Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Advocacy and Support

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) promotes the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through a network of statewide services which foster dignity, respect and self-sufficiency.

Services are provided by DMHAS state operated facilities and DMHAS-funded service providers. For information on DMHAS services in your area go to Finding Services. 


Statewide Advocacy Organizations:

Connecticut statewide advocacy organizations help people have their voices heard and their rights protected. 

DMHAS Resources:

Support resources: 

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, is a 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress which can offer prevention and crisis resources for people and their families/friends.
  • Action Line 1-800-467-3135 (or 2-1-1) Statewide 24/7 crisis line.
  • Access Line 1-800-563-4086, 24/7 phone line operated by Wheeler Clinic which facilitates people’s access to Substance Use services for residents of Connecticut.
  • Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE), allows people with disabilities or their representatives to put money aside without affecting entitlements or causing a “spend down”.
  • Advance Directives for Mental Health, everyone has the right to enact an advance directive for healthcare providers to observe when the person is unable to direct their own care.
  • Copeland Center, developer of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan a “toolbox” for people to use when dealing with mental health challenges. Local WRAP classes are offered by Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. (AU).
  • Courage to Speak Foundation, Inc. a non-profit organization which provides home, school and community approach to drug prevention.Programs include community forums, evidence based school curriculum and parenting programs.
  • Emotional CPR (eCPR), is an educational program which teaches people to assist others through an emotional crisis.
  • Fireside Project, statewide psychedelic peer support line

    6-2FIRESIDE  (623-473-7433) Phone or text  (2pm to 2am EST, 7 days a week), free peer support for people in the dealing with or having dealt with psychedelic experiences

  • Hearing Voices Network, statewide network of volunteer run support groups which help people cope with emotional distress and empowering people.
  • Keep the Promise Coalition, Statewide peer run organization dedicated to working for a comprehensive community mental health system.
  • Mental Health First Aid, teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness - Connecticut (NAMI-CT), Connecticut Chapter of NAMI and a resource for people living with mental illness and their families.
  • TOIVO by Advocacy Unlimited, Inc., is a Center for Holistic Healing in Hartford, CT run by persons with lived experience related to mental health and substance use disorders and trauma.
  • Turning Point CT, resource developed by young people in recovery from mental health and substance use issues which provides resources and support (1-800-273-8255 or TXT “CTL” to 741741)

Other Resources including Prevention

The following agencies and organizations are independent of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services although some may receive funding from DMHAS.

Citizen Involvement:

As a state and federally funded healthcare provider, DMHAS complies with state statutes and federal civil rights law and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

(Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Section 1557).


Updated September 29, 2023