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. 

• Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. (AU): AU is a statewide peer run organization which promotes people’s rights and recovery.
• The Connecticut Legal Rights Project, Inc (CLRP): CLRP is a statewide organization which provides legal services to low-income individuals with mental health conditions, who reside in hospitals or the community, on matters related to their treatment, recovery, and civil rights.
• Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT): DRCT is Connecticut’s independent federally funded Protection and Advocacy system. DRCT can advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities and has the authority to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect in institutional settings.
• Connecticut Association of Centers for Independent Living (CACIL): a network of Centers for Independent Living, federally funded organizations run by people with disabilities which promotes independence and advocates for persons with disabilities.
• Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut helps persons with low incomes with civil legal issues, such as landlord tenant problems.

DMHAS Resources:

• DMHAS Office of the Commissioner:
  • DMHAS, Mission and Core Values
  • Office of Recovery Community Affairs
  • Office of Multicultural Healthcare Equity
  • Client Rights and Grievance Specialist

• DMHAS Divisions and Offices
• DMHAS Initiatives
• DMHAS Services
• CT Military Support Program (MSP)
• DHOH Services
• Family Support Services
• Language Access
• Problem Gambling Services
• Social Clubs
• Statewide 800 #s
• Suicide Prevention Resources
• Warm Lines

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.
  • 988 DHOH Services
  • The Gloria House (English)
  • REST Center
• 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.
  • Addiction Services Availability
• 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”.
  • ABLE FAQ (pdf)
• 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.
  • Find a course near you
• 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.

• Alcoholics Anonymous (CT site)
• Autism Services and Resources
• Connecticut Brain Injury Association
• Connecticut Clearinghouse
• Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR)
• CT Department of Aging and Disability
• Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
• CT Dept. of Social Services: Insurance and Entitlements
• CT Office of the Healthcare Advocate
• Connecticut Region of Narcotics Anonymous
• Connecticut Women's Consortium
• Consumer Toolkit for Navigating Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse Care Through Your Health Insurance Plan
• 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.
• Governor's Prevention Partnership
• INFOLINE 2-1-1
• Mental Health Connecticut
• New Life II, Black owned faith based organization
• Prevent Suicide
• "You and Your Mental Wellness" by Victoria Molta (Cable Series)

Citizen Involvement:

• State Advisory Board
• Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations (RBHAOs)
• Easing into Secondary Transition: A Comprehensive Guide to Resources and Services in Connecticut

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