| Crisis Resource Directory
In the Japanese language the closest translation of the word "crisis" is "opportunity for change". It is our hope that this booklet will be used with the belief and attitude that crises and times of trouble have the ability to make one stronger and more resilient.
This guide has been prepared by Wilton Youth Services with assistance from Wilton High School Peervention students and Wilton Youth Council members.
It was developed to create awareness in young people, their families and their friends as to the signs of crisis and trouble. It is not intended as a diagnostic tool, but as a guide in finding assistance in our area.
If you have questions or comments about this guide, please feel free to contact Wilton Youth Services:
Wilton Youth Services Comstock Community Center 180 School Road Wilton, CT. 06897 (203) 834-6241
Contents
I. Emergencies................2
II. Crises..................2-6
III. Life Stresses and Times of Trouble......7
IV. How to Get Help.............8-9
V. Directory of Resources........10-16
The Wilton Library Association has compiled a companion bibliography of resources to this crisis resource directory called In Times of Crisis . This bibliography will be available at the Wilton Library, school libraries and the Wilton Youth Services office in Comstock Community Center.
I. EmergenciesEmergencies are life-threatening situations!They require immediate action.
Call 911 for HelpIf no phone is available, get help immediately.. Go to the nearest house or stop a car or person
The following are examples of an emergency:
Physical Self-Harm Harm by others/ Harm to others Gunshot Wounds Violence Slashing Sexual Assault Poison Ingestion Injury Overdoses: Pills, alcohol, other drugs Accidental Injuries or Poison Ingestion
II. Crises
A Crisis is a situation in which there may be serious threat of danger to one self or others. Take it SERIOUSLY . During a crisis an individual's methods for coping are inadequate and this leaves him/her feeling overwhelmed. Get Professional Help!
Signs of a Crisis :
• An inability to cope with pressure • Severe Depression • Frequent Crying • Personal Neglect • Drastic changes in weight • Sleep disturbances • Persistent feelings of hopelessness or helplessness • Dangerous use of alcohol or other drugs • Violent Outbursts • Extreme recklessness, such as driving recklessly or while intoxicated • Bizarre behavior, hearing voices, seeing things or confused thinking • Evidence of physical or sexual abuse • Risk of suicide (see page 3)
Types of Crises:
CHILD ABUSE If you are concerned about the suspected or known physical or sexual abuse of a child: CARELINE (Dept. Children & Families)...............1-800-842-2288 Wilton Police Department..........................834-6260 Children's Connection.........................838-7701 Wilton Youth Services.........................834-6241
Teen Pregnancy/Sexually Transmitted Diseases Call your personal physician or talk with your school nurse. INFOLINE.....................................211 Planned Parenthood.........................853-2605 Norwalk Health Department....AIDS Counseling/Testing......854-7979 Sexually Transmitted Diseases...854-7976 Sexual Assault If a sexual assault has occurred, it is important that you receive medical attention at once. Do not shower because in doing so you will wash away evidence. Go immediately to your local hospital emergency room.
Wilton Police Department.........................834-6260 Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center...........(203) 329-2929 Runaway If an adolescent is unable to live at home because of a family problem or has been asked to leave the home and needs a place to go.
Kids in Crisis (24 hours)...........................855-9844 Wilton Police Department.........................834-6260 Wilton Youth Services...........................834-6241
Eating Disorders If you think that you or a friend may have an eating disorder call:
Renfrew Center..............................834-5020 Wilkins Center for Eating Disorders................1-203-531-1909 (See page 5 for more information about eating disorders.)
Suicide If you know someone who is contemplating suicide, contact any of the following numbers:
Infoline..................................211 Kids in Crisis..............................855-9844 Community Crisis Intervention (18+yrs.).............1-203-358-8500 Danbury Hospital Crisis Intervention................1-888-447-3339 Family Center Services.......................1-203-226-7007 National Adolescent Suicide Hotline................1-800-621-5100
Signs of Suicide Risk:
• A written or verbal statement of a wish to die • A specific suicide plan • The means to carry out a plan (access to weapons, pills, etc.) • Severe or persistent depression or agitation • Sudden improved mood for no apparent reason following a period of depression • An inability to see options (hopelessness or helplessness) • Preparations for death (giving away possessions) • Preoccupation with people who have died • Withdral from family/friends • Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
Suicide Risk: How to Help
Listen. Take any signs of suicide seriously. DO NOT KEEP IT A SECRET. Even if you promised not to tell. Keeping a secret could be deadly. It is better to have an angry friend than a dead one. It's OK to break a promise to save a life.
TELL SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP RIGHT AWAY.
Parents, physicians, clergy, teachers, or any adult you trust.
Call one of the numbers listed below. Infoline....................211 Kids in Crisis .................855-9844
You can also talk confidentially with guidance staff at your school. (Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, School Psychologists, Outreach Counselors, Deans)
You can also contact Wilton Youth Services....834-6241 MAKE SURE THE PERSON IS NOT LEFT ALONE.
MAKE SURE THE PERSON GETS PROFESSIONAL HELP.
Caution: Younger children often think about death or hurting themselves. Don't ignore these signs because of a child's age. (See page 5.)
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE In determining if alcohol and other drug use in your life is a problem or a crisis, consider the following:
Regular use of alcohol and/or other drugs in adolescents may:
• create problems with friends and/or family • reduce the ability to achieve academically, athletically or in a job • contribute to motor vehicle accidents and deaths • become a factor in sexual assault or "date rape" • greatly increase the risk of a suicide attempt • interfere with normal social and emotional development • lead to alcoholism or other drug addiction (children of alcoholics are four times more likely to become addicts or alcoholics than the rest of the general population)
If you would like to confidentially consult someone about a substance-related problem, don't delay seeking help. ACT NOW . The following places are available to you and are knowledgeable about problems associated with alcohol and other drug use:
Student Assistance Teams - Each school has a team in place to help students with concerns about alcohol and other drug use. The SAT is a support system for assisting students in their attempt to cope with a crisis or problem in their lives. See your guidance counselor, school psychologist or school social worker.................................... 762-0381 Outreach Counselor - Wilton High School has an Outreach Counselor whose sole purpose is to help students concerned about substance abuse - it could be their own use or someone else they are concerned about. See your guidance counselor, school psychologist or school social worker....................... 762-0381 Wilton Youth Services - Provides short-term counseling, crisis intervention, consultation and referral services......................... 834-6241 Alcoholism and Drug Dependency Council - Provides information, referral, counseling and intervention services...................... 227-7644 Infoline - Provides information, referral and crisis intervention ........ 211
Groups are also available; for information about locations and times you can call any of the above listed numbers.
Al-anon - For anyone involved with an alcoholic (family member, friend, etc.) Alateen - For youth aged 12-19 with an alcoholic parent, sibling, relative or friend . AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) - For anyone who wants to stop drinking. Some AA support groups are more geared toward adolescent alcoholics, women alcoholics, etc. Take the time to research them until you find one right for you. COA (Children of Alcoholics) - For children who live with an alcoholic or whose parent is alcoholic. Also support groups for adult children of alcoholics (ACOA).
Eating Disorders It can be difficult to determine whether or not someone is struggling with an eating disorder, since people are often overly concerned with weight, dieting and body image. The following information was provided by The Renfrew Foundation:
Anorexia is self-imposed starvation. It is a serious disorder and is life-threatening.
Signs and Symptoms : Loss of 15% or more of ideal body weight. Dieting even though not overweight Feels fat even when very thin Exercises obsessively Loss of hair or thinning hair Stops mentrating
Bulimia is a cycle of out-of-control eating followed by purging
Signs and Symptoms: Can not voluntary stop binge eating Reacts to emotional stress by overeating Feelings of guilt or shame about eating Obsessive about weight Uses bathroom frequently after meals Depressive moods Frequent fluctuations in weight Menstrual irregularities
Binge Eating Disorder , also called Compulsive Overeating , have episodes of uncontrolled eating (eating that continues after one becomes uncomfortably full) or bingeing followed by periods of guilt or depression.
Signs and Symptoms: Eating large amount of foods when not physically hungry Eating much more rapidly than normal Eating past the point of feeling uncomfortably full Eating alone because of shame or embarrassment Feelings of depression, disgust or guilt after eating History of marked weight fluctuations
Eating disorders are very serious, left untreated they can lead to serious medical problems and even death. If you are concerned about a friend or loved one who shows signs of an eating disorder, you can help.
Tell her/him that you want to help and that you care at a time and place that will be free of distractions.
Try to get her/him to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Expect denial, people are often shameful and embarrassed and eating disorders are hard to acknowledge. Be patient and continue to show concern, continue to discuss the idea of seeking professional help.
III. Life Stresses and Times of Trouble Besides emergencies and crises, there are other times when professional help may be needed. When there is a persistent problem, a professional can help you to understand what is wrong. When others suggest that you need help, you might! When you are worried about yourself or someone else, trust your instincts. GET HELP! Kinds of LIFE STRESSES: • Suicide attempt in the family or community • Death of a family member or friend • Breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend • Teenage pregnancy • Alcohol or other drug problem in the family • Family changes (separation, divorce, remarriage, birth, • job loss or move) • Special events (graduation, proms, parties) • Rejections (college, athletics, friends) • Automobile accidents • On-going family conflict • School pressures • Anniversaries of special dates/events
Signs of Trouble for the Younger Child: • Severe withdrawal • Continued talk of dying • Unexplained persistent crying • Extremes in sleeping or eating habits • Repeated physical violence • Chronic breaking of rules • Frequent accidents or risk-taking behaviors • Repeated lying or stealing • Truancy
Signs of Trouble for the Adolescent: • Sad, angry, irritable or anxious moods • Angry outbursts, defiant behavior • Alcohol or other drug use • Changes in sleeping patterns (including over-sleeping) • Withdrawal or loss of interest, isolation • Extreme weight changes • Poor self-esteem or self-image • Trouble concentrating • Decrease in school performance (failing grades, • cutting classes, frequent behavior problems) • Pessimism or constant negative outlook • Frequent casual talk about suicide or death • Frequent physical complaints • Poor peer relations • Excessive preoccupation with body image Chronic dieting, binges • Truancy • Change in peer group IV. How to Get Help
Arrange for a Consultation A consultation is a meeting with a licensed or certified mental health professional to evaluate the problem and to recommend what to do. A variety of mental health professionals are involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. Select a professional with appropriate credentials, training and experience. There is licensing or certification in the State of Connecticut for psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists. Some specialize in the treatment of adolescents and young adults. Other professionals who provide services are counselors who offer guidance in a variety of settings and have different kinds of training. Included in these are substance abuse counselors who receive state certification. The term "psychotherapist" can be used by anyone who offers psychotherapy. The term does not, in itself, indicate a level of training.
To find out where to go for a consultation:
• Ask someone you know and trust. Ask your parents, friends, clergy, doctor, school nurse, guidance counselor or other trusted adult. • Contact a confidential referral line, such as Infoline • Contact a mental health center or agency • Contact your school support services personnel • Contact Wilton Youth Services
When you call and set up an appointment. You should expect: To be somewhat nervous or anxious To be asked questions about your situation To have your questions answered clearly and directly To receive feedback and recommendations from your consultant Your rights: To go to a professional or agency of your choice To be offered an appointment within a time that is reasonable for your situation or to be referred elsewhere To be assured confidentiality unless you give permission to share information or if a life-threatening situation exists* To be treated with interest, respect and courtesy *Confidentiality is an issue that should always be discussed and understood between the client and the therapist before treatment begins. You may want to ask the professional: "What are your qualifications and training?" "What kind of experience do you have with people my age?" "What kind of experience do you have with problems like mine?" "What type of treatment do you do?" "How much will it cost?" "Will my insurance cover the cost?" "What is your payment policy?
Can a teenager see a mental health professional without parental knowledge? Should a minor (under age 18) be interested in mental health treatment and notification of a parent or guardian would cause the minor to reject such treatment, a minor can see a mental health professional for six sessions. After six sessions, notification or involvement of a parent or guardian is required to continue treatment, unless such a requirement would be seriously detrimental to the minor's well being.
If counseling is your next step:
A good working relationship between you and your therapist is essential to resolving your problems. It took awhile for your problem to develop. Be patient in seeking solutions. Counseling and therapy are joint ventures - be willing to work at solving the issues concerning you. The frequency of sessions, length of treatment and type of treatment depend upon your individual situation. Any doubts or questions should be openly discussed with your therapist. If you are still doubtful about the therapist's approach or ability, you may want to:
• Go for a consultation with another professional or agency
• Request a change of therapist within an agency
• Ask your parents or an adult you trust to help you find someone else
Types of Mental Health Professionals
Psychiatrists: A medical doctor (M.D.) who has specialized training in treating mental health problems. In addition to medical school, a psychiatrist must have a 3-year psychiatric residency. Trained to differentiate between medical and psychological problems, psychiatrists can prescribe medications if needed.
Psychologists: Usually a doctoral level individual who has had a specified number of years of supervised clinical training. A psychologist utilizes talking therapies and can perform testing evaluations. To treat patients they must be licensed by the State of Connecticut.
Social Workers: Social Workers can be M.S.W. (masters level education in Social Work) or L.C.S.W. (Licensed Certified Social Worker) which is a masters level education in Social Work plus 200 hours of post masters supervision and the successful completion of a certification exam in social work practice.
Marriage and Family Therapists: Requires a minimum masters level education with special training in working with couple and family issues. State certification is required.
Substance Abuse Counselors: Specialize in the treatment of alcohol or other drug problems. They are state certified as C.A.C. (Certified Alcohol Counselor) or C.A.D.C. (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor). Certification does not indicate degree level.
Counselors: Professional Counselors include school guidance counselors, community counselors, and mental health counselors. All have a masters level education.
For additional information, see A Consumer's Guide to Mental Health at the Wilton Library. V. Directory of Resources
All the resources listed alphabetically on the following pages serve Wilton children, youth and families. The list includes agencies, institutions and community organizations. Private practice mental health professionals are not included although there are many excellent ones in our area.
Help is available at a wide range of costs. Sliding fees based upon income and circumstances are common among agencies, mental heath clinics and some private practice mental health professionals.
Some therapists require payment at the time of service. Private insurance, Title XIX or Medicaid may cover part or all of your costs. Prior to your first appointment, it is important to ask about fee and payment policies.
Alcoholism and Drug Dependency Council ADDC helps individuals, families and communities work toward prevention of substance abuse and recovery from chemical dependencies. Provides information, referral, counseling, intervention, evaluation and education. Co-Sponsors Creating Lasting Family Connections (CLFC) with Wilton Youth Services. Telephone: 227-7644 Address: 420 Post Road, Westport
Bread and Roses Support Groups for persons with AIDS/HIV and their families. Case management, referrals to meet the physical, psychological, and social needs of people with AIDS/HIV. Telephone: 855-1485
Cancer Care Counseling, information, referral for individuals and families; support groups for children whose parents have cancer; educational seminars and teleconferences. Financial assistance. Consultation services. Telephone: 854-9911 Address: 120 East Avenue, Norwalk www.cancercare.org
Caron Foundation Substance Abuse treatment for adolescents and adults. Financial assistance available. Telephone: 761-9756 or 1-800-678-2332 Address: Galen Hall Road, Wernersville, Pennsylvania www.caron.org
Catholic Family Services Individual, couples and family counseling. Sliding scale fees. Wilton and Norwalk offices. Telephone: 838-2316 Address: 3 Main Street, Norwalk Wilton Office located in the Piersall Building 44 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Center for Hope Counseling services for families and individuals living with a life-threatening illness or loss of a loved one. Play therapy; meditation; training in adjunctive healing practices; and educational programs. Telephone: 1-203-655-4693 Address: 1003 Post Road, Darien www.centerforhope.org
Children's Connection Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Intervention Services: Multidisciplinary Investigative Team of Greater Norwalk, Children's Bank, Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Training (SCAN - Stop Child Abuse Now), We Care Foster Care Support. Telephone: 838-7701 Address: 1 Park Street, Norwalk
Community Crisis Intervention Program 24-hour suicide and psychiatric HOTLINE; emergency evaluations; will come to home if transportation is a problem. AGES 18+ Telephone: 1-203-358-8500 Address: Dubois Center, 652 Glenbrook Road, Stamford
Connecticut Renaissance Substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment. Individual, group, couples, and family. Sliding scale fees. Telephone: 866-2541 Address: 83 Wall Street, Norwalk
Danbury Hospital Center for Child and Adolescent Treatment Services Crisis Intervention, Evaluation, Intensive outpatient (IOP), Referrals, Adolescent substance abuse assessment and referral services (ASSIST). Telephone: 1-203-830-6082 HOTLINE-24hrs: 1-203-797-7899 Address: 196 Osborne Street, Danbury (ASSIST) 100 Hospital Ave., Danbury (Hospital)
Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Protective Services, Crisis Intervention, Referrals. Telephone: 1-800-842-2288 (24hrs)
Domestic Violence Crisis Center Crisis Intervention, counseling, community education. Telephone: HOTLINE 1-888-774-2900; office: 853-0418
Family and Children's Agency Individual, couples, family and group counseling; Adoption and support; emergency back-up dependent care; book-author events and workshops; mentoring programs and community service opportunities; Intensive Family Preservation Services (with DCF); Day treatment for addicted women with child care services. Sliding scale fees. Telephone: 855-8765 Wilton office: 834-0758 Address: 9 Mott Ave., Norwalk Wilton Office located in the Piersall Building 44 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Family Center (Affiliated with the Norwalk Hospital outpatient clinic and Mid-Fairfield Hospice.) 24 hour crisis intervention, psychiatric assessment, individual, family and group counseling; educational/parenting workshops; Family Assistance Program (FAP) for Wilton High School and Middlebrook students; sliding scale fees. Telephone: 226-7007 Address: 1698 Post Road, Westport www.visitingnurse.net
Four Winds Hospital Residential psychiatric and substance abuse treatment; outpatient treatment; eating disorders; education. Telephone: 1-914-763-8151, 1-800-528-6624 Address: 800 Cross River Road, Katonah, New York
Gay - Straight Alliance Support/Discussion group for Wilton High School Students. Telephone: 762-0381 Address: Wilton High School, 395 Danbury Road, Wilton
Hall-Brooke Foundation Residential psychiatric and substance abuse treatment; outpatient treatment; partial hospital program. Services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. Telephone: 227-1251 Address: 47 Long Lots Road, Westport
Info-line 24 hour information and referral; crisis intervention; child care referrals. Info-tapes provide tape-recorded information about a variety of topics. For a complete listing of topics log onto www.ctparentsplus.org Telephone: 211 Infotapes: 1-800-635-4592 www.ctparentsplus.org
Kids in Crisis Free 24 hour crisis intervention and emergency shelter for children, newborn to seventeen. 24-hour Helpline offers counseling, intervention and referrals to children, parents and professionals. Children in residence receive medical and psychiatric care, therapeutic support services and schooling. Crisis prevention programs. Telephone: 855-9844 Address: 1 Salem Street, Cos Cob www.kidsincrisis.org
Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Clinic Crisis intervention, emergency psychiatric services; individual, family and group counseling and referral; therapeutic children's after school and summer programs; 'After Hours' after school program for Wilton middle school students. Telephone: 847-3891 Wilton office: 834-1442 Address: 74 Newtown Ave., Norwalk Wilton Office located in the Piersall Building 44 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Mid-Fairfield Hospice Home care for terminally ill patients with follow-up bereavement services for family and friends. 24 hour nurses, social workers, counseling and volunteer program. Telephone: 762-8958 Address: 112 Main Street, Norwalk www.visitingnurse.net
New Canaan Cares Information and referral, video library, educational programs. Telephone: 966-7635 Address: 156 South Ave., New Canaan
Norwalk Hospital 24-hour emergency psychiatric assessments for children under 18, inpatient and partial hospital (16 and older), chemical dependency intensive outpatient treatment, dual diagnosis; support groups. Telephone: 852-2988 Address: 34 Maple Street, Norwalk www.norwalkhosp.org
Outspoken Discussion and support for gay, lesbian, transgender, bi-sexual and questioning youth aged 16-22, no cost, all welcome, Sundays 4-6 PM. Telephone: 227-1755 Address: Triangle Community Center 16 River Street (entrance around back), Norwalk
Peervention Trained Wilton High School Student Outreach/Listening services and referral services; educational programs. Telephone: 762-0381, Guidance Department, WHS
Project Return Group housing for girls aged 14-18 who are unable to live at home for various reasons (i.e. release from hospital or other treatment program and not yet ready to return home.) Girls attend individual and group counseling, school, and are responsible for chores. Average stay ranges from 6 months to several years. Telephone: 222-8129 Address: 124 North Compo Road, Westport Planned Parenthood Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing; HIV/AIDS testing; pregnancy testing, breast and pelvic exams; blood tests, birth control. Telephone: 853-2605 Address: 50 Washington Street, Norwalk
Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders Individual and Group counseling; nutritional counseling; Intensive Outpatient treatment program. Telephone: 922-2077 Address: 436 Danbury Road, Wilton www.renfrew.org
Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center Crisis Intervention; includes medical, police, court accompaniment and advocacy; counseling and community education. Telephone: HOTLINE 1-203-329-2929; office 838-7303
Silver Hill Foundation Residential treatment for psychiatric disorders and substance abuse; eating disorders; adolescent day program; evaluation and testing; halfway houses and independent living programs for 18 years and above. Telephone: 966-3561 Address: P.O. Box 1177, New Canaan www.silverhillhospital.com
The New Learning Center Evaluation, social skills groups, parent consultation and training. Family Response Team available 24 hours to assist families in crisis. Telephone: 226-0100 (after hours call 1-800-612-9746) Address: 1200 Post Road East, Westport
Vitam Center Treatment and rehabilitation for substance abuse, truancy, learning dysfunction, family crisis, sexual abuse victims and offenders, emotional problems. Long-term residential services, day treatment program, and outpatient services for adolescents aged 12-21. Telephone: 846-2091 Address: 57 West Rocks Road, Norwalk
Wilkins Center for Eating Disorders Individual and group counseling; medical/psychiatric; crisis intervention; diagnostic evaluation/consultation; nutritional counseling. Telephone: 1-203-531-1909 Address: 7 Riversville Road, Greenwich
Wilton Task Force on Lyme Disease Support Groups for Children, Teens and Adults with Lyme disease. Telephone: 761-0696 or 834-1635 Address: Groups are held at Comstock Community Center 180 School Road, Wilton
Wilton Youth Services Crisis intervention, short-term counseling, referral, parenting groups, educational and prevention programs. Telephone: 834-6241 Address: Comstock Community Center 180 School Road, Wilton
Women's Crisis Center For survivors of domestic violence: 24-hour hotline, counseling, support groups, victim advocacy, information and referral, shelter, education programs. Telephone: Hotline 852-1980; office 853-0418 Address: 5 Eversley Avenue, Suite 303, Norwalk |