By Beth Barhydt
The holiday season, for many, is a time of joy and togetherness, but for others, it can amplify feelings of stress, isolation, and emotional strain. In New Canaan and Weston, the New Canaan/Weston Urgent Assessment Program (NCUA/WUA), in partnership with Silver Hill Hospital, stands as a critical resource for those grappling with mental health challenges during this period and beyond.
The program offers timely psychiatric assessments and tailored referrals at no cost to residents. It serves children, adolescents, and adults in urgent need, providing them with a clearer understanding of their mental health and a pathway to appropriate care. Appointments are available within 48 hours of an intake call, an essential service for those caught in the maze of mental health care systems.
Former First Selectman Kevin Moynihan emphasized the significance of this initiative during a recent interview reflecting on his tenure. “When we had the ARPA dollars,” Moynihan explained, “we started saying, ‘Where are we going to spend these funds?’ Post-COVID, the need for mental health support was undeniable. We approached Silver Hill with a proposal to create a system where people could get the help they needed without worrying about cost. In the first year, 110 people—referred by schools and police departments—were able to access assessments they might not otherwise have received.”
The holidays often bring mental health issues into sharp relief. Many families, like one anonymous New Canaan resident who shared their story, find themselves facing crises with little preparation. “On December 1, we had an out-of-the-blue crisis with our younger son. The confusion and loneliness were overwhelming,” the resident recounted. A referral from New Canaan Pediatrics to Silver Hill Hospital’s program offered a lifeline. Though finding specialized care required persistence, the family credits the program and its staff, particularly Dr. Brent Penque, with providing vital support during a difficult time.
The program’s design is as pragmatic as it is compassionate. Assessments are conducted by a team of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, who work together to identify the core issues and provide a “warm handoff” to a suitable provider. “The mental health community is complex and can be incredibly expensive,” Moynihan said. “In a crisis, people often don’t know where to turn. This program simplifies that process.”
The partnership with Silver Hill Hospital, a local institution with a 93-year history, exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration. The program’s funding, initiated with a $250,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), underscores the community’s commitment to addressing post-COVID mental health challenges. Moynihan credited this collaboration as “the greatest public-private partnership” of his tenure, urging other towns to adopt similar models.
The holidays also highlight the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in affluent communities. Moynihan noted resistance from some neighboring towns to adopt similar programs, with skeptics questioning the need for free mental health services in wealthy areas. Yet, as the anonymous testimonial demonstrates, crises transcend socio-economic boundaries. Programs like the NCUA/WUA provide a necessary safety net, ensuring no resident is left to navigate their struggles alone.
For those unsure whether the program is right for them, the service is designed to complement, not replace, existing providers. If a resident already has a mental health professional but faces an urgent situation, the program can step in as a stopgap. However, it is not a substitute for emergency services. In life-threatening situations, individuals should still seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center.
Now in its third year, its impact continues to grow, with Weston having joined as a partner town in the program’s second year. In New Canaan, the program continues to be funded through a combination of Town funds, Board of Education funds, and The New Canaan Community Foundation, reflecting the true community partnership that the program is. Moynihan reflected on the program’s enduring value, stating, “When someone is in crisis, they need support immediately. This program ensures they get it, free of barriers.”
For many families, the NCUA/WUA program represents hope—a beacon of stability during the stormiest of times. This holiday season, as residents reflect on the importance of community, the program serves as a reminder that no one should face mental health challenges alone. Those in need can schedule an appointment by calling Silver Hill Hospital at 1-866-542-4455 and requesting the New Canaan/Weston Urgent Assessment Program.
