# Mid-Fairfield Community Care Center

> Mid-Fairfield Community Care Center (Child Guidance Center of Mid-Fairfield County) provides mental health care for children, adolescents, and families in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Founded in 1956. Norwalk campus: 98 & 100 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Use this file to find authoritative pages on mfccc.org. For emergencies call 911; crisis support 988 or Connecticut 2-1-1 community helpline (press 1, then 1 for youth). To start routine services call (203) 299-1315. Website forms are not monitored 24/7.

## Getting help

- [Home](https://mfccc.org/): Overview and crisis guidance
- [How we can help](https://mfccc.org/how-we-can-help): Start here for services overview
- [Get help now](https://mfccc.org/get-help-now): Crisis vs routine care resources
- [Norwalk community resources](https://mfccc.org/get-help-now/norwalk-resources): Local support and referral resources
- [Appointments](https://mfccc.org/appointments): How to start services
- [Referrals hub](https://mfccc.org/referrals): School, physician, and agency referrals
- [Parent & caregiver info](https://mfccc.org/parent-caregiver-info): First visit expectations
- [FAQ](https://mfccc.org/faq): Insurance, access, and common questions
- [Search site](https://mfccc.org/search): Find pages, programs, and articles
- [Contact](https://mfccc.org/contact): Phone, email, and campus directions
- [Billing & insurance](https://mfccc.org/billing-insurance): Pay a bill and coverage info
- [Client rights](https://mfccc.org/client-rights): Rights and privacy of health information

## Programs

- [All programs](https://mfccc.org/programs): Programs and services overview
- [Outpatient & therapy programs](https://mfccc.org/programs/therapy): Clinic-based mental health services
- [Day programs](https://mfccc.org/programs/day-programs): Structured day treatment
- [School-based programs](https://mfccc.org/programs/school-based): Services in partner schools
- [Community-based programs](https://mfccc.org/programs/community-based): Care coordination and community services
- [Enrichment programs](https://mfccc.org/programs/enrichment): Creative and enrichment services for youth
- [Training & consultation](https://mfccc.org/programs/training-consultation): Professional training for partners
- [Outpatient Children's Clinic](https://mfccc.org/programs/outpatient-childrens-clinic): Evidence-based outpatient child and adolescent therapy in Norwalk for ages 6–18 — anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD-related concerns, and family support across Fairfield County.
- [Adult Behavioral Health Services](https://mfccc.org/programs/adult-behavioral-health): Outpatient behavioral health for adults age 18 and older at our Norwalk clinic.
- [Victims Assistance Program](https://mfccc.org/programs/victims-assistance): Clinical and advocacy services for children and families affected by crime (VOCA-funded).
- [Psychiatry](https://mfccc.org/programs/psychiatry): Child, adolescent, and adult psychiatric evaluation and medication management in Norwalk for children and adolescents ages 6–18 and adults age 18 and older — board-certified psychiatrists and APRNs serving Fairfield County.
- [Extended Day Treatment Program](https://mfccc.org/programs/extended-day-treatment): Structured day treatment for children ages 5–12 with significant behavioral health needs.
- [Intensive Outpatient Program](https://mfccc.org/programs/intensive-outpatient): Short-term intensive outpatient stabilization for adolescents ages 12–16.
- [Early Childhood Consultation Partnership®](https://mfccc.org/programs/eccp): Early childhood mental health consultation for children birth through age 5 and the adults who care for them.
- [Elementary School-Based Services](https://mfccc.org/programs/elementary-school-based): Therapy and trauma groups such as Bounce Back for elementary students in Norwalk Public Schools.
- [Middle & High School-Based Services](https://mfccc.org/programs/middle-high-school-based): School-day therapy and CBITS trauma groups for middle and high school students in Norwalk schools.
- [Latinx Integrated Care (LINC) Program](https://mfccc.org/programs/linc): Bilingual (English/Spanish) mental health services in school and home settings for Latinx students and families.
- [System of Care](https://mfccc.org/programs/system-of-care): Care coordination for children and families navigating complex mental health needs across systems.
- [Care Coordination](https://mfccc.org/programs/care-coordinators): Help navigating services, reducing barriers, and connecting families to the right care across Mid-Fairfield programs.
- [Training & Consultation](https://mfccc.org/programs/training-consultation): Trauma-informed training and consultation for educators and community partners across Fairfield County.

## About & history

- [About](https://mfccc.org/about): Mission, leadership, board, transparency
- [Leadership & governance](https://mfccc.org/about#leadership): Staff leadership and board directory
- [Our history](https://mfccc.org/history): Founded 1956; milestones and press library
- [Impact & stories](https://mfccc.org/impact): Outcomes and community impact
- [Careers & internships](https://mfccc.org/careers): Jobs and clinical internships

## Leadership profiles

- [Gail Melanson, PhD](https://mfccc.org/about/team/gail-melanson): Executive Director
- [Margo Fugate, MD](https://mfccc.org/about/team/margo-fugate): Medical Director
- [Andrew Lustbader, MD, MPH](https://mfccc.org/about/team/andrew-lustbader): EDT Medical Director
- [Kristin Charney, LMFT](https://mfccc.org/about/team/kristin-charney): Director of Early Childhood Programs
- [Annelise Gawlak](https://mfccc.org/about/team/annelise-gawlak): ECCP Consultant
- [Elizabeth Watson](https://mfccc.org/about/team/elizabeth-watson): ECCP Consultant
- [Mary Alice Delagrange, LCSW](https://mfccc.org/about/team/mary-alice-delagrange): Director, Extended Day Treatment and IOP
- [Stephanie Escobar, MSW](https://mfccc.org/about/team/stephanie-escobar): Program Director, System of Care and Care Coordination
- [Nathalie Rodriguez, LPC](https://mfccc.org/about/team/nathalie-rodriguez): Program Director, LINC Program
- [Erika Keyes, LCSW](https://mfccc.org/about/team/erika-keyes): Program Director, Trauma and Consultation Services
- [Megan Iosifidis, LPC](https://mfccc.org/about/team/megan-iosifidis): Director, Middle and High School-Based Services
- [Delphine Naudin, LCSW](https://mfccc.org/about/team/delphine-naudin): Clinical Director, Outpatient Services
- [Marissa Mangone](https://mfccc.org/about/team/marissa-mangone): Senior Officer, Development and Community Partnerships
- [Taylor Manning](https://mfccc.org/about/team/taylor-manning): Director of Digital Strategy and Operations
- [Roy Berger](https://mfccc.org/about/team/roy-berger): President
- [Peter Katz](https://mfccc.org/about/team/peter-katz): Vice President
- [Rhonda Andrews](https://mfccc.org/about/team/rhonda-andrews): Secretary
- [Connor McCoy](https://mfccc.org/about/team/connor-mccoy): Treasurer
- [Marissa Tartaglia](https://mfccc.org/about/team/marissa-tartaglia): Fundraising Committee Chair
- [Edward Stowe](https://mfccc.org/about/team/edward-stowe): Board Member
- [Tiana Brown](https://mfccc.org/about/team/tiana-brown): Board Member
- [Steve Bedwell](https://mfccc.org/about/team/steve-bedwell): Board Member
- [Stephanie Tywonick](https://mfccc.org/about/team/stephanie-tywonick): Board Member
- [All team members](https://mfccc.org/about#leadership): Full leadership and board listing

## Support our work

- [Donate](https://mfccc.org/donate): One-time and monthly giving
- [Get involved](https://mfccc.org/get-involved): Ways to support our mission
- [Volunteer](https://mfccc.org/volunteer): Volunteer opportunities
- [Host a fundraiser](https://mfccc.org/fundraise): Community fundraising
- [Planned giving](https://mfccc.org/planned-giving): Legacy and estate gifts
- [Smart giving guides](https://mfccc.org/give/resources): Tax-smart giving hub
- [Gifts of stock & securities](https://mfccc.org/give/stock): Donate appreciated securities
- [Donor-advised fund grants](https://mfccc.org/give/donor-advised-fund): Recommend a DAF grant
- [Qualified charitable distributions](https://mfccc.org/give/qcd): IRA QCD giving
- [Matching gifts](https://mfccc.org/give/matching-gifts): Employer match programs
- [Cryptocurrency gifts](https://mfccc.org/give/crypto): Crypto donations
- [Bequest gifts](https://mfccc.org/give/bequest): Wills and estate plans
- [Beneficiary designations](https://mfccc.org/give/beneficiary-designations): IRA and life insurance
- [Real estate gifts](https://mfccc.org/give/real-estate): Property donations
- [Art & collectibles](https://mfccc.org/give/art-collectibles): In-kind art gifts
- [Charitable remainder trusts](https://mfccc.org/give/charitable-remainder-trust): CRT overview
- [Charitable lead trusts](https://mfccc.org/give/charitable-lead-trust): CLT overview
- [Charitable gift annuities](https://mfccc.org/give/charitable-gift-annuity): Gift annuity guide
- [Thank you wall](https://mfccc.org/thank-you-wall): Donor recognition

## News & events

- [News & updates](https://mfccc.org/news): Stories and announcements
- [News RSS feed](https://mfccc.org/news/feed): Subscribe via RSS
- [Press releases](https://mfccc.org/press-releases): Official press releases
- [Podcast & media](https://mfccc.org/podcast): Podcast and video appearances
- [Events](https://mfccc.org/events): Fundraisers and community events
- [Mahjong For Mid-Fairfield](https://mfccc.org/events/mahjong-for-mid-fairfield-2026): Thursday, October 8, 2026
- [14th Annual O'Neill's 5K in Memory of Annie Curtin](https://mfccc.org/events/oneills-5k-2026): Sunday, June 7, 2026
- [13th Annual O'Neill's 5K in Memory of Annie Curtin](https://mfccc.org/events/oneills-5k-2025): Sunday, June 1, 2025
- [Save the date: Mahjong For Mid-Fairfield](https://mfccc.org/news/mahjong-for-mid-fairfield-2026): Join us Thursday, October 8, 2026 for an evening of Mahjong in support of children’s mental health care in Fairfield Cou
- [Teen depression in Connecticut: signs, causes, and when to get help](https://mfccc.org/news/teen-depression-signs-treatment-connecticut): Irritability, withdrawal, and sleep changes are common in adolescence — but persistent low mood may signal depression th
- [ADHD in children: when to seek an evaluation in Fairfield County](https://mfccc.org/news/adhd-children-when-to-evaluate): Trouble focusing does not always mean ADHD — but a pattern across home and school that lasts months may warrant a profes
- [School refusal and anxiety: helping Norwalk students return to the classroom](https://mfccc.org/news/school-refusal-anxiety-help): When a child repeatedly refuses school, anxiety — not defiance — is often the driver. Structured support can help famili
- [DBT for teens: emotion regulation skills available in Norwalk](https://mfccc.org/news/dbt-skills-for-teens-norwalk): Dialectical behavior therapy teaches adolescents practical skills to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and
- [How to know when your child may need mental health support](https://mfccc.org/news/when-to-seek-help-for-your-child): Every child has hard days — but persistent changes in mood, sleep, or school engagement may mean it is time to talk with
- [Childhood trauma: signs parents should know and how healing begins](https://mfccc.org/news/childhood-trauma-signs-parents-guide): After abuse, violence, accidents, or loss, children may show behavioral changes that are actually signs of a nervous sys
- [Helping children grieve: loss, death, and divorce in Fairfield County families](https://mfccc.org/news/childhood-grief-loss-support): Children grieve differently than adults — play, anger, and regression can all be part of mourning. Supportive adults and
- [Social media and teen mental health: what Norwalk parents should watch for](https://mfccc.org/news/social-media-and-teen-mental-health): Heavy screen use is not automatically a crisis — but changes in sleep, mood, and isolation can signal that a teen needs 
- [Eating disorders in teens: warning signs Connecticut parents should not ignore](https://mfccc.org/news/teen-eating-disorders-warning-signs): Restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, or obsessive exercise can signal anorexia, bulimia, or ARFID — conditions that ne
- [Teen substance use and mental health: what Fairfield County families should know](https://mfccc.org/news/youth-substance-use-mental-health): Alcohol, cannabis, and vaping often overlap with anxiety and depression. Treating both substance use and mental health i
- [Early childhood mental health: support from birth to age five in Norwalk](https://mfccc.org/news/early-childhood-mental-health-birth-to-five): Babies and toddlers can experience trauma and attachment stress too. Early intervention protects lifelong development.
- [Therapist vs. child psychiatrist: which does your child need?](https://mfccc.org/news/child-psychiatrist-vs-therapist): Therapists provide talk-based treatment; psychiatrists are medical doctors who can evaluate medication. Many children be
- [HUSKY and Medicaid mental health services for children in Connecticut](https://mfccc.org/news/husky-medicaid-children-mental-health-ct): Connecticut’s HUSKY programs cover therapy, psychiatry, and crisis services for eligible children — often with no copay 
- [Play therapy for young children: how it works and who it helps](https://mfccc.org/news/play-therapy-young-children): Children often express feelings through play long before they have words. Play therapy meets them where they are.
- [Bullying and mental health: school support for Norwalk students](https://mfccc.org/news/bullying-mental-health-school-support): Cyberbullying and in-person harassment increase risk for anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Schools and clinicians can 
- [LGBTQ+ youth mental health: affirming care in Fairfield County](https://mfccc.org/news/lgbtq-youth-mental-health-fairfield-county): LGBTQ+ young people face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk — especially without family and community
- [Back-to-school anxiety: preparing Norwalk students for a healthy year](https://mfccc.org/news/back-to-school-anxiety-norwalk): Transitions stress even resilient kids. Routines, sleep, and early support reduce school-related anxiety.
- [Save the date: 14th Annual O’Neill’s 5K in memory of Annie Curtin](https://mfccc.org/news/save-the-date-oneills-5k-2026): Join us Sunday, June 7, 2026 in Norwalk for our signature community run benefiting Mid-Fairfield.
- [Youth suicide prevention: 988, safety planning, and hope in Connecticut](https://mfccc.org/news/youth-suicide-prevention-988-connecticut): Talking about suicide does not plant the idea — it opens the door to help. Know the warning signs and crisis resources.
- [Panic attacks in teens: symptoms, triggers, and coping skills](https://mfccc.org/news/panic-attacks-teens-coping-skills): Racing heart, shortness of breath, and fear of dying can signal a panic attack — frightening but treatable with therapy.
- [Oppositional behavior in children: discipline vs. underlying mental health needs](https://mfccc.org/news/oppositional-behavior-when-to-seek-help): Frequent arguing, defiance, and anger may reflect ODD, ADHD, trauma, or mood disorders — not just “bad behavior.”
- [Selective mutism: when a child speaks at home but not at school](https://mfccc.org/news/selective-mutism-children): Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder, not willful silence. Gradual exposure and school partnership help children find
- [Seasonal depression in children and teens: winter mood changes in Connecticut](https://mfccc.org/news/seasonal-depression-children-teens): Shorter days and less outdoor time can worsen mood. Seasonal affective patterns deserve attention when they disrupt dail
- [Autism and mental health: anxiety, depression, and support for neurodivergent youth](https://mfccc.org/news/autism-mental-health-support-children): Autistic children and teens often experience anxiety and depression too. Care should respect sensory needs and communica
- [State leaders announce $2 million CIF investment for Mid-Fairfield](https://mfccc.org/news/state-investment-norwalk-cif-round-8-2026): Connecticut's Round 8 Community Investment Fund announcement includes $2 million for Mid-Fairfield to acquire 98 East Av
- [Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for teens in Fairfield County](https://mfccc.org/news/intensive-outpatient-teens-fairfield-county): When weekly therapy is not enough, IOP offers several sessions per week while students live at home and attend school.
- [Parent burnout and child mental health: caring for yourself helps your child](https://mfccc.org/news/parent-burnout-child-mental-health): Exhausted caregivers are not failing — they need support too. Family therapy and respite connect parents to resources.
- [Children’s mental health in Fairfield County: a family guide to levels of care](https://mfccc.org/news/childrens-mental-health-fairfield-county-guide): From preschool through young adulthood — how outpatient, school-based, in-home, and day treatment services fit together 
- [Mid-Fairfield named beneficiary of the 2026 Norwalk Mayor’s Ball](https://mfccc.org/news/mayors-ball-2026-beneficiary): Proceeds from the March 6 gala will support Mid-Fairfield alongside Triangle Community Center.
- [$2 million state award to secure our 98 East Avenue home](https://mfccc.org/news/cif-facility-acquisition-east-avenue): Community Investment Fund 2030 support will help Mid-Fairfield purchase its longtime clinic building in Norwalk.
- [Mid-Fairfield named a Near & Far Aid grant recipient](https://mfccc.org/news/near-and-far-aid-grant-recipient-2025): Fairfield County’s Near & Far Aid included Mid-Fairfield Community Care Center among 109 programs funded in its 2024–202
- [Healing Arts brings creativity and connection to youth](https://mfccc.org/news/healing-arts-enrichment-program): Art, music, and hands-on enrichment help children build confidence in a safe, nurturing environment.
- [Thank you to our donors, volunteers, and community partners](https://mfccc.org/news/thank-you-donors-and-volunteers-2025): Your generosity keeps therapy, school-based care, and family services accessible across Fairfield County.
- [City of Norwalk approves $200,000 for the LINC program](https://mfccc.org/news/linc-program-city-contract-2025): A new municipal agreement continues bilingual school-based mental health care for immigrant students and families.
- [Strengthening youth and family services across Norwalk](https://mfccc.org/news/norwalk-community-partnerships-2025): Municipal investments and school partnerships remain essential as demand for children’s mental health care grows.
- [EMDR therapy now available for trauma recovery](https://mfccc.org/news/emdr-therapy-available): Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing joins our evidence-based outpatient services at the Norwalk clinic.
- [Community shows up for the 13th Annual O’Neill’s 5K](https://mfccc.org/news/oneills-5k-2025-thank-you): Runners, walkers, and families came together in memory of Annie Curtin to support local mental health care.
- [How to start services — call, teletherapy, and sliding fee scale](https://mfccc.org/news/teletherapy-and-intake-access-2025): Mid-Fairfield makes it simple to begin care: no referral required, with options in-clinic and online.
- [What trauma-informed schools mean for Norwalk students](https://mfccc.org/news/understanding-trauma-informed-schools): Training educators to see behavior through a trauma lens helps students feel safer and more supported.
- [Youth anxiety: signs families can watch for](https://mfccc.org/news/youth-anxiety-when-to-seek-help): Persistent worry, sleep changes, or school avoidance may signal that a child needs professional support.
- [Connecticut 2-1-1 & mobile crisis in Norwalk](https://mfccc.org/news/mobile-crisis-211-norwalk): Connecticut 2-1-1 is a community resource — not a Mid-Fairfield program — that can connect families to mobile crisis cli
- [Victims Assistance (VOCA) services for children and families](https://mfccc.org/news/voca-victims-assistance-program): No-fee clinical and support services for young people affected by crime, abuse, or violence.
- [Norwalk BET funds middle school counselors for another year](https://mfccc.org/news/bet-middle-school-counselors-2023): The Board of Estimate and Taxation allocated $550,000 so Mid-Fairfield could continue embedded middle school mental heal
- [Norwalk ARPA grants include Mid-Fairfield behavioral health support](https://mfccc.org/news/norwalk-arpa-behavioral-health-grants): American Rescue Plan Act funding helped community providers expand early education and mental health services.
- [Regional reporting highlights Mid-Fairfield school partnerships](https://mfccc.org/news/providers-meeting-mental-health-need): Coastal Connecticut Times profiled how providers — including Mid-Fairfield — are responding to rising youth mental healt
- [The Mental Health Crisis in Southwest Connecticut](https://mfccc.org/news/mental-health-crisis-southwest-connecticut): Regional coverage of the growing need for children's mental health services.
- [Mid-Fairfield receives $35,000 grant for trauma treatment](https://mfccc.org/news/fccf-trauma-grant-2014): Fairfield County Community Foundation funding expands trauma-informed evaluation and treatment for children and youth to

## Legal

- [Privacy policy](https://mfccc.org/privacy-policy): Website privacy practices
- [Donor privacy policy](https://mfccc.org/donor-privacy-policy): Donor data practices
- [Client rights & responsibilities](https://mfccc.org/client-rights): Clinical rights and HIPAA
- [Notice of nondiscrimination](https://mfccc.org/notice-of-nondiscrimination): Civil rights, language access, disability accommodations, and grievance procedure
- [Accessibility statement](https://mfccc.org/accessibility): WCAG 2.1 AA conformance, site features, and how to report barriers
- [Terms of use](https://mfccc.org/terms-of-use): Rules for using the website, forms, and online giving

## Optional

- [Newsletter signup](https://mfccc.org/newsletters): Email updates
- [Donation thank-you page](https://mfccc.org/thank-you): Post-donation confirmation
- [ProPublica nonprofit profile](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/60725052): External Form 990 explorer
- [GuideStar profile](https://www.guidestar.org/profile/06-0725052): External nonprofit profile
- [XML sitemap](https://mfccc.org/sitemap.xml): Machine-readable URL list