In Connecticut

TurningPointCT.org:  Website for young adults with mental health and wellness issues.

APA Help Center

https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/  Information on resilience, depression, anxiety, relationships, health insurance and more. This site contains fabulous resources covering a host of topics and includes tip sheets and brochures available for download and distribution.

Resilience For Teens: Practice the skills of resilience with these 10 tips.

Stress:  Myths, tips, a video, and more: You’re page for managing stress. Fact Sheet available for downloading.

Psychotherapy: Friends Helping Friends:  A youtube video describing how to help friends access psychotherapy.

Talk to a Psychologist:  From the Community for Psychologists in Independent Practice- learn how talking to a psychologist can help you and those you care about.

What a Psychologist Can Do For You:  This article and others like it are available at Your Mind Your Body, a blog featuring psychologists’ insights on healthy lifestyles and behaviors. Fact sheets are also available describing how psychologists can help with the following:

Take control of your diabetes. | Manage chronic pain. | Getting your weight under control.

Psychotherapy Awareness:  You’ll find these four new Help Center articles related to psychotherapy awareness on the APA Help Center page.

Protecting your privacy: Understanding confidentiality | Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy | How to help in an emotional crisis | Understanding psychological testing and assessment

Crisis Information

Find a Psychologist or CPA Member

CPA Member Directory 
Access to the CPA membership directory is open according to terms of use listed on the directory page. Since many members do not engage in the independent practice of psychology, it is NOT a referral service and members listed herein do not necessarily accept patients for psychological services. It is simply a listing of the members of Connecticut Psychological Association.  This directory is not to be used for commercial purposes and solicitation of members based on information in the directory is prohibited.

Psychologist Locator 
Psychologist Locator, a service of the American Psychological Association Practice Organization, makes it easy for you to find practicing psychologists in your local area. Psychologists are trained to help people deal effectively with many of life’s problems and can help improve physical and mental health for you and your family. The Psychologist Locator lets you consider many factors in searching for psychologists, including their areas of specialization, gender, insurance accepted, languages spoken and much more.

Visit CPA’s Social Justice page for free access to webinars.

From CPA’s Marketing Team, please review this checklist and resources for new and returning college students.

College Mental Health Checklist

From CPA’s Public Education Coordinator, here are resources to assist children and families when discussing the conflict in Ukraine:

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
https://www.nctsn.org/resources/talking-to-children-about-war

American Psychological Association (APA)
https://www.apa.org/monitor/sep01/childwar

https://www.apa.org/topics/schools-classrooms/middle-school-resilience

https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/preschool-war

https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/kids-war

https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/trm-h0099396.pdf

Kathleen Chapman, Ph.D.

Suicide is a public health crisis, rates of suicide have increased each year since 1999. It is among the 10 leading causes of death nationally, and the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults.

The Surgeon General developed the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention in 2001, updated in 2012. There has also been an increase in research on prevention, including assessment and intervention.   

Early intervention has been shown to be an effective response in preventing suicide. Identifying those at risk by asking about suicidal ideation and behavior, using evidence based tools, provides the opportunity to intervene. These Interventions include Evidence Based brief intervention, such as the Safety Plan Intervention, and therapy. Examples of Evidence Based Treatment include: Cognitve Behavioral Treatment for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP); Dialectical Behavior Training (DBT); and Collaborative Assessment and Management for Suicidality (CAMS)

The CPA Webinar Series archive includes a webinar entitled “Suicide Prevention in Clinical Practice”, Episode 7, dated 11/1/2019 that provides an overview of suicide prevention information for Psychologists, including introductory training on evidence based screening and assessment with the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and brief intervention, Stanley & Brown Safety Plan.

Resources for further learning:

• A free, brief video on the use of Evidence Based Treatment in suicide prevention, featuring Mike Hogan, Ph.D., former Connecticut DMHAS Commissioner: Toolkit: Treat | Zero Suicide (edc.org)
• A strategy and framework for addressing suicidal behavior is provided by SAMHSA In their Suicide Assessment 5 step Evaluation and Triage, and can be used when planning assessment and treatment, includes risk and protective factors: https://www.integration.samhsa.gov/images/res/SAFE_T.pdf
• The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale is being used across health care systems screen to assess and stratify suicide risk with high reliability and validity, while providing standardized communication among providers. Free training and forms, including the screening version and the more comprehensive Lifetime Version, can be found on their site: http://cssrs.columbia.edu/
• The Stanley & Brown Safety Plan Intervention is a brief, evidence based intervention using a collaborative approach which supports individuals in access coping strategies and resources in crisis situations. Resource for free training on the Safety Plan: Center for Practice Innovations > CPI Resources > SCORM > Safety Planning
• A resource on Dialectical Behavior Training education: Behavioral Tech – Training, Continuing Education in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• A resource for training on Cognitive Behavior Training for Suicide Prevention: Training Opportunities | Penn Center for the Prevention of Suicide | Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (upenn.edu)
• A resource Collaborative Assessment and Management for Suicidality: Suicide Prevention Training & Risk Assessment | CAMS-care Therapy
• The Zero Suicide Initiative represents the goal of suicide as preventable, rather than inevitable. It is a resource for best practices in multiple settings including evidence based and empirically supported assessment tools and interventions to prevent suicide. Information on tools and training, including readings, videos, and linkscan be found on their website in the tool kit tab: http://zerosuicide.sprc.org/toolkit
• The Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board is a useful source of information on prevention and, support for those who have experienced loss by suicide, with resources in Connecticut and nationally. Among the many resources there is a free book, “Gizmo’s Guide to Pawesome Mental Health” developed for youth on identifying emotions and using coping strategies based on the Stanley and Brown Safety plan: http://www.preventsuicidect.org/
• Gizmos Guide to Pawesome Mental Health can be viewed under the “Materials” tab. In Connecticut, we can order free books under the “Order Materials” tab.
• There is also a website designed to support youth mental health developed through the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board and Garret Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention grant funds. It includes interactive activities to support mental health for youth, as well as  resources: Gizmo 4 Mental Health
• The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ (DMHAS) website contains a listing of resources on suicide prevention and supports for families and individuals: http://www.ct.gov/dmhas/cwp/view.asp?q=382062
• Reducing access to lethal means is important in suicide prevention. Information on safeguarding firearms for individuals at risk for harm to self or others, from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection: Firearm Safety Warrants (JDP-CL-140) (ct.gov)
• Information from the Veteran’s Administration on safe gun storage: Suicide Prevention is Everyone’s Business: A Toolkit for Safe Firearm Storage in Your Community (va.gov)
• The organization, Connecticut Against Gun Violence, promotes gun safety and is a source of information on the Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO) CT Against Gun Violence (cagv.org)

EDTF Mission Statement:  We are a group of ethnically and racially diverse professionals and students who promote culturally competent services and mental health.

MindStylz is a collaborative project between hair stylists, barbers, and the Ethnic Diversity Task Force (EDTF) of the Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA).  Its mission is to promote mental health awareness among hair stylists, barbers, and their clients in communities of color.

MindStylz is grateful for funding received from The Connecticut Psychological Foundation (CPF).  Contributions to the Connecticut Psychological Foundation can be earmarked for MindStylz. To  donate to the MindStylz project, visit the CPF page HERE.

Purpose.  The purpose of MindStylz is to empower communities of color in the following ways:

• increase education about mental health in communities of color
• gain greater acceptance of psychological care and treatment
• provide easier access to community mental health services
• increase access to mental health providers from ethnically and racially diverse backgrounds

Why are hair care professionals so important? In communities of color, people feel more comfortable talking about their lives to hair stylists and barbers than to their own doctors. Sometimes these clients ask for advice from their hair care professionals, and such advice could be difficult to provide. MindStylz is here to help provide resources and connections. We want to help hair stylists and barbers make their clients look good and feel good.

Barriers.  Historically, the field of psychology has not considered and/or respected cultural differences. There were direct and indirect biases and stereotyping among clinicians. Numerous barriers kept communities of color from accessing mental health services. Some of them are intrinsic to the community cultures, others are society-based:

• social stigma
• minimal mental health facilities
• limited availability of clinicians of color
• language
• cost

Directory of Mental Health Professionals of Color and a list of local mental health facilities that can help you refer any clients that you may think are at risk for anxiety, depression, or other problems. Available for download here with Acrobat Reader.

MindStylz in the news.

Contact Us.  If you would like to know more about MindStylz, to get involved, participate in a training session, receive additional resources, donate, or become a sponsor, please contact our EDTF chairperson, Dr. Jan Owens-Lane.

                                                                   Read more about our initiative at MindStylz.org.

The Disaster Response Network (DRN) is a national network of approximately 2500 volunteer psychologists with training in disaster response who offer volunteer assistance to relief workers, survivors, and victims’ families after man-made or natural disasters. The DRN is the result of collaboration between the American Psychological Association and the American Red Cross.

DRN History:  After identifying a need to manage the stress experienced by its relief workers at disaster sites, the American Red Cross entered into a Statement of Understanding with the American Psychological Association to add a disaster mental health function to the services it offers. This agreement led to the development of APA’s Disaster Response Network in 1991.

The DRN has more than 2,000 members nationwide. The DRN is currently developing an online database to track and provide information to these members. The network is comprised of state psychological association DRN programs, which are managed on a state-by-state basis. APA’s DRN office serves as an information resource and a liaison between the states and the American Red Cross.

Professional Resources:  Reflections on Katrina:  An article in the Winter, 2005 issue of the Connecticut Psychologist by Jill Silverman, Ph.D., a CPA member, about her experience in Louisiana after hurricane Katrina. She went to Louisiana under the auspices of the American Red Cross and wrote about her experiences.

Helpful Resources for dealing with natural and man-made disasters from the American Psychological Association, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Education and more:

• Disaster Distress Helpline
• Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
• Managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting
• An interview with Joel Dvoskin, PhD: A mental health expert explains how to recognize danger signs, talk to children about tragedy, and more 
• Tips for talking with and helping children and youth cope after a disaster or traumatic event: A guide for parents, caregivers, and teachers
• Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Students and Teachers: Listen, Protect, Connect – Model & Teach
• Listen, Protect, Connect – Model and Teach
• After a Loved One Dies – how children grieve and how parents and other adults can support them
• School Crisis Guide: Help and Healing in a Time of Crisis
• Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event.

Candice Weigle-Spier, PsyD , Connecticut’s DRN Coordinator, can be reached at: cweigle-spier@connpsych.org.

Join Us: For more information about joining the DRN or Red Cross trainings in our state, contact info@connpsych.org and put DRN in the subject of your email.  For upcoming training opportunities, see info from the Red Cross.

OUR MISSION:

• Education: We conduct presentations, panels, and workshops designed to (1) share best practices for creating and sustaining psychological health in the workplace, and (2) address complex and timely issues affecting employee health and wellbeing and organizational performance.
• Resources: We provide articles, evidenced based research, links to professional resources, tips, tools and other resources to help you create a work environment where your employees and your organization can thrive.
• Recognition: We conduct an awards program for small, medium and large businesses and non-profit organizations that demonstrate excellence in promoting psychologically healthy workplace practices, policies and programs and a commitment to balance the promotion of employee health and wellbeing with organization performance. Applicants are evaluated on workplace practices in 5 areas:
  • Employee Involvement
  • Health and Safety
  • Employee Growth and Development
  • Work-Life Balance
  • Employee Recognition

APPLY TODAY:

The 2017 Award Program is now open. For information about nominating an organization or to inquire about the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Programs mission and awards recognition process, please contact a member of our Psychologically Healthy Workplace Committee below. There is no cost to apply. Applicants may begin the process by registering at www.phwa.org/app/login.php.

2014 AWARD WINNER:

Congratulations to Framework of Stamford, CT! Framework is the recipient of CPA’s 2014 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award and one of three recipients of The American Psychological Association’s 2014 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards’ (PHWA) Best Practices Honors.  More information about Framework and the 2014 awards can be found here.

PAST AWARD WINNERS:

Congratulations to the following, twenty-four Connecticut organizations, which have been recognized as Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award Winners since the year 2000:

• Framework LLC
• Leadership Greater Hartford
• Liberty Bank
• NAFI CT
• North HavenAcademy
• Taunton Press
• Waterbury Regional Chamber
• YardApes
• The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
• Pratt & Whitney United      Technologies Corp.
• Coldstone Creamery, Middletown
• Robert Reby & Co., Inc.
• Planned Parenthood of Connecticut
• Futures, Inc.
• Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services
• Wheeler Clinic
• GaylordHospital
• Reflexite Americas
• FleetBoston Financial
• American Eagle Credit Union
• ConnecticutAudubon      Center at Glastonbury
• CRN International
• United Way of Connecticut, Inc.
• The Bushnell

Psychologically Healthy Workplace Committee:

The committee responsible for implementing this program is made up of a network of psychologists, organizational consultants, business leaders, educators, and informed professionals who volunteer their time, commitment, and expertise.

Click to email members:
Marianne Pantalon, Ph.D., Chair hello@mariannepantalon.com
David C. Tate, Ph.D., (Past Chair) david@tate-consulting.com
Dana Gionta, Ph.D. (Past Co-Chair) dr.gionta@gmail.com
Jean Stetz-Puchalski, M.A., I/O (Past Co-Chair) jean@individualdifferences.com
Scott Serviss, Psy.D. sserviss@solutions-eap.com
Bridget Cooper, Ed.D. bridget@drbridgetcooper.com
Daryn David, Ph.D. daryn@tate-consulting.com

Meet our Connecticut Award Winners!

Congratulations to our last award recipient Framework of Stamford, CT! Framework is the recipient of CPA’s 2014 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award and one of three recipients of The American Psychological Association’s 2014 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards’ (PHWA) x. More information about Framework can be found here.

2014 Award Winner:
Congratulations to Framework of Stamford, CT! Framework is the recipient of CPA’s 2014 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award and one of three recipients of The American Psychological Association’s 2014 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards’ (PHWA) Best Practices Honors. More information about Framework and the 2014 awards can be found here.

https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/mental-health-issues-facing-the-black-community

https://pr4tb8rrj317wdwt3xlafg2p-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CCTC_Socially-Responsive-HSP-Ed-Training_v7.pdf

Compiled by Elaine Ducharme, Ph.D, ABPP

1. SOS: A Handbook for Survivors of Suicide by Jeffrey Jackson can be very helpful.  It’s about 30 pages and is free online; just Google the title.  Thus it’s really easy to access. It is intended to be a “bite-sized overview”. It focuses on a wide range of feelings with empathy and sensitivity. It was written in 2003, some of the stats/references are dated.
2. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This is the text to the page that has some links regarding help for teens and children: https://afsp.org/search-results/?query=resources%
3. 20for%20teenshttps://afsp.org/ive-lost-someone
4. This book is from The Dougy Center and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. You can just download it or print it. https://aws-fetch.s3.amazonaws.com/flipbooks/childrenteenssuicideloss/index.html?page=1
5. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1879651580/?coliid=I28KDDEKU2D88K&colid=YIU11K0XK6PT&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
6. Overall resources and numbers from a google search: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hl=en-us&ei=dhE3X8TcFN2GytMP0_SF8As&q=suicide+resources+for+survivors&oq=suicide+resources+for+survivors&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAMyBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBQghEKABMggIIRAWEB0QHjoCCAA6BggAEAgQHjoFCAAQzQI6AggpOgUIIRCrAjoHCCEQChCgAVD9e1jL0AFgudMBaABwAHgAgAGjAYgBgAqSAQQxMi4zmAEAoAEBwAEB&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp