Behavioral Health Providers
Your Clinical Partner for Youth and Families with Behavioral Health Needs
Supporting children and adolescents with complex behavioral health needs often requires more than one level of care.
The Children’s Center of Hamden partners with hospitals, clinicians, community providers, and state agencies to ensure youth receive the right level of care at the right time.
Our goal is to provide clinically appropriate services continuity of care, and strong communication throughout the treatment process.
Our Continuum of Care
Outpatient Behavioral Health Services
Flexible, ongoing treatment for children and teens (ages 3-18) experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges. Supports youth in building coping skills, strengthening family relationships, and functioning successfully at home, in school, and in daily life. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management are available when appropriate.
Extended Day Treatment (EDT)
Short-term, intensive behavioral health services for youth who need more than weekly therapy. Afterschool and summer programming (up to five days per week) includes group therapy, skill-building, and psychiatric evaluation and medication management when needed.
Substance Use Treatment & Recovery (SSTRY)
Evidence-based, nonjudgmental care for youth and young adults (ages 12–24), including screening, treatment, and structured recovery support. Designed to engage individuals early and support long-term progress.
Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF)
Comprehensive 24/7 short-term residential care for youth experiencing acute mental health challenges. Focused on stabilization, daily therapeutic support, and preparing for a successful transition to a less intensive level of care.
Whitney Hall School
A K–12 special education program providing small class sizes, integrated clinical support, and individualized instruction for students whose behavioral health needs impact learning. Designed to help students re-engage and succeed both academically and emotionally.
A Collaborative Approach
We prioritize communication and partnership throughout care.
We work closely with referring providers to:
- Coordinate intake and level-of-care decisions
- Maintain continuity during transitions
- Align treatment goals across systems
- Support discharge planning and aftercare
Our team is committed to collaborative, trauma-informed care.
When to Refer
Providers commonly refer to us when a youth:
- Requires more support than traditional outpatient therapy
- Needs structured clinical programming while remaining in the community
- Requires stabilization following hospitalization
- Needs specialized educational support due to behavioral health needs
- Is experiencing complex emotional, behavioral, or trauma-related challenges
- May benefit from coordinated psychiatric and therapeutic support
Referrals are accepted from hospitals and inpatient units, outpatient providers and therapists, primary care and psychiatric providers, schools and community agencies, and families.
We review referrals individually to determine the most appropriate level of care and availability.