality legal services to individuals, families and groups in the greater New Haven area, including the lower Naugatuck Valley, who are unable to obtain legal services because of limited income, age, disability, discrimination and other barriers. LAA was one of the first legal services programs established and the federal government used it as a model for similar programs throughout the country. LAA continues to provide free legal services to eligible individuals and families in the greater New Haven area.
- Olmstead 10th Anniversary: Still waiting…the Unfulfilled Promise of Olmstead
On the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law issues this call to action to inform advocates, policymakers, and the public about the vital role the Supreme Court's landmark decision plays in enabling people with mental illnesses to benefit from community life. Too many people with mental illnesses remain segregated in board-and-care homes, nursing facilities, and other institutional placements at high cost to strapped state mental health systems, even though supportive community living is cost-effective–and the right thing to do. The time for action is long past! See the full article (.pdf document, opens in a new browser window).
- Patient's Rights
Information about patient's rights from the General Statutes of Connecticut, specifically Sections 17a, 540 - 550 which deal with Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities and their rights.
Also see The Rights of People with Mental Illness in Connecticut.
- Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
Prescription drug assistance programs that, for a small processing fee, provide free or nearly free medications to low-income individuals and families. These references are provided as information only. While these programs and organizations appear reputable, Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. does not guarantee or endorse these organizations, and assumes no responsibility for the use or application of any posted information in these programs. For more information and a listing of these programs, see Prescription Drug Assistance.
- Prescription Drug Interactions
See Drug Interactions.
- Public Internet Access Sites in CT
Find public Internet access sites, either in specific towns or throughout Connecticut.
- Recovery Core Values
Recovery Basic Premises and Recovery Core Values for the Mental Health and Addictions Recovery System, as developed by Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. and The Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR).
- Recovery Housing
• FindRecoveryHousing.com - An internet site that serves as a referral source to recovery (sober) housing. Modeled after vacation rental sites, this one-of-a-kind service allows users to search recovery housing by zip code, location, gender and more. And searching the site is free! Our mission is to help you find a recovery house, in your neighborhood or across the country…a place where you can get well, and get your life back in order. With over 10 years experience as advocates for the Recovery Community in Connecticut, we realized helping people find a good environment to heal was a great need. So we compiled this Recovery Housing database to help you find a good recovery house anywhere in the country.
• DMHAS Supported Recovery Housing - A listing by city of Recovery Housing Service Providers that are approved by DMHAS.
• My Sisters' Place - A safe haven in Hartford, CT, for homeless women and their children who are suddenly forced into the streets due to domestic violence, eviction, unemployment, or mental illness.
- Recovering Your Mental Health Self-Help Guides
SAMHSA's series of self-help guides providing facts, strategies, and ideas that consumers/survivors have found helpful in exercising best practices in promoting wellness and preventing illness. The information in this series supports recovery in conjunction with health care treatment.
- Regional Mental Health Boards
A listing of Connecticut's five Regional Mental Health Boards, along with a link to the Catchment Area Councils (CAC's) in each region.
- RehabInfo.net
RehabInfo.net is a comprehensive guide for the entire treatment process - from spotting issues to finding and enrolling into rehabilitation. Yet it's more than that; it's also an extensive educational resource that includes up to date statistics, policy and regulation information as well as a section on careers in the industry. An excellent supplement to SAMHSA's Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.
- Respectful Disability Language
Links to information, resources, and guides for using appropriate and respectful disability language / terminology (these links open in a new browser window):
• Respectful Disability Language - A guide for using appropriate disability language and terminology
• Person-First language: The Language Used to Describe Individuals With Disabilities - A resource from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (opens in a new browser window).
• People First Language: Dignity, Not Semantics - Language is power: our words have the power to teach, inspire, motivate, and uplift people (by AU Founder Yvette Sangster)
• Stigma: Language Matters - You finally decide to get help and then you're punished for it, pigeonholed into a diagnosis, shamed, labeled, and discriminated against for life. The stigma can be worse than the illness.
- The Rights of People with Mental Illness in Connecticut
The complete and definitive booklet, written by Yale law student Carl Riehl with the assistance of Attorneys Edward Mattison and Thomas Behrendt, describing the legal rights of people with mental illness in Connecticut. Also see Patient's Rights.
- SafeLink Wireless - Free Cell Phones and Minutes
Lifeline Assistance is part of a program that was created by the government to provide discounted or free telephone service to income-eligible consumers. Over twenty years ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Lifeline Program to help guarantee Universal Service in the US. The Lifeline Program provides discounted telephone service to low-income families and individuals that otherwise would find it difficult to pay for telephone service. To help bring you this important benefit, SafeLink Wireless is pleased to offer Lifeline Service.
SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides free cell phones and airtime each month for income-eligible customers. Through SafeLink's Lifeline Service, you will receive FREE cellular service, a FREE cell phone, and FREE Minutes every month! SafeLink Wireless Service does not cost anything - there are no contracts, no recurring fees and no monthly charges.
See SafeLink Wireless for complete info and to begin the application process. You can see if you qualify here. También disponible en español.
Caution: SafeLink Wireless is completely free. There have been reports of companies not affiliated with Safelink who are offering to help consumers apply, but charge a fee. Apply for Safelink Wireless only through their official website - see the link above.
- Scholarships for Persons with Disabilities
See Higher Education Resources for People with Disabilities.
- Connecticut Section 8 Waiting List (Housing Choice Voucher Program)
The United Way of CT is sponsoring this Section 8 Waiting List website (also known as Housing Choice Voucher Program). You can use this web site to locate open Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists throughout Connecticut. You can also register to receive automatic notice of the opening of Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists whenever they occur.
Renters Rebate Programs:
HARTFORD: Hartford's Elderly and Disabled Tax Renters Rebate Program began Monday, April 01, 2013 and will end Tuesday, October 01, 2013. Applications will be completed at various community sites within Hartford. Check the links below for complete information and the Renter Rebate site nearest your current address.
- For more information in English click here.
- Para más información en español sigue este enlace.
- For a list of all Renter Rebate sites, click here.
Other affordable housing options (from the 2-1-1 Info Line website):
- Low Income/Subsidized Private Rental Housing
- Low Income/Subsidized Private Rental Housing for Disabilities and Health Conditions
Also see Housing for Persons with Disabilities - Self-Help Directory
Toll free hot lines and web addresses to assist you in finding help on several subjects.
- Service Animals
Resources and help regarding psychiatric service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals:
Special Notice…
Are you or someone you know seriously interested in obtaining a psychiatric service dog? AU Graduate Joanne Shortell and her psychiatric service dog Maeve can help! Joanne and Maeve help people with psychiatric disabilities discover their rights to emotional support animals in no-pets housing without pet deposits or pet fees and their rights to service dogs. Visit their website www.servicepoodle.com for more information and to contact Joanne.
Three Strikes and You're Dead…
In honor of suicide prevention week, see Joanne Shortell's blog Three Strikes and You're Dead, a reminder of how the Fair Housing Act's recognition of emotional support animals can save lives.
• Maeve - Psychiatric Service Dog and Advocate - Maeve is a wonderful service dog for AU Graduate Joanne Shortell. Maeve became AU's first Graduate Service Dog when she successfully completed the 2010 Torrington Advocacy Education Course. Maeve's website provides information about Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD), including how to get an emotional support animal, pros and cons of dogs for people with psychiatric disabilities, and information about the laws.
• American Poodles At Work - American Poodles At Work (APAW) is a non-profit organization primarily dedicated to the training and placement of Service Dogs with their human partners. As an unobtrusive helpmate, a trained dog provides valuable assistance every day, all day. American Poodles At Work was founded to provide highly-trained assistance dogs to people who prefer or need a Poodle due to allergies or lifestyle. We carefully select and teach our dogs, always with the end goal in mind -- a joyful, willing and intelligent, unobtrusive helpmate.
• The Psychiatric Service Dog Society - The Psychiatric Service Dog Society (PSDS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to responsible Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) education, advocacy, research and training facilitation. We provide essential information for persons disabled by severe mental illness, who wish to train a service dog to assist with the management of symptoms.
• Service Dogs America - Service Dogs America recognizes that you may train you own dog and supplies you with the appropriate identification to allow your dog to accompany you anywhere the public is allowed.
- Shelters in Connecticut
See Connecticut Shelters.
- Shining Stars
Centered on the theme of education and recovery, the objective of "Shining Stars" is to provide a highly motivational recovery symposium offered free to young adults in mental health settings, educational settings, and hospitals for the purpose of inspiring hope and allowing young adults to "Uncover, Discover, and Recover." It began with a group of young people in recovery focused on developing a documentary featuring the recovery stories of young adults with mental health and co-occurring disorders.
At the heart of "Shining Stars" is a 17-minute culturally sensitive documentary written by, directed by, and starring young adults and filmed by an award winning producer. Complementing the video is a web-based forum providing young adults and all site visitors the opportunity to dialogue with and ask questions of the four young adults in the documentary. It is an open forum allowing all visitors to submit topics or questions and to connect with one another for mutual networking, encouragement, and support.
To watch the documentary and/or participate in the forum, see Shining Stars.
- Social Security Administration
The Official Website of the U.S. Social Security Administration.
Also see SSI/SSDI Benefits and Employment Mythbusters and Social Security Disability Resource Center.
- Social Security and Disability Resource Center
The goal of the Social Security and Disability Resource Center is to inform readers about how the disability process works.
- SSI/SSDI Benefits and Employment Mythbusters
A document created by DMHAS, BRS, and SSA regarding myths surrounding Work, Disability, and Benefits to help clarify common misconceptions about SSI/SSDI benefits and employment (.pdf document)
Note: Depending on your Internet connection, this document may take a few minutes to download (size = 6MB).
- State, Local, and U.S. Legislators
A convenient link where you can find and write to your state, local, and U.S. Legislators and Congress Members.
- Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut
Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to helping as many low income people as possible to understand their civil (non-criminal) legal problems. We cooperate with other non-profit law firms and volunteer attorneys to provide a broad range of legal services to Connecticut's low income. Eligible clients can call us about any non-criminal legal issue, but we can be most helpful to people calling about housing (including evictions, public housing, repairs, and foreclosure), children and families (including divorce, child support, custody, guardianship, visitation, and restraining orders), benefits and work, consumer issues, elderly concerns, utilities and energy.
- STEP Program
The STEP Program (Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis) is an innovative and highly effective service in Connecticut where individuals who are in the early stages of a psychotic illness are offered a detailed evaluation and a package of enriched treatments. See the DMHAS "INFORMATION...Foundation for Good Policy" flyer for a more detailed overview.
For further information, visit STEP Study (opens in a new browser window) or contact Vinod Srihari, M.D. or Nicholas Breitborde, Ph.D. at Yale University.
- Stigma Resources
- See Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Stigma Resources.
- Tardive Dyskinesia Information and Resources
The following websites provide much information about Tardive Dyskinesia including what it is, typical causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and legal options.
Tardive Dyskinesia Center (www.tardivedyskinesia.com) - Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a result of damage to the bodily systems that process dopamine, and is typically caused by exposure to certain neurological medications - including Reglan. When a patient has been taking certain prescription drugs over a long period of time, often at high dosages, involuntary, repetitive tic-like movements can result, primarily in the facial muscles or (less commonly) the limbs, fingers and toes. The hips and torso may also be affected. The Tardive Dyskinesia Center offers the most up-to-date information on TD, its causes, and all known treatment options as well as legal options.
Tardive-Dyskinesia (www.tardive-dyskinesia.com) - Tardive, meaning late, and dyskinesias being movement disorders, are neurological side effects of anti-psychotic medications that can be disabling and disfiguring. The Tardive-Dyskinesia website offers information on the symptoms, treatment, and side effects of Tardive Dyskinesia and information on the many anti-psychotic drugs utilized in the treatment of schizophrenia. Resources for contacting a lawyer and learning about legal rights regarding Tardive Dyskinesia are also available on the site.
- Teen Challenge New England (Residential drug recovery program)
Teen Challenge is a 15 to 21-month Christian residential drug recovery program with an incredible success rate for graduates. 86.6% of graduates after seven years remain drug and crime free, as opposed to 6-7% rate for secular programs. It is part of a network of 10 Teen Challenge centers across New England and New Jersey.
- The Next Right Thing
The Next Right Thing, LLC offers community-based substance abuse and mental health treatment for adolescents (ages 16-23) and their families. Substance abuse and mental health problems are symptoms of a disease in an adolescent's life. Treatment in the community with families and peers is the solution.
The Next Right Thing is located in Bishop's Corner, West Hartford at the crossroads of North Main Street and Route 44, offering easy access to neighboring communities.
- Trauma-Informed Care
Links to trauma-informed care resources:
• National Center for Trauma-Informed Care (NCTIC)
• NCTIC's Trauma-Informed Facebook Group
• Witness Justice -- Help and healing for victims of violence
• TrainingForums.org -- For trauma victim service providers
Also see:
• Trauma-Informed Care on our Mental Health System Transformation page
• Connecticut Trauma Info and Help above.
- True Acceptance
True Acceptance is a dating and friendship site for adults with mental illness. It was established by two social workers who have been personally affected by mental illness, have worked in the mental health field for many years, and/or have family histories. Launched in 2008, TrueAcceptance.com provides an online opportunity for adults experiencing any form of mental disability to meet other adults for dating and friendship without having to worry about being discriminated against.
Co-creators Liz and Mike care deeply for their members. They believe in recovery, change, and self-determination and are "committed to treating people in our community with dignity and respect."
Liz, originally from Detroit, Michigan, has been living in Albuquerque for about 7 years. She got her start in New Mexico participating in the Vista Americorps program working with spanish-speaking survivors of domestic violence. She went on to many other social work jobs including NM public defender, a psychiatric primary care clinic, and is now working mostly with Navajo students in rural New Mexico schools. She works from a strengths based and client centered philosophy and believes that true romance comes in all shapes and sizes. She loves approving True Acceptance profiles and seeing the positive connections being made in the TA community. She knows if she can get hold of Oprah, TrueAcceptance.com can change the world!
Mike was born in upstate New York and grew up outside of Houston. After serving in the military right after high school, he focused on a social work career. Mike quickly embraced the Recovery movement, and one of his highlights was being trained as a WRAP Facilitator in Vermont and taking what he had learned to start a peer support program. When he's not spending time at his day job or with his incredible wife and daughter, he can be found working on the True Acceptance site, reading, or dreaming about white water kayaking. - Understanding Mental Health - Get Help Coping with a Traumatic Event and Learn the Facts about Mental Illness and Violence
More than a dozen helpful resources from SAMHSA relating to Coping with a Traumatic Event and Learning the Facts about Mental Illness and Violence. All resources can be found here.
- Veterans - Resources and Help for Veterans and Their Families
• Jobs and Employment Resources - Job listings and employment resources specifically for Veterans and service members.
• SAMHSA - Veterans and their families are a SAMHSA priority, and SAMHSA has provided a number of helpful resources for veterans…
~ Veterans & Their Families: A SAMHSA Priority, Part 1
~ Veterans & Their Families: A SAMHSA Priority, Part 2
~ Veterans & Their Families Home Page
~ Other Resources for Veterans
• Department of Veterans Affairs
~ Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors - Information about health care, pensions, education and training, home loans, life insurance, transition assistance and how to appeal a decision on a claim for benefits.
~ VA's National Center for PTSD - Fact sheets, tips, and guides on coping with war trauma or a loved one's return from deployment
~ VA's Center for Women Veterans
• PTSD Foundation of America
PTSD Foundation of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring to our combat veterans and their families with post traumatic stress, providing hope and healing for the unseen wounds of war. Many warriors are coming home with visible wounds; countless others are coming home with scars we cannot see, wounded souls from witnessing the horrors of war over and over again - PTSD. We feel it is our duty as Americans to help these mighty warriors and their families adjust and find their new normal. Visit PTSD Foundation of America at PTSDusa.net“A Veteran – whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America,’ for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.’”
~ PTSD Foundation of America
• Make the Connection
Connecting Veterans and their friends and family members with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their health, well-being, and everyday lives. Hear inspiring stories of strength. Learn what has worked for other Veterans. Discover positive steps you can take - all in the words of Veterans just like you. Make the Connection is a public awareness campaign by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs aimed at helping Veterans overcome and seek treatment for mental health conditions. The campaign provides extensive resources for Veterans suffering from post traumatic stress, including:~ VA approved treatment and support resources
~ Hundreds of video testimonials from Veterans who overcame PTSD
~ Information on how to recognize PTSD and seek treatment
~ See Make the Connection's PTSD section
• Guide to VA Mental Health Services for Veterans & Families (.pdf document)
~ Connecting wounded warriors, service members, veterans, their families and caregivers with those who support them. The National Resource Directory (NRD) provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels that support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Includes employment resources for veterans and the Veterans Job Bank.
• Connecticut Department of Veterans' Affairs
• Connecticut Joint Force Military and Family Readiness Group
• DMHAS Veterans Services - Serving Connecticut's Veterans, Citizen Soldiers, and their Families.
• Suicide and Crisis Help Lines
• National Suicide Prevention Hot Line for Veterans -- 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Military Crisis Line (for Active Duty, Reserves, or Guard)
• Veterans Crisis Line (for Veterans)
• Veteran's Family and Friends Crisis Line (for Family and Friends)
• Veterans 24x7 Confidential Online Chat
If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, responders at the Veterans Crisis Line online chat offer help that can make a difference. Caring, qualified VA professionals are standing by to provide free and confidential support. Use the Veterans Chat to get online support anonymously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – even if you're not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. Responders will work with you to help you get through any personal crisis, even if that crisis does not involve thoughts of suicide.• Recognizing the Signs of Suicide:
Learn to Recognize the Signs
Families, Friends Need to Recognize Signs of Suicide - Warm Lines / Suicide and Crisis Lines
As a valuable resource to AU Graduates and all Mindlink.org visitors, this page provides information for several Connecticut non-crisis Warm Lines as well as links to several Suicide and Crisis Help Lines.
Also see Connecticut Crisis Services.
- We Connect Now - A website for college students with disabilities
See Higher Education Resources for People with Disabilities.
- Work as a Priority: A Resource for Employing People Who Have Serious Mental Illnesses and Who Are Homeless
From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, this guidebook is designed to help service providers and others make informed decisions as they guide people who are experiencing homelessness and have mental illnesses into employment.
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