The Children's Center of Hamden - START Program (Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility)

Services and populations

Genders served

Boys and girls (co-ed program; current page does not explicitly restrict by gender)

Specialties

Short-term acute psychiatric stabilization, Children and adolescents with complex/acute mental health challenges, Crisis-to-stability transition / bridge to a lower level of care

Modalities

Individual therapy, Group therapy, Family therapy, Psychiatric care and medication management, Therapeutic recreation and skill-building activities, On-site education (Whitney Hall School)

Admissions

Admissions process

• Because our PRTF is clinical-level care, placement is coordinated through a referral process.
• Families are supported throughout the intake and placement process
• While families may not refer directly, they play a central role in decision-making and treatment once admitted.

Typical length of stay

~3 to 4 months

Published exclusions

• While families may not refer directly, they play a central role in decision-making and treatment once admitted

Daily life and family

Family involvement

• Family Involvement: Ongoing & home visits
• Families are actively involved through regular therapy, ongoing communication, and structured weekend home visits that help prepare for transition.
• Through family work, home visits, and coordination with providers, we help ensure each child transitions to the next appropriate level of care—with the support they need to continue moving forward.
• While families may not refer directly, they play a central role in decision-making and treatment once admitted.

Insurance and payment

Payment notes

No insurance carriers or payers are published on the organization's website. The PRTF page states placement is by referral "typically made through hospitals, providers, or state systems" and that "Youth must meet criteria for this level of care." In Connecticut, PRTF placements are generally Medicaid/HUSKY and coordinated through the state's behavioral health ASO; verify payer and in-network status directly with admissions.

Location

Address

1400 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06517

County

South Central Connecticut Planning Region

Public map location data is available. Pin placed from the street address, so it can be a few doors off. Confirm the destination with the program before visiting.