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At Wellmore Behavioral Health in Waterbury, Connecticut, the staff is on the front lines of helping children in mental health crises. As the state governor prepares to announce his annual budget, Wellmore's $28 million budget is at risk, with many of its programs depending on state and federal funding. CEO Gary Steck heard some good news from the state's budget chief, who praised the 24-hour urgent care center for children, a program funded by federal pandemic relief. However, Steck remained cautious, knowing that the fate of such programs is uncertain.
The center, which opened in 2023, provides urgent care for young people facing mental health crises, offering an alternative to emergency rooms. With 350 employees, Wellmore provides a range of services, including addiction counseling, through 17 state contracts. But, funding from federal grants and Medicaid remains a significant concern. Wellmore's urgent care center in Waterbury is one of four such centers in the state, created with pandemic relief dollars. These centers have been praised for their success, having treated about 700 children since opening, but they now face a financial "cliff" as those relief funds expire.
Despite the looming funding uncertainty, the center itself maintains a calm, welcoming environment for its patients. "It’s nothing like the lives that our clients are living," said Steck. "We’re not sitting here panicking because we need to be calm, cool, and collected...so that we can effectively model for clients that there is an opportunity for change."
As the financial situation remains in flux, Wellmore continues its vital work, with staff like Taby Ali, the associate medical director, expressing their commitment to the program’s success. "I want to protect what is happening here," Ali said, highlighting the unique, hands-on nature of the care provided. Despite the challenges, Wellmore’s team remains focused on delivering effective mental health care, even as the uncertainty over funding continues.
View the full article here: https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/childrens-mental-health-crisis-20148049.php
Seeking Treatment & Counseling
We offer an array of outpatient and intensive in-home programs for treating substance use and behavioral health issues. Therapy can be beneficial or necessary for both the individual with substance use issues, other family members, and loved ones.
Call us at 203-756-7287 (Children & Adolescents), 203-755-1143 (Adults), or visit wellmore.org for more information. Telehealth and telephonic services are also offered.
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