Community Child Guidance Clinic – North Star IOP

Community Child Guidance Clinic - North Star IOP is a medical clinic in Manchester, Connecticut, providing child, teen, and family-focused mental health services. The clinic offers a therapeutic day school, an intensive outpatient program for children ages 5 to 12, outpatient counseling with in-person and telehealth options, group therapy, home-based treatment for children and adolescents up to age 18, and school-based psychiatric evaluations. Services are designed for children and families facing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges, with care delivered through evidence-based practices in flexible settings including schools, homes, and clinic locations. The clinic serves families across 67 towns in Connecticut and has been supporting children and families since 1959.

The clinic was founded in 1959 by a coalition of physicians, clergy, teachers, parents, and community leaders who recognized the urgent need for accessible mental health care for children in Manchester and surrounding areas. Originally established to provide psychiatric care and early social services, it has grown from a staff of four to approximately 100 professionals, including licensed therapists, educators, and support staff. The clinic emphasizes trauma-informed care, inclusive and anti-racist practices, and collaborative service delivery across multiple settings, including in-school supports, home visits, and a dedicated therapeutic school environment. Its mission is to help children build resilience, achieve academic progress, and access consistent support to reach their full potential.

The clinic is located on Tolland Turnpike in Manchester, Connecticut. It sits just a short distance from Buckland Street, Bernie Daley Memorial Field, and the Eighth Utilities District Fire Station 3, and is within a half-mile of the Buckland Post Office and The UPS Store. The site is situated near major local roads and community infrastructure, making it accessible to families across the region.

The clinic is known for its long-standing commitment to children and families, with nearly seven decades of service in the community. It is recognized for its comprehensive, individualized care and its role in expanding access to mental health and special education services across Connecticut. Its focus on evidence-based practices, trauma-informed environments, and collaboration with schools and families underscores its reputation as a trusted provider in the region. The clinic continues to support children in building stronger futures through consistent, compassionate care.

Services:

• Home-Based Services
• North Star Intensive Outpatient Program
• Outpatient Therapy
• Therapeutic Day School
• TrueNorth In-School Psychiatric Assessments