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The Shores Mental Health Offers Expanded Access in Fairfield County

October 14, 2026

For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, knowing where to turn for help can be overwhelming. The Shores Mental Health, part of Hartford HealthCare’s St. Vincent’s Medical Center, offers a unique resource designed to simplify that process. The Welcome Center provides a streamlined alternative to an emergency department visit when medically and clinically appropriate.

“The Shores represents a new, unified identity for the long-standing behavioral health services of St. Vincent’s Medical Center, building on decades of trusted care in Fairfield County. It reflects a continued commitment to expanding access, enhancing services and meeting growing community needs. As demand for care continues to grow, this unified identity allows us to better connect patients with the full range of services available to support their recovery,” said James F. O’Dea, PhD, MBA, Senior Vice President, Hartford HealthCare’s Behavioral Health Network.

Located on more than 50 scenic acres in Westport, The Shores aims to make accessing extensive inpatient services safer, more efficient and less overwhelming for individuals and families.

“The Welcome Center is part of the broader services offered through The Shores Mental Health, which provides comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and interventional behavioral health care for adults, adolescents and children. Its multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, therapists and other medical and behavioral health specialists who work together to develop individualized treatment plans and support patients throughout their recovery,” said Tobias Wasser, MD MBA, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Fairfield Region, Hartford HealthCare.

A Direct Pathway to Behavioral Health Care

At the Welcome Center, individuals who are medically stable and seeking appropriate services can schedule a telephone behavioral health assessment to determine the next steps in their care.

The team works to facilitate a safe transition, which could include a same day in-person assessment.

It’s designed to offer an option to an ED visit for eligible individuals seeking mental health services, while ensuring that those who require emergency medical attention receive the appropriate care.

Comprehensive Services for Every Stage of Care

In addition to the Welcome Center, The Shores Mental Health offers a continuum of services to address a range of behavioral health needs.

  • Adult Inpatient Services: The adult program treats individuals experiencing acute psychiatric conditions and/or substance use disorders. Care teams provide treatment for mood, anxiety, personality and psychotic disorders, along with medical monitoring for substance withdrawal when needed.
  • Child and Adolescent Inpatient Services: The child and adolescent program provides comprehensive, developmentally appropriate mental health treatment in a safe, structured environment. Families are integral to the treatment process, partnering with staff to develop and reinforce individualized care plans that support continued progress.
  • Outpatient Services: Following inpatient treatment, patients can continue receiving behavioral health care through The Shores locations in Norwalk and Bridgeport. Services include Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), individual and group therapy, and medication management. For adults experiencing serious, treatment-resistant depression, specialized treatment options include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

The Shores Mental Health works to help individuals and families navigate care, access appropriate treatment and receive ongoing support throughout the recovery process.

For more information about The Shores Mental Health and available services, visit www.shoresmentalhealth.org