By David Rabin
As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Greenwich United Way wants to let our community know there is hope that exists in town.
Every five years, Greenwich United Way (GUW) performs a Needs Assessment (NA) to uncover the gaps in human services that exist in town. In fact, many programs and organizations vital to our community were born from past GUW Needs Assessments. The latest NA data will be released soon revealing a critical gap in local mental healthcare awareness; many Greenwich residents are simply unaware of the programs and services already available to them. This finding is particularly striking given the recent significant investments to expand access to care.
Take, for example, the Youth and Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) developed by a partnership between Greenwich United Way and Yale New Haven / Greenwich Hospital. This program, serving ages 13 to 17, provides structured, therapeutic support for adolescents experiencing mental health challenges, offering an alternative to inpatient care while maintaining strong clinical oversight. Another key initiative is Greenwich Connects – funded by GUW, run by Liberation Programs and housed by our partner organization YMCA of Greenwich. This program focuses on improving coordination and access to behavioral health and substance use services for ages 18 to 25 across the community. Collective Impact at work!
The latest NA findings make clear that awareness and not availability is the primary barrier for those in need of mental healthcare services and support. Residents reported uncertainty about where to turn for help, what services exist, and how to access them. This highlights the urgent need for better communication, outreach, and navigation support.
Beyond these newer programs, Greenwich is home to a range of mental health resources, including school-based counseling services, private practitioners, crisis intervention support, and regional hotlines. Community organizations, faith-based groups, and local nonprofits also play a vital role in supporting mental wellness through education, peer support, and early intervention efforts.
Addressing this awareness gap is now a central priority. By improving visibility and accessibility of existing services, Greenwich has an opportunity to ensure that no resident struggles alone and can reach the support needed.
The full 2025 Needs Assessment is scheduled to be publicly released soon. In the meantime, if you or someone you know needs help accessing mental health services, contact the Greenwich United Way.
