Emotional/Mental Health Resources

Health Assistance Intervention Education Network
HAVEN is an independent non-profit corporation founded by the Connecticut State Medical Society, Connecticut Nurses Association, Connecticut State Dental Association, Connecticut Veterinary Medicine Association and Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants that provides confidential consultation and support to healthcare professionals facing health concerns related to alcoholism, substance abuse, behavioral or mental health issues and/or physical illness.

1 Word, 1 Voice, 1 Life - Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board (CTSAB)
The CTSAB is a network of diverse advocates, educators and leaders concerned with addressing the problem of suicide with a focus on prevention, intervention, and health and wellness promotion.

Not One More Vet website
An online network of over 20,000 vets that offers education and support.

Not One More Vet Facebook page
A private Facebook group for veterinarians only to discuss their feelings and offer support to one another.

Not One More Veterinary Support Staff
A private Facebook group for veterinary support staff to discuss their feelings and offer support to one another.

Gizmo 4 Mental Health
A program to introduce mental health and wellness concepts to elementary aged youth. 

Brian Dagle Foundation
This Connecticut-based organization offers a variety of resources, including many bereavement support groups (in-person and virtual).

AVMA Proqol Assessment
Assess your wellness and find information regarding work and compassion fatigue, stress management, work-life balance and other wellness issues for you and your veterinary team. (Please note that the AVMA website is under construction. If this link does not work, you might google "AVMA Proqol Assessment" for the most accurate link.)

AVMA Gatekeeper Training
Learn to Identify and Refer At-Risk Colleagues. Gatekeeper training teaches people without professional mental health backgrounds to recognize the signs that someone may be considering suicide, establish a dialogue, and guide the person to seek professional help. It is not a substitute for professional assistance, but it can be a critical tool to save lives – and it's something that any veterinary professional can learn to do. (Please note that the AVMA website is under construction.  If this link does not work, you might google "AVMA Gatekeeper Training" for the most accurate link.)

AVMA After a Suicide Guide for Workplaces

Vets for Vets
Confidential support group for veterinarians. Find help for tough work situations, difficult school circumstances, stress, addiction, physical challenges and more. A link is also available here for Support4Support, a group that provides similar services for veterinary support staff.

Find a Therapist
Looking for a therapist? There are many factors that will determine who makes the best fit for you; consider things like your insurance, where you live, and if you might want a therapist who is close to home or work. You may also visit your insurance provider webpage for a list of therapists covered by your plan.

Learn About Self-Compassion and Kristin Neff TedTalk

Learn about Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
As a complement to traditional medical and psychological treatments, not as a replacement, MBSR is proven to be effective in helping a variety of medical and mental health concerns. These include chronic pain, depression, PTSD, anxiety, sleep disorders and more.

Copper Beech Institute
Interested in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?  The Copper Beech Institute is a local provider that has been utilized by CT veterinarians.