The Bridge Family Center has expanded its counseling services in West Hartford through the opening of a new space in Elmwood.

Submitted 

The Bridge Family Center has opened Bridge Elmwood, a mental health clinic at 100 Shield St. in the Elmwood section of West Hartford.

A significant increase in both counseling appointments and clients served during the past year prompted the move from the former space on Farmington Avenue. The clinic offers nine counseling offices allowing for additional therapists and enabling the organization to better meet the growing demand for counseling services.

Located on the borders of West Hartford and Hartford and in close proximity to Newington, the new location provides easier access to mental health care for children and families living in Elmwood and the surrounding neighborhoods. The counseling programs offered in the clinic provide crisis counseling, stabilization, and individual, couple, and family therapy. They promote mental health, improve functioning, and effectively decrease the prevalence and incidence of mental illness, emotional disturbances, and social dysfunction.

The services are available to every individual and family regardless of their ability to pay.

The Bridge serves more than 1,200 people annually through its counseling services and related support groups. It is estimated that 600 clients will be seen during this fiscal year at Bridge Elmwood. One-on-one therapeutic sessions are conducted in the clinic, although the option for clients to meet using Telehealth is still available.

“We are excited to broaden our footprint in the Elmwood section of West Hartford. Having the clinic located along a bus line makes it easier for children and families in this area to access our services while remaining a convenient site for all West Hartford residents,” said Margaret Hann, executive director of the Bridge Family Center. “With the current COVID-19 health crisis and historic job losses, the demand for mental health services has never been greater, and we expect to see a continued rise well after the pandemic is over. Our larger facility ensures we will be able to care for all those who come to us seeking hope and healing.”

While the Bridge has vacated its counseling space at 1038 Farmington Ave., it will still maintain a presence in the Center of West Hartford. The organization recently purchased property at 1021 Farmington Avenue to house a Counseling Center. Extensive renovations are underway and plans are to open the facility in the spring of 2021.

To make an appointment for counseling, please contact the Bridge Family Center at 860-313-1119.

The Bridge Family Center serves approximately 9,000 youth and families each year. In addition to its central office, counseling center, Family Resource Center and Teen Center in West Hartford, the Bridge also offers counseling centers in Avon and Rockville and short term assessment and respite homes in and around Hartford County.

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