Connecticut invests $100M to help improve kids’ mental health

Connecticut officers introduced they’re making a $100 million funding in children and psychological well being.

To the surface world, Kevin Kuczo appeared completely satisfied, however he was battling despair.

“We weren’t ready for this,” mentioned his father Jim Kuczo. “At all times the kind of child who was selecting you up…, making constructive psychological angle.”

Beginning subsequent 12 months, most
insurance coverage should cowl two psychological well being evaluations a 12 months – with no
pre-authorization or co-pay required. For low-income dad and mom who qualify, the
state will cowl therapy that insurance coverage doesn’t.
Pediatricians will even be skilled to do psychological well being evaluations. Emergency 911 callers in
disaster will now be routed to psychological well being professionals, chopping down on
probably harmful police calls. Psychological well being disaster vans will now run 24/7, and 6
new psychological pressing care facilities will assist dad and mom keep away from an emergency
room go to.

On Wednesday, Gov. Ned Lamont visited The Villages for Households and Youngsters, a Hartford psychological well being supplier, to tout the brand new funding.

“There is not any vaccine for psychological well being, nevertheless it does demand the identical consideration,” mentioned Lamont. ” [Kids] want a shoulder to lean on. They want a coach, they want a mentor, they want some pals, they want some remedy. They want somebody who’s searching for them.”

Colleges will get extra psychologists and extra entry to Narcan after a 13-year-old fatally overdosed on fentanyl earlier this 12 months. 

“I need dad and mom to be educated,” mentioned Jim Kuczo. “It provides individuals hope that they are not simply in an island out by themselves.”