Community Services Division (CSD)
Hoarding Disorder
Hoarding disorder is a recognized mental health condition believed to be affecting between 2-6% of the population in the United States. People with hoarding disorder are observed as having a persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions due to a need to save items perceived as having future usefulness or emotional attachment to. Attempts to part with possessions create considerable distress and lead to decisions to save, rather than discard items. The resulting clutter disrupts the ability to use living spaces and can create unsafe and/or unsanitary conditions within which to live. A person with hoarding disorder can also have issues with excessive acquisition, which may further complicate their living and potentially their financial situation. Hoarding disorder is a challenging condition to treat, but with the right support, individuals can make meaningful progress toward change.
Hoarding may persist for a lifetime, but effective treatment can help reduce the need to hold on to unnecessary items, improve decision making, and aid in organizational skill enhancement. The Community Services Division (CSD), Regional Services team oversees the development of training opportunities to increase the capability of community providers to support individuals with hoarding disorder. When possible, CSD offers live trainings both in person and virtually. Additionally, there are a number of on-demand recorded Hoarding Disorder trainings available on the LMS system for providers within the DMHAS continuum of care to access.
LMS offerings related to Hoarding Disorder:
For help identifying options for the voluntary treatment of hoarding disorder (or other mental health/addiction issues) in the community or to find out more about training opportunities DMHAS is offering for professionals working with individuals with hoarding disorder, please contact Siobhan Feliciano, LPC, LADC, at 860-550-5795 or email at Siobhan.Feliciano@ct.gov
If someone you know is hoarding animals it is important to contact the correct authorities, such as Animal Control Services 860-713-2506, to safely acquire and care for the animals.
If you know of a minor child (age 17 or under) living in unsafe and/or unsanitary conditions, please contact the Department of Children and Families at 1-800-842-2288.
If you know if an elderly person (age 60+) living in unsafe and/or unsanitary conditions, please contact Protective Services for the Elderly at 1-888-385-4225.
Additional Resources:
Publications:
- CBT for Hoarding Disorder: A Group Therapy Program Therapist's Guide 1st Edition, by David F. Tolin(Author), Blaise L. Worden(Author), Bethany M. Wootton (Author), Christina M. Gilliam (Author)
- CBT for Hoarding Disorder: A Group Therapy Program Workbook 1st Edition by David F. Tolin(Author), Blaise L. Worden(Author), Bethany M. Wootton(Author), Christina M. Gilliam (Author)
- Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things, Paperback – January 4, 2011 by Gail Steketee(Author), Randy Frost(Author)
- Treatment for Hoarding Disorder: Therapist Guide (Treatments That Work) 2nd Edition, by Gail Steketee(Author), Randy O. Frost
- Treatment for Hoarding Disorder: Workbook (Treatments That Work) 2nd Edition, by Gail Steketee(Author), Randy O. Frost
- Digging Out: Helping Your Loved One Manage Clutter, Hoarding, and Compulsive Acquiring Paperback – November 1, 2009, by Michael A. Tompkins PhD ABPP(Author), Tamara L. Hartl PhD(Author), Randy O. FrostPhD (Foreword), Gail Steketee PhD (Foreword)
Contact Siobhan Feliciano, LPC, LADC, 860-550-5795 or e-mail at Siobhan.Feliciano@ct.gov