Connecticut Children’s and The Village Team up to Integrate Pediatric and Mental Health Care

Partnership creates seamless care for children’s health and wellbeing

May 19, 2025 | Hartford, Conn. - To ensure children in Connecticut receive comprehensive pediatric care, Connecticut Children’s and The Village for Families & Children (The Village) are working together to embed behavioral health clinicians into private primary care practices within the Connecticut Children’s Care Network.

The initiative leverages Connecticut Children’s administrative support and renowned pediatric care alongside The Village’s expertise in behavioral health to create a joint operation to improve children’s access to care, increase synergy between physical and behavioral health providers, engage underserved demographics and ultimately enhance children’s health outcomes in Connecticut.

Connecticut Children’s and The Village launched their first integrated practice in April at Candlewood Valley Pediatrics in New Milford and plan to launch the next at Rocky Hill Pediatrics in May.

“At Connecticut Children’s, we believe care is most effective when it addresses the whole child — both physical and mental health,” said Jim Shmerling, DHA, FACHE, President & CEO, Connecticut Children’s. “This partnership with The Village reflects our shared commitment to improving access, equity, and outcomes for kids across the state. By integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care, we’re ensuring families have the support they need, right where and when they need it most.”

The Connecticut Children’s Care Network includes 37 independent primary care practices with more than 200 pediatric providers serving more than 120,000 children statewide. An additional six practices in the care network will soon implement behavioral health care into their suite of services.

Studies by the Children’s Hospital Association found that families are more likely to use behavioral health services offered through their primary care provider — a trusted and convenient environment — and behavioral health concerns are more likely to be detected early, when they are easier to address.

“At The Village, we see firsthand the direct relationship between mental and physical health, with each having a significant impact on the other. When we can identify and address physical and behavioral health concerns earlier on, children are better prepared to thrive,” said Village President and CEO Hector Glynn. “We’re so grateful and excited to be able to work with our longtime partners at Connecticut Children’s so that we can continue to enhance our state’s continuum of care together.”

“Expanding our behavioral health team in partnership with The Village is a critical step toward meeting the growing needs of children and families across our state,” said Jim Shmerling, President and CEO of Connecticut Children’s. “Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected system of care that puts children’s well-being at the center.”

The pediatric mental health clinicians joining the new integrated practices will receive extensive training and supervision through The Village and serve as the mental health experts on a multidisciplinary team.

The Village is currently hiring pediatric mental health clinicians. To see all current job opportunities, visit thevillage.org/careers.