New psychiatric unit opens at Connecticut Children’s

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - A new unit at Connecticut Children’s is helping address the mental health needs of children.

The hospital has seen a surge in need since the pandemic hit.

“It is where the heroes live on the frontlines. They deal with children in crises and keep them safe,” said Nicole Kodak, a Simsbury mother.

Kodak is a mother of five and has visited Connecticut Children’s multiple times to get the necessary mental health support for her adopted daughter.

“She was sometimes in the emergency department at Zone C hours and sometimes 19 days,” Kodak said.

She knows first-hand about the gaps that exist in mental healthcare for children.

Connecticut Children’s celebrated the grand opening of it’s new Medical Psychiatric Integrated Care Area on Tuesday.

The new unit has 12 beds and is focused on the holistic care of children, addressing their mental and physical needs.

“This unit is absolutely unique. Probably one of the best in the country and it will be one of the best in the world,” said Dr. Juan Salazar, Physician-In-Chief at Connecticut Children’s.

During the pandemic, the hospital saw a surge in the number of children needing mental health care.

“When COVID hit, it exacerbated. We were seeing 30, then 40 and then almost 50 children at one time,” said Jim Shmerling, President and CEO of Connecticut Children’s.

Leaders said a different model was needed to help take care of children.

The new unit features a sensory room and various exam rooms that can help treat complex medical cases.

“You can get better with a great coach. You can get better with a lot of love. You can get better with a foster family, and you can get better with the treatment that you get right here,” said Governor Ned Lamont.

It’s providing hope and optimism for families.

“It doesn’t feel clinical. Lockdown, armed guard, no daylight. You can’t use the bathroom without someone with you. It feels like you can live, breathe, and get care here,” Kodak said.

This is the second psychiatric unit of this type in the New England region.

Patients will start getting admitted there next week.