September's Newsletter

Let's Talk About...Sleep

Each month, we’re taking a deeper dive into a topic related to trauma-informed or gender-responsive care.

This month, we’re focusing on sleep, something we all need, yet so many of us struggle to get enough of.

Sleep plays a vital role in both mental health and substance use recovery. Research shows that poor sleep is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress, and can make it harder to regulate emotions. For people navigating substance use, disrupted sleep is common, and lack of rest can increase cravings and the risk of relapse. On the other hand, healthy sleep strengthens coping skills, supports brain function, and improves overall well-being. Sleep is not a luxury, it is a basic biological function essential to mental health and recovery.

Scroll down to find clinical resources and somatic tips you can put into practice.

Featured Clinical Resources:

• SAMHSA Publication: Treating Sleep Problems of People in Recovery from Substance Use Disorders
  • This resource discusses the relationship between sleep disturbances and substance use disorders among people in recovery. It provides guidance on assessing and treating sleep issues. It also reviews non-pharmacological, over-the-counter, and prescription drugs.
    
    
• Harvard Publication: Sleep and Mood
  • This resource highlights the strong connection between sleep and emotional well-being. It explains how poor or insufficient sleep can increase stress, irritability, and risk for mood disorders, while healthy sleep supports better mood, resilience, and overall mental health.
    
    
• Free Course: From Sleep Disorders to Sleep Health by the University of Michigan
  • In this course, you’ll explore the importance of sleep and the barriers that can prevent effective sleep. You will learn how sleep needs, functions, and vulnerabilities can differ dramatically across the human lifespan, from childhood to adulthood. Take a closer look at how specific sleep problems affect diverse populations as defined by gender, race, ethnicity, environment, or common health conditions. Finally, you’ll examine the main types of sleep disorders, from symptoms and testing to diagnosis and treatment.
    
    
• PESI Training: Sleep and Mental Health: Non-Medication Interventions to Restore Sleep Quality and Improve Clinical Outcomes
  • Learn to naturally improve sleep in clients without the use of addictive medication, identify sleep disorders and differentiate them from mental health symptoms, address circadian rhythm alignment to improve sleep for clients of all ages - from kids to adults, and snap clients out of sleep-depriving habits with behavior-changing exercises.
    
    
• Mayo Clinic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Interactive Module
  • Intended for individuals to build skills rooted in CBT-I, this interactive module focuses on five strategies that science has shown to improve sleep. 

Warning Signs of a Potential Sleep Disorder in Clients

1. Persistent fatigue or sleepiness during sessions, difficulty maintaining attention, or frequent nodding off.

2. Mood dysregulation such as irritability, heightened anxiety, or depressive symptoms that appear disproportionate to current stressors.

3. Cognitive difficulties including poor memory, slowed processing, or difficulty concentrating.

4. Reports of disrupted sleep such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, early morning waking, or non-restorative sleep.

5. Behavioral indicators like reliance on stimulants (caffeine) or oversleeping on days off.

6. Physical signs including dark circles under eyes, yawning, or visible restlessness in session.

7. Sleep-related complaints such as nightmares, sleepwalking, snoring, or sensations like restless legs.

These observations, especially when persistent, can signal the need for a sleep assessment or referral to a sleep specialist.

Considering Sleep in a Treatment Plan 

Being proactive about sleep can help mitigate the mental health effects of a potential sleep disorder. By assessing sleep early and integrating targeted strategies into a treatment plan, clinicians can support mood regulation, cognitive functioning, and overall recovery before sleep problems worsen.

• Screening at Intake: Include questions about sleep duration, quality, and disturbances during initial assessments. Tools like the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) or Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) can provide structured data.

• Ongoing Monitoring: Track sleep patterns over time using sleep diaries, wearable devices, or client self-report to identify changes that may affect treatment progress.

• Integrating Findings into Goals: If poor sleep is identified, set concrete goals such as improving sleep hygiene, establishing consistent bed/wake times, or reducing nighttime stimulant use.

• Coordinating Care: Refer to or collaborate with sleep specialists, primary care providers, or psychiatrists for medical evaluation of suspected sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, restless legs).

• Therapeutic Interventions: Incorporate evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), relaxation exercises, or mindfulness-based techniques into the client’s overall treatment plan.

• Connection to Mental Health and Substance Use: Emphasize that improving sleep can support mood regulation, emotional resilience, and substance use recovery outcomes.

Everyday Sleep Strategies for Well-Being

Provided by Alicia Feller, LCSW, Executive Director 

Sleep. So important and for many, so elusive. 50 to 70 million Americans have some type of sleep disorder, and 30% to 40% of American adults report insomnia symptoms (cfah.org). Those are some big numbers and percentages!

Sleep is a vital part of our well-being, both mental and physical. Sleep hygiene is often overlooked, but it plays a key role in getting restorative, healthy sleep. The tips below can help most people improve their sleep, but if you have a diagnosed sleep disorder or continue to struggle despite following these strategies, they may not be enough. In that case, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare professional for further assessment and support.

Here are some tips for good sleep hygiene:

1. No devices an hour before bed. This allows our body to further the natural process of winding down.
   
   
2. If you must use a device, use the blue light filter or night shift on your devices. This turns the harsh blue light that tricks our pineal gland into thinking it’s still daytime into a softer, more subtle orangish-pinkish hue.
   
   
3. Keep your room on the cool side and make sure your bedding is comfortable.
   
   
4. Clear your mind of anything that might be bothering you. This is a good time to jot down your troubles and put them away until the next morning when you are fresh. Writing them down can get them out of your head so you have a little more clarity to sleep.
   
   
5. Deep breathing can be helpful. Intentional breathing brings the body down physiologically. If you are counting while you’re breathing that can also help to quiet your mind. Simple box breathing can be helpful – breathe in through your nose for a count of 3, hold for 3, exhale through your  mouth for 3 and hold again. Repeat as needed.

In addition to these tips, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, food and exercise to close to bedtime can also help to ensure a solid night’s slumber. Here at The Consortium, we wish you a peaceful night’s sleep. Sweet dreams!

Insights & Resources

Suicide Prevention Month

In 2008, September was first declared National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. With September 10th also recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day, this month is a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect individuals experiencing suicidal ideation with critical treatment resources.

According to CDC data, 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023 — roughly one death every 11 minutes. Suicide rates are highest among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, followed by White populations. For men, the suicide rate is four times higher than for women, and people over the age of 85 have the highest rate overall.

Other groups at increased risk include LGBTQIA+ individuals, with the Trevor Project’s 2024 survey indicating that 1 in 10 LGBTQIA+ young people attempted suicide in the past year, and veterans, who are 51% more likely to die by suicide than civilians.

Recent federal budget decisions have further impacted suicide prevention efforts for these vulnerable groups. Notably, the "Press 3" option of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provided specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth, was discontinued on July 17, 2025. This service, in partnership with The Trevor Project, had been a critical resource, handling over 1.3 million crisis contacts since its inception. Its termination leaves a significant gap in support for a population already at heightened risk, and advocates and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have called for its reinstatement.

The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), which provides 24/7 support to veterans in crisis, has also faced major challenges due to recent federal budget cuts. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has implemented a hiring freeze and plans to reduce its workforce by thousands, including those staffing the VCL. These measures have worsened existing staffing shortages and raised concerns about the line’s ability to meet the needs of veterans in crisis.

Resources:

• The Trevor Project's 24/7 Suicide Hotline for LGBTQIA+ Youth
• NASW'S list of LGBTQIA2S+ Crisis Hotlines
• Crisis Text Line's Veteran's Crisis Support
• Veteran Check In, a portal that connects veterans, services members, and caregivers to mental health professionals
• VA Connecticut Suicide Prevention Coordinators
• Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board
• 211-CT

Hispanic Heritage Month

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, it's essential to recognize the unique mental health and substance use challenges faced by Hispanic and Latinx communities. According to a SAMHSA survey, approximately 21% of Hispanic adults experienced a mental health condition in 2022, yet only 15% received treatment. Barriers such as cultural stigma, language differences, and lack of culturally competent care contribute to this disparity.

Recent federal budget decisions have further impacted access to care. The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," passed on July 4, 2025, includes a $1 trillion cut to Medicaid over the next decade. This reduction threatens to strip health coverage from millions, disproportionately affecting Hispanic and Latinx individuals who rely on Medicaid for mental health and substance use disorder services.

In response to these challenges, the Mental Health for Latinos Act of 2025 was introduced to amend the Public Health Service Act. This bill aims to develop and implement an outreach and education strategy to promote behavioral and mental health and reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions and substance abuse among Hispanic and Latinx populations.

Additionally, the National Hispanic Health Research Institute (NHHRI) was launched in response to the National Institutes of Health cancellation of more than 600 health disparities projects. This initiative addresses critical health issues such as maternal mortality, chronic disease, and youth health, where disparities are notably severe for Hispanic and Latinx people. The institute aims to create a public database to ensure accurate representation and facilitate research that reflects the real-life experiences of Latinx and Hispanic families.

Resources:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's list of Mental Health Resources for Latinx and Hispanic Communities
• Hispanic Federation Mental Health Resources
  
• NAMI article on Hispanic and Latinx Mental Health
• National Latino Behavioral Health Association
• CT Latino Behavioral Health System at Yale School of Medicine
• Hispanic Health Council
• 211-CT Hispanic & Latino Resources

What's Happening at The Consortium

August was a busy month at the Consortium! We wrapped up our 2025 School Supply Drive, supported ongoing trainings, and continued building connections across the community. Looking ahead to September, we’re diving into new trainings, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Community Initiatives
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our 2025 School Supply Drive! Thanks to your generosity, we were able to provide essential supplies to Hamden Public Schools to support students in financial need and teachers who fund their own classroom materials.

Conferences 
The Trends in Trauma Treatment Conference is now open to the public! Join us and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) on September 19th for a deep dive into the foundations and future of trauma-informed care. Hear from renowned experts including Dr. Stephanie Covington and Dr. Kenneth V. Hardy, and learn about real-world implementation within the DMHAS system from Deb Lawrence and Sarah Gadsby. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Reserve your spot today for this transformative learning experience.

We’re also excited to be attending the AJFO (Association for Justice-Involved Females and Organizations) Conference in Cincinnati from September 16–18! Stop by our booth to say hello and pick up some freebies if you’ll be there.

Fall Catalog
Our Fall Catalog dropped ahead of schedule! From exciting new offerings to highly-requested repeats, we’ve got plenty of opportunities to grow, connect, and sharpen your skills this season, including:

• Advanced Internal Family Systems (IFS) – October 9

• Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Seminar – October 15

• Fundamentals of Sound Healing for Professionals – October 24

• The Roots of Racial Inequities in Breastfeeding – November 5

• From Grief to Growth: Perinatal Loss and Bereavement – November 17

• Eating Disorders: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment through a Trauma-Informed Lens – December 9

• Breath, Body, and Brain: The Science of Mindfulness – December 12

Leadership Academy
Back by popular demand! Our Leadership Academy, led by Jen Fournier, Esq. of Racebrook Consulting, is returning this season. The program includes six engaging sessions designed to sharpen your leadership skills. Each session is $100, or you can enroll in all six for $500 by calling us to sign up. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, connect, and lead with confidence!