At HELP for Kids in Stamford, CT, we understand that mental health is essential to a child’s overall well-being. Our mission is to provide families throughout Fairfield County with the support and resources they need to navigate mental health challenges, especially in a post-COVID world. Through our specialized mental health counseling services and support groups, we are helping both adolescents and their families build resilience, improve mental health, and foster stronger relationships.

Mental Health Counseling Services for Adolescents

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant disruptions to everyone’s lives, but adolescents, in particular, have experienced unique challenges. From social isolation to the stress of adapting to new routines, many young people have been left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. At HELP for Kids, we are committed to addressing these mental health challenges head-on.

Our Mental Health Counseling Services, specifically designed for adolescents aged 12 to 18, focus on helping young people cope with the lasting effects of the pandemic and other co-occurring mental health conditions. Our skilled mental health counselor utilizes a strength-based approach, ensuring that each adolescent’s unique needs and abilities are at the forefront of their care.

We incorporate evidence-based treatment models such as:

• Motivational Interviewing: Encouraging adolescents to find their own motivation to make positive life changes.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping teens challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaching emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication skills.

These free services are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to receiving support. By addressing mental health early, we empower adolescents to develop healthy coping strategies, boost their confidence, and improve their overall well-being.

Mental Health Support Groups for Parents and Youth

At HELP for Kids, we believe that mental health isn’t just an individual journey but a family-wide experience. Our Mental Health Support Groups for parents and youth provide a safe and supportive environment to discuss mental health challenges and learn valuable strategies for managing them.

One of the core components of our support groups is the Mental Health First Aid Curriculum. This nationally recognized program takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health. This curriculum teaches parents and youth how to:

• Recognize the risk factors and warning signs of mental health or substance use disorders.
• Provide initial help to someone experiencing a mental health or substance use problem.
• Know when and where to seek further professional support for both crisis and non-crisis situations.

By participating in these support groups, families gain a deeper understanding of mental health, reduce stigma, and learn how to foster open and honest communication about mental health struggles. Sometimes, the most basic approaches—like kindness and support—can make the biggest difference in a person’s life.

The Importance of Addressing Mental Health Early

At HELP for Kids, we know that the earlier mental health issues are addressed, the better the outcome for children and families. Our programs provide families with the tools they need to improve their mental health and well-being, ultimately strengthening the overall safety and health of children in our community.

Whether through individual counseling for adolescents or support groups for parents and youth, our services aim to break the stigma around mental health and provide real, actionable solutions. If you or your family are struggling with mental health challenges, know that help is available—and it’s closer than you think.

How to Get Involved or Seek Support With HELP For Kids

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or adolescent in need of mental health support, HELP for Kids is here for you. Our free services are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring that every family in Fairfield County, CT, can access the necessary resources.

To learn more about our mental health programs or to get involved, call us at 203-302-9346 or contact us here. Together, we can make a difference in the mental health and well-being of the children and families in our community.