LifeBridge Community Services and Pediatric Healthcare Associates (PHA) are collaborating to expand access to integrated medical and behavioral health services for children and families across the Greater Bridgeport area. This collaboration unites two trusted providers to meet the growing need for coordinated care, especially among underserved populations.

Integrating behavioral health within pediatric care leads to better outcomes for children and families – improving treatment follow-through, reducing emergency visits and hospitalizations, and enhancing functioning, school attendance, and family satisfaction. Studies also show that when behavioral health services are available directly in pediatric practices, children experience faster symptom improvement, and families remain more engaged in care.

Through this collaboration, families served by PHA now have streamlined access to LifeBridge’s counseling services, with clinicians onsite. Likewise, LifeBridge clients benefit from enhanced referral pathways to PHA’s comprehensive pediatric care – including preventive services, chronic disease management, and developmental screenings – ensuring continuity and coordination of care across both organizations.

“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 brings decades of expertise in trauma-informed behavioral health to this collaboration, advancing its mission to make high-quality care more accessible for children and families. The organization’s innovative, community-based approach complements PHA’s commitment to caring for the whole child – supporting every aspect of physical, emotional, and developmental well-being.

“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.”

Since the launch in early October, more than 75 pediatric patients have already been referred for behavioral health services, underscoring the strong demand for integrated care. Both organizations remain deeply committed to advancing health equity and recognize that accessible, coordinated care is essential to building and sustaining long-term community wellness.