LifeBridge Expands Integrated Pediatric Behavioral Health Care in Fairfield

LifeBridge Community Services and Pediatric Healthcare Associates (PHA) announced the placement of a LifeBridge behavioral health clinician onsite at PHA’s Fairfield pediatric office, expanding access to integrated medical and mental health care for children and families in the community.

The Fairfield placement builds on a collaborative model launched earlier this fall at PHA’s Stratford location, which embeds LifeBridge clinicians directly within pediatric practices to provide faster, coordinated access to behavioral health services. The shared goal is to place clinicians at each PHA location across Fairfield County, reducing barriers to care and ensuring families receive timely support in a setting they already know and trust.

LifeBridge Community Services has been a committed service partner to the Town of Fairfield since 2016, providing high-quality outpatient mental and behavioral health services to residents of all ages. LifeBridge’s Fairfield office at 125 Penfield Road has become a cornerstone of community-based behavioral health care, serving hundreds of individuals each year and reflecting the growing need for accessible, timely mental-health support in the community. In recognition of this longstanding partnership, Fairfield First Selectperson Christine Vitale joined LifeBridge and Pediatric Healthcare Associates at the announcement of this expanded integrated care model.

LifeBridge accepts many insurance plans, including Medicaid and CHIP, and offers a sliding fee scale to help ensure that cost is not a barrier to care.

A LifeBridge clinician is now onsite at PHA’s Fairfield location at 50 Unquowa Place, expanding access for local families. Since services began in late November, 33 children have been referred for counseling services through the Fairfield site, with twelve families already actively receiving care, demonstrating strong community demand.

“This partnership reflects the growing need for timely, accessible mental-health services for Fairfield’s children and families,” said Selectperson Vitale. “Embedding behavioral health support directly into pediatric care helps families get help sooner and closer to home, and looking ahead, I hope to see this model continue to expand into our schools so more students can access support early.”

Through this collaboration, PHA patients can access LifeBridge’s counseling services directly through their pediatric provider, streamlining referrals and improving continuity of care. LifeBridge clients also benefit from enhanced referral pathways to PHA’s comprehensive pediatric services, including preventive care, developmental screenings, and chronic disease management.

"Our mission has always been to provide high-quality, compassionate pediatric care that supports the whole child," said Dr. Andrea Hagani, MD, FAAP, CEO and President of Pediatric Health Associates. "By collaborating with LifeBridge, we're building a stronger safety net for families who often face both medical and emotional challenges.”

LifeBridge Community Services has provided behavioral health care to children, adults, and families across Greater Bridgeport for decades and views the expansion into pediatric practices as a critical step toward increasing access and improving outcomes.

“When behavioral health care is offered right in the pediatric setting, families are more likely to seek support and follow through with care, because it starts in a place they already know and trust,” said Edith Boyle, LCSW, President and CEO of LifeBridge Community Services. “This partnership was born from two organizations committed to doing things differently. Together, we’re closing gaps in care and creating a model that truly puts families first, and we’re excited to expand access to families in Fairfield.” To access services or learn more, call 203-255-5777 or visit lifebridgect.org.

Both organizations remain committed to advancing health equity and expanding integrated care models that respond to the growing behavioral health needs of children and families across the region.

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About LifeBridge Community Services

For 175 years, LifeBridge Community Services has been a trusted leader in strengthening mental health and resilience across Greater Bridgeport. A CARF-accredited nonprofit, LifeBridge partners with individuals, youth, and families to improve well-being, foster adaptability, and build brighter futures.

Operating at the intersection of care, innovation, and collaboration, LifeBridge delivers high-quality behavioral health services, advances best practices, and unites community partners to drive lasting, measurable impact.

About Pediatric Healthcare Associates

Pediatric Healthcare Associates (PHA) is an independent pediatric group providing compassionate, evidence-based care from infancy through young adulthood. In partnership with LifeBridge, PHA is expanding access to integrated medical and behavioral health services for children and families across Fairfield County. This collaboration ensures PHA patients have direct, streamlined access to LifeBridge counseling, bringing two trusted providers together to meet the growing need for coordinated, family-centered care. PHA has offices in Stratford, Fairfield, Shelton, and Trumbull.