Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Our History Positive Directions was established in 1971 in Westport, CT as a volunteer effort by people in recovery from alcohol addiction to bring awareness and prevention into school and community programs and support recovery. Since then, treatment and prevention programs have evolved to become more disciplined and outcome focused, and Positive Directions today emphasizes evidence-supported clinical treatment services and community-focused prevention programs. We are now a 501(c)(3) non-profit behavioral health organization working across the continuum of prevention, treatment, and recovery. Our outpatient clinic provides counseling, recovery groups, and peer supports to youth and adults who are struggling with their mental health, substance misuse, problem gambling or other addictions. We have also received state prevention and awareness funding continuously for more than 25 years, in recognition of our expertise as a provider of evidence-supported, data-driven, locally focused prevention programs to the communities we serve.

Ethan Wattley < Back Ethan Wattley, MA, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor Ethan joins Positive Directions with experiences in multiple Inpatient and Outpatient settings, including Hospital settings and residential treatment facilities. He has worked with people to lessen symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and severe psychosis. Ethan approaches therapy from the perspective of wanting to understand what it would mean for his clients to have a meaningful life, and what is currently blocking that. Therapy is a collaborative process, to which Ethan brings training in different modalities (such as Internal Family Systems and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy) as well psychopathology and the therapeutic relationship. But he recognizes that clients also bring their own expertise and understanding of what it means to be them and what they want out of life. Together, he works together with clients to discover the internal strength and healing they already hold inside, even if they do not know it yet. Ethan has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. In addition a level 1 training in Clinical Hypnosis and experience working with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Ethan is a Licensed Professional Counselor by the State of CT.

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Community Prevention Because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure... Christine Rutigliano shares her son's struggle with Cannabis Addiction Christine, a local parent, shares her son's heart-breaking struggle with cannabis dependency. As a result of misusing cannabis, her son developed cannabanoid hyperemesis syndrome (CMS) and has "thirteen emergency room visits under his belt." margaret watt, prevention director, discusses parenting in a complex world Margaret Watt, Prevention Director at Positive Directions, participated as a panelist in a virtual conversation about parenting in a complex world hosted by Family & Children's Agency. Our Prevention Division works with local communities to prevent substance misuse and foster mental wellbeing, with a primary focus on youth. How does community prevention work? Learn more Info & resources on substance misuse Learn more Info & resources on suicide Learn more Community coalitions Learn more Training Workshops Learn more Community Surveys Learn more Games Learn more

Teraya Broaden < Back Teraya Broaden SMART Recovery Groups Facilitator Teraya Broaden has been in the Human Services field for over 14 years. She has provided peer support and case management to promote recovery from substance use disorders. She has also worked with clients with severe mental health issues that include conducting active outreach and in home engagement with providers/community agencies on a daily to weekly basis. She is currently engaging in upcoming trainings to educate herself and others on how to better service our community in the future as we evolve.

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Our Free Support Groups Support Groups: Service Our current support groups are listed below. We add new ones from time to time so check back! And check out The Hub's regional list of peer support groups here . There are groups for individuals who are struggling and separate groups for their family & friends who are also affected. Alternatives to Suicide Support Group Every Tuesday at 7pm A free, non-judgmental, non-clinical, peer-led, and confidential drop-in space where people can share difficult thoughts and feelings around suicidal ideation / experience or self harm without being assumed to have an illness and without fear of involuntary intervention. Our group meets virtually via Zoom, every Tuesday night. Click below to get the link. For other peer-led suicide prevention meetings and supports, see our Suicide Prevention resources. Click Here for the Zoom Link Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group Every Other Thursday at 10 am via zoom Our Alzheimer caregivers’ support group is a lifeline for families. It is a place to turn to for advice and encouragement to help feel connected and give caregivers a sense of belonging and purpose. The group helps put our own experiences living with dementia in perspective and provides support and encouragement to move beyond a diagnosis. We share feelings confidentially, make friends, get help navigating the health care and legal systems, and learn from one another. To learn more, call or text Tom at 203-216-1800. RSVP SMART Friends & Family Group Thursdays from 6pm-7pm on Zoom SMART Recovery Family & Friends is a free weekly support group to provide people with the tools they need to effectively support their loved one, without supporting that person's addictive or harmful behaviors. SMART F&F is based on the CRAFT model , which is effective at helping someone acknowledge they need treatment. This weekly group will help you develop the coping skills you need and allow you to regain your peace of mind. Click for Zoom link 1:1 Peer Support for Teens and Young Adults By Appointment Our CT Support Group project manager, Quinn, is offering free individual peer support to teens and young adults in Connecticut. Quinn is a young adult Recovery Support Specialist trained in Intentional Peer Support. They draw from their own experiences to connect with participants and support them in moving towards their goals. To meet with Quinn, email qjannetty@positivedirections.org or text (475) 999-2605. Get in Touch SMART Recovery (Adult Group) Tuesdays from 6pm-7pm on Zoom Looking to break free of negative self-talk or harmful habits, or to cope with anxiety or addiction? SMART Recovery can help. SMART Recovery is a free facilitated weekly support group where you will learn practical psychology-based tools and gain social supports to help you create successful, long-term, changes in your life. SMART Recovery teaches you how to: build and maintain the motivation to change; cope with urges; manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and ultimately live a balanced life. RSVP on our Events page to be on the email list, or get the link below: Click here for the Zoom link

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. FY 2024 Impact Report Dear Friend, Thanks to the unwavering support of donors like you, we can provide essential and affordable counseling and recovery support to those in need. Currently, 40% of our clients utilize state insurance, sliding scale fees, or our Treatment Fund. The repercussions of mental health issues can be profound in children, and it is a growing crisis. At Positive Directions, we have experienced a 15% increase in our mental health services for children aged twelve to eighteen over the past year. To better meet our community’s needs, we are proactively expanding our services to include youth as young as ten. Our targeted, tailored treatment and resources empower young people to manage their mental health struggles effectively and develop strong coping strategies. In Fiscal Year 2025, we are prioritizing partnerships and programs that directly support youth mental health. Our collaboration with Norwalk Public Schools is providing vital drug and alcohol counseling to high school students, addressing this critical issue head-on. Our summer SMART Recovery group for middle schoolers equipped them with the tools necessary for success as they transitioned to high school. Additionally, programs like 1:1 Peer Support offer teens and young adults valuable alternatives to traditional counseling. Our “Teen Nights Out”—sober social activities for Norwalk teens—have been developed in response to data from our youth surveys, allowing us to effectively tailor strategies to our community's immediate behavioral health needs. Tackling these challenges requires a determined, collective effort from families, counseling professionals, partner organizations, and engaged community members like you. The rising demand for our services this year underscores the urgency of our mission. Your prompt support is essential for Positive Directions to continue delivering critical clinical, prevention, and recovery services to all members of our community, regardless of their financial situation. With more children facing mental health struggles, we need your support now more than ever. You can make a donation through our website, and checks can be mailed to Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880. We also invite you to consider including us in your company’s corporate matching program. Your support, in whatever form it takes, is crucial to our ability to continue serving our community. To learn more about Positive Directions’ impact on the community, please read the enclosed Impact Report. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission. Your past support has been invaluable, making a tangible difference in the lives of many. We look forward to your continued partnership and the impactful changes we can achieve together. Sincerely, Vanessa Wilson, LMFT Executive Director Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our website to stay up-to-date

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Training Workshops We seek to raise awareness and provide education to parents and community members, and to support schools in delivering the best curriculum. We can provide trainings directly, develop and deliver presentations based on local issues and data, and/or coordinate and identify speakers on a variety of topics. National & State Trainings Our staff offer the following programs: Mental Health First Aid Question-Persuade-Refer (suicide prevention skills training), in English or Spanish Talk Saves Lives (suicide awareness presentation) Opioid education and Narcan administration (including providing a Narcan kit), in English or Spanish Hidden in Plain Sight, a parent exploration of a teen bedroom to identify signs of drug use and discuss how to respond For Youth & Young Adults Our TurningPointCT project staff often serve as motivational speakers and offer workshops to youth and young adults: Personal story of journey to recovery from mental illness and/or addiction "Sensory Cafe" activity (coping skills) "How to Cope When Things Get Tough" workshop (distress tolerance) Other Presentations Upon request, our clinical and/or prevention staff can speak at events and provide presentations for community coalitions and other groups. We also partner with groups such as MADD, NAMI, The Hub, and others to provide education that meets the community's needs. Download The Hub's regional list of behavioral health training programs and trainers in Southwest CT.

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Suicide Prevention Every suicide is a tragedy that has a lifelong impact on friends and family and often ripples out into the broader community. Yet suicides can be prevented when people are aware of the warning signs and proactive in starting what may be a life-saving conversation... and when timely treatment and supports are available. Positive Directions's role includes providing training to raise awareness of warning signs and how to respond, promoting mental health, and providing Alternatives to Suicide, free peer support, and/or counseling to those who are struggling. We also are a key player in the Crisis & Suicide Postvention Response teams in the communities we serve and are active in the Regional Suicide Advisory Board. Free Support Groups For people who experience frequent thoughts of suicide, there are many free, peer-led options available, as complements or alternatives to traditional therapy: Here at Positive Directions, we offer a free, weekly, virtual Alternatives to Suicide support group on Tuesdays at 7pm. On Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85226163499 Toivo runs Alternatives to Suicide support groups on Wednesdays from 5-6:30pm in Hartford, facilitated by a Positive Directions staff member. RIPPLE offers a free, late-night suicidal ideation support group on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights from 8pm-9:30pm. Info here . NAMI CT offers free in-person Out of the Abyss support groups monthly in Bridgeport, Torrington, West Hartford, and Willimantic as well as a group that meets every 2 weeks in New Haven. Since July 2024, New Life has been operating CT's first peer-run respite: The Gloria House , in New Britain. It's a free, voluntary place to stay where a person experiencing an emotional crisis can stay for a few days as an alternative to a psychiatric hospitalization. For those who have lost a loved one to suicide, there are free online suicide loss support groups several times a month: • 1st Mondays at 7:30PM. Virtual. Run by SupportEachOther.org in Greenwich. • 2nd Wednesdays from 7PM – 8:30PM. Virtual, run by My Friend Abby in Trumbull. Email gillian@myfriendabby.org or t oddfellegy@gmail.com • 3rd Mondays from 7:30PM – 9:30PM. Call Diane at 720- 838-3880 or Marianne at 203-400-2453, or reach out to DLSCO@ aol.com Suicide Prevention Training Positive Directions can provide mental health and suicide related education to workplaces, community groups, and the general public. Contact Margaret to schedule a training, or watch our events page to sign up for the next program. Trainings are available in English or Spanish. Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) : A 1.5 hour skills training providing awareness, a 3-step process, and role play to practice the skills needed to recognize and reach out to someone in need. Limited to 30 participants at a time. Can be combined with an overdose/Narcan training (1/2 hour extra). We provide this training to students in the Norwalk and Westport high schools each year, and we offer an in-person training open to the general public on last Fridays, six times per year. (Sign up for the bimonthly training on our Events page .) Group trainings are also available on demand in the communities we serve. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) : a certification course good for 3 years. Course involves 2 hours of pre-work online, followed by a live training session of 4.5 hours. Hotlines & Warmlines If you or someone you know is currently in an urgent suicidal crisis, dial 211, option 1 to access CT's regional mobile crisis service or 911 for your local first responder team. You can also call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 from anywhere. These hotlines are available 24/7. There are many free 24/7 resources people can call to talk with a trained supporter about any type of emotional issue, not just suicide. There are hotlines related to substance misuse, gender/sexual identity, sexual assault, domestic violence, and more. Download and share our resource lists with family. Also note that warmlines are also available, usually not 24/7. Warmlines are often staffed by people with lived experience, often volunteers, and can be a great way of connecting with someone who truly empathizes and understands what someone is going through. Be sure you & everyone in your family has the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) Crisis Text Line (741741) and/or other relevant hotlines or warmlines saved in your phone!

Destiny Sammut < Back Destiny Sammut, LCSW Lic. Clinical Social Worker Destiny is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker who first started her journey with Positive Directions in 2020 as a Clinical Intern. After a year filled with a wealth of knowledge, learning, and laughter she graduated with her master’s in social work from Fairfield University. She has worked in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Destiny’s therapeutic approach is rooted in identifying and cultivating each person’s unique strengths that shape how they interact with the world. Sessions with her are centered around collaboration, empathy, problem solving, and are free of any judgment. She is ready to meet each client where they are in their journey and support them while they navigate what it means to grow and make positive changes. Destiny has experience working with both adults and adolescents, struggling with substance use and/or mood disorders. Her therapeutic approach includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Outside of work, Destiny loves to hike, write poetry, and go to as many concerts as she can.

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Support Everyone needs a good support system -- we're here to help! Recovery is Possible! Mental health and substance use disorders don't have to last forever! Practicing self-care, learning self-management skills, seeking the support of peers, and practicing wellness are ways to complement therapy and/or maintain your mental health. Positive Directions offers free support groups and peer supports to help you on your journey. The CT Support Group Project Positive Directions is proud home to CTSupportGroup.org ! Our CT Support Group project provides an online platform for young people throughout the state to build community and access peer support. Learn more Our Support Groups SMART Recovery, caregiver support, teacher support... see our current offerings Learn more Other Area Support Groups There are many pathways to wellness and recovery. Find a group that works for you. Get list from The Hub

Nicole Merlo-White < Back Nicole Merlo-White, MA, LMFT Lic. Marriage & Family Therapist Nice to meet you! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with twenty years of experience in the field. I work with all age groups, from early childhood to older adults. My clinical approach is nonjudgmental, integrative, and 'you' focused. I will always strive to provide a safe place for you to share, explore, heal, and progress in your journey. Within my own journey, I try to allow myself to feel the feelings and experience the sensations that arise. I am then able to thoughtfully respond or plan for next steps in a healthy and positive way. I believe in self-care and try to be mindful when it's needed. I find enjoyment and a sense of freedom when spending time outdoors, whether it be hiking, running or sitting on a bench and reading a book.

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Contact Us Positive Directions 90 Post Road West Westport, CT 06880 info@positivedirections.org Tel: 203-227-7644 Fax: 203-227-0037 Name Address Email Phone Subject Message Thanks for submitting! Submit Contact: Contact