State and local legislators, community leaders, and others attended a press conference at Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Center, 855 Lakewood Road, Waterbury, today to celebrate the launch of an intensive mental health outpatient pilot program for children and teens. The program is part of recently passed, comprehensive child mental health legislation through which Wheeler received $650,000 to create and offer an intensive outpatient program for children and teens through its Waterbury community health center. State Representative Liz Linehan was co-author of HB 5001, An Act Concerning Child Mental Health, and she is a champion of enhanced mental health services for youth in the Brass City area, including Cheshire.
“Wheeler’s existing, efficient mental health infrastructure, central location, and ties to this city make it a natural provider for enhanced services for youth here,” said Representative Linehan. “Starting today, this intensive program—run by a talented, compassionate team of professionals—will help save lives and restore families and futures.”
“We are deeply committed to helping youth navigate challenges and live productively,” said Representative Reyes. “Providing comprehensive mental health services in a convenient location in our city is a powerful way to deliver on this commitment.”
“We are so grateful for the support of Representatives Linehan, Reyes, and members of the Connecticut General Assembly, each of whom recognize the value of providing high-quality, accessible mental health services for children and youth,” said Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, president and chief executive officer, Wheeler. “During this period, especially, as children, adolescents, and families struggle to find their emotional footing following the worst phases of the pandemic and other challenges, our intensive outpatient services offer strength-based solutions to help people recover and thrive.”
The Waterbury Child/Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Team comprises behavioral health clinicians, one clinical supervisor, and a dedicated child/adolescent psychiatric provider, and support, and will serve approximately 144 children annually struggling with mental health problems.
About Wheeler Family Health & Wellness Centers
Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Centers in Bristol, Hartford, New Britain, Plainville, and Waterbury offer integrated primary care and behavioral health care, addiction treatment, and complementary approaches to care.
Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Centers are funded in part by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Wheeler is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254b and a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n).
Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial health insurance welcome. No patient will be denied health care services due to an individual’s inability to pay for services. Improvements to the Family Health & Wellness Center in Hartford are supported in part by the State of Connecticut Nonprofit Grant Program, the Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority, the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, and the Ensworth Charitable Foundation. Additional support is provided by Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation.
About Wheeler
Wheeler provides comprehensive solutions that address complex health issues, providing individuals, families, and communities with accessible, innovative care that encourages health, recovery, and growth at all stages of life. Wheeler’s integrated approach to primary and behavioral health, education, and recovery creates measurable results, positive outcomes, and hopeful tomorrows for more than 50,000 individuals across Connecticut each year. Learn more: WheelerHealth.org.