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. Donate We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your support, no matter how small or how large, will make a difference! Prevention & Education Support our community-based work to prevent substance misuse and suicide and bring mental health awareness to our communities. Donate Treatment Fund Help those who can't afford counseling to get the help they need. Donate CT Support Group Support CT Support Group, our online peer-developed resource for teens & young adults in CT who are struggling with mental health, substance use, or other challenges. Donate Support Groups Offset the cost of a support group. We offer free weekly groups related to suicide, recovery, and more. Donate General Donation Provide a donation for use where it's most needed. We appreciate your support for our organization! Donate Thank you so much for your support!

Rylie Peterson < Back Rylie Peterson Intern, The Norwalk Partnership Rylie Peterson is a junior at P-TECH Norwalk. She works as a Prevention Intern for Positive Directions, and runs the TNP Teens club at Norwalk High. As an avid volunteer for many mental health, cancer, and community organizations for the last 4 years, she is devoted to raising awareness for mental health and being a young advocate for the teens in Norwalk. She enjoys participating in many forms of the arts such as painting, writing, and acting, as well as staying active by walking and working out. Rylie feels strongly that she can positively contribute to her community and teens who are struggling through not only the work she is doing but what she learned when she was struggling as well.

Kimberly Falconer < Back Kimberly Falconer Billing Specialist

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. Testimonials We care deeply about our clients' experience and are committed to providing the highest quality behavioral healthcare. To ensure we are meeting our clients' needs, each year we conduct a Consumer Satisfaction Survey, using a questionnaire from the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Participation in this survey is completely voluntary and anonymous. We use the feedback internally as part of our continuous improvement initiative and we share the results with DMHAS. Below is a sampling of feedback we have received from our clients over the past two years. "I started seeing {Therapist} shortly after my fourth manic episode. It was a long road to proper diagnosis and acceptance of bipolar disorder. I tried seeing multiple therapists before working with her but none of them helped as much as she did. {Therapist} helped me greatly managing my anxiety and bipolar disorder. She taught me a number of skills that helped me being fully functional despite suffering from a mood disorder. I greatly enjoy working with {Therapist}." "{Therapist} is very supportive, understanding, and compassionate. As a result I have been able to open up to her more quickly than any of my previous therapists. She makes even the most ridiculous of thoughts, feelings, or emotions seem typical. When I have needed a therapy session last minute because I'm in crisis, {Therapist} finds availability. During crises she remains calm, neutral, but firm with options for her patients. I can't imagine seeing anyone else now that I have begun this relationship." “I am very grateful to Positive Directions and especially my therapist. When I first came here I was homeless, very depressed and impossibly sad. That was about a year ago? It feels like a lifetime ago, and since then I have been able to learn and utilize coping skills I never would have thought of on my own. My gratitude is immense. I have a nice home now, and I am even able to help others, too. Thank you to everyone at Positive Directions.” "I really need to thank {Therapist} for getting me through some very difficult times. Don't know what I would have done without her....she’s fantastic. Thank you all so much; and all the best to a classy organization".

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. Emily Melnick Survey Evaluator Emily Melnick, M.A. is an independent evaluation consultant and principal of Emily Melnick Consulting, LLC. During the past 20 years, Emily has conducted a wide variety of health and social service-related program evaluations at the federal, state, and community level. Emily has worked with diverse groups of non-profit agencies, local health departments and community coalitions, employing both qualitative analytic methods (focus group and structured interview facilitation and analysis) and quantitative methods (survey development and implementation) to assess progress towards multiple objectives over time. She works closely with her clients to establish realistic outcomes, and design systems to collect and analyze data to inform programmatic decision-making. As the local evaluation consultant for the Fairfield Cares Community Coalition, as well as three other community-based substance abuse prevention initiatives, Emily works with diverse stakeholders concerned with improving health outcomes throughout Connecticut. Emily’s recent work also leading local health departments through their national accreditation strategic planning process. Emily received a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration in 1996. Emily Melnick: Team Members

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. Mood Disorders Mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, consist of general emotional states that intervene with a person’s normal functioning on a daily basis. Feelings of extreme sadness or depression, coupled with a fluctuation to extreme happiness (mania or hypomania) may occur. Examples of mood disorders include: Major depressive disorder Bipolar disorder (Bipolar I and Bipolar II) Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Dysthymia Symptoms Having a mood disorder may affect daily life activities. Due to the various types of mood disorders, each may involve different symptoms. Some major symptoms of mood disorders are: Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Loss of appetite or overeating Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much Fatigue Crying Anxiety Low levels of energy or unusually heightened levels of activity Impulsivity Feeling hopeless or worthless Difficulty concentrating Difficulty with decision-making Feelings of guilt Irritability Thoughts of dying or suicide Positive Directions’ Approach to Mood Disorders: At Positive Directions, we understand that Mood Disorders can interrupt and negatively impact a person’s daily activities including work, school, and personal relationships. Our approach in working with clients to address their symptoms is collaborative and client-driven, and we work to meet the client where they are at to tailor treatment to their individual circumstances. Upon admission, a comprehensive intake evaluation is completed to gather a history of the client and learn more about the symptoms they have been experiencing. This helps us to gather a comprehensive picture of the impact the clients’ symptoms have had on their lives and allows us to tailor our approach to the client’s needs. Starting with this information, we then develop an individualized treatment plan for each client that is tailored to their needs and goals. The treatment plan is the guide-post for the work we do in session, and progress toward treatment goals is evaluated and measured during each counseling session. Additionally, we periodically review this plan with our clients to ensure that we are consistently working toward and updating goals and objectives as appropriate. Based upon the treatment plan, services are provided to address individual needs and teach clients the skills and tools necessary to gain insight and understanding, work to decrease negative or undesirable symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life. Our counselors also work closely with family members as appropriate, educating them about mental health, and supporting their involvement in their loved one’s treatment. When providing these services, a variety of clinical techniques are utilized such as cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and dialectical behavioral tools. Our clinicians are trained in a variety of effective treatment modalities, and treatment is tailored to specific individual and family needs. Furthermore, our clinicians connect with outside providers as necessary, and are able to make appropriate referrals to additional providers should the need arise in order to collaborate and provide comprehensive treatment. Our approach is designed to assist people in improving the quality of their lives. Mood Disorders: Service

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. Margaret Watt, MPH, MA Prevention Director, TurningPointCT Project Director Margaret joined Positive Directions in July 2020 as Director of Prevention after serving as a regional leader in behavioral health for almost eight years, as Executive Director of the Southwest Regional Mental Health Board and Co-Director of The Hub. In those roles she worked with a wide variety of stakeholders on initiatives to support the integration of mental health and substance use; to improve prevention, treatment and recovery; and to promote peer support. In 2017 she won the Policy Leadership Award from the Keep The Promise Coalition in recognition of her advocacy work. In 2021 she was honored to join the board of NAMI CT. Prior to her career in behavioral health, Margaret worked for 12 years in global health and eight years in education. She also has experience as a grants and publication editor. Margaret received her MPH from UNC/Chapel Hill, her MA in Education from Columbia University, and her BA from Harvard. She is fluent in Spanish and French. You can reach Margaret at: mwatt@positivedirections.org or by phone at 203-227-7644 ext. 827 Margaret Watt, MPH, MA: Team Members

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. Clarice Grens, APRN Clarice received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western Connecticut State University and my Master’s Degree from Fairfield University. She spent her career working in mental health and oncology. She has been a nurse practitioner for many years in local hospitals and at the West Haven VA. Clarice prides herself on being a patience, empathic and introspective practitioner who views clients in a holistic manner. Her work is a team effort where she engages together to find optimal solutions to mental health issues and come up with a treatment plan that embraces all facets of a client's life. She is a prudent and meticulous prescriber of medication when clinically indicated and feels medication can provide a useful purpose in delivering relief to clients. She feels both medication and therapy are most effective. Clarice provides medication management for symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, antepartum and postpartum, body acceptance, self-esteem issues, and mood disorders. She also provides genetic testing, EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and NADA ear acupuncture. She can help you to build on your gifts and talents to energize you to achieve your goals. Her goal is to help create a therapeutic balance for every individual with respect, compassion, and professionalism.

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.

Emily Farrell < Back Emily Farrell, MA, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. Emily completed her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sacred Heart University. She has experience working with adolescents, families, and adults. Emily is passionate about creating a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients by utilizing a person-centered approach. Emily's therapeutic style draws primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and strengths-based approaches. Emily is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy and is a Certified Anger Management Specialist. Emily utilizes Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Solution-Focused Techniques to help clients improve emotional regulation, develop healthier thought patterns, and cultivate positive change in their lives. By utilizing Play Therapy techniques, Emily often incorporates therapeutic activities in session to make the experience interactive, engaging, and impactful for adolescent clients. She cultivates a safe space for all clients by leading with empathy and compassion. Emily is also a Certified Parent Educator who helps parents build stronger relationships, increase connection, and support their child’s emotional development using practical, research-based tools for every stage of growth. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and mini dachshund! Emily can be contacted via email at efarrell@positivedirections.org or by phone at 203-227-7644.

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. Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities Part-Time TNP Coalition Coordinator We are looking for our next Coalition Coordinator for The Norwalk Partnership. This is a part-time position funded through a federal grant. Our ideal candidate is a Norwalk resident dedicated to working with youth, who has great organizational and communications skills. Get Job Description CT Support Group Volunteer Our CT Support Group project is looking for volunteers ages 15-29 from Connecticut to contribute content and help us grow our online mental health and peer support community. As a volunteer, you will help shape how we connect with young people across Connecticut through personal storytelling, social media, outreach, resource research, and engagement across all of our platforms (website, Discord, social media). There are many ways to be involved! Get Volunteer Description Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Positive Directions—The Center for Prevention and Counseling is seeking a LADC to provide a full range of counseling and support services to individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. Bilingual preferred. Part-time or full-time. Get Job Description Licensed Counselor, Independent Contractor (1099) (Bilingual preferred) Positive Directions—The Center for Prevention and Counseling is seeking an independent contractor to provide in person and/or telehealth sessions to our diverse client population. Bilingual preferred. Get Job Description We seek highly skilled applicants to work in our collaborative, inclusive environment. We actively work to foster belonging and empowerment in our staff.

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. Events Please see our upcoming events listed below. If you are interested in one of our support groups, please click the button below to see our current listings! Support Groups NAMI Smarts for Advocacy Mon, Feb 09 Norwalk More info RSVP Dr. Amy Swift: What Parents Should Know about Today's Weed & Teen Mental Health Wed, Feb 25 Virtual OR In-person options- New Canaan HS More info RSVP 2.5 Years Later: How has Legal Weed Affected our Community? Wed, Apr 01 Virtual Event More info RSVP Multiple Dates Free QPR Suicide Prevention Training Fri, Apr 24 Positive Directions More info RSVP Regional Youth Team: Clear Minds, Bright Futures May 2026 Virtual Event More info RSVP