Child Guidance Center Announces Darien/New Canaan Office Director

Effective March 1, 2015, Kim Sauter, MSW, assumed leadership of the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut’s (CGC) Darien/New Canaan community office, located at 972 Post Road in Darien.

Sauter brings a wealth of knowledge in children’s mental health to the position, having worked for five years in multiple clinical capacities across CGC’s range of programs.

From providing immediate mobile interventions for youth experiencing crisis, treating adolescents involved in substance abuse, working with children in ongoing therapy, and performing forensic interviews with CGC’s sexual abuse response team, she is well acquainted with the needs of local children and how to help them overcome their challenges. Sauter earned her Master in Social Work from Fordham University with a specialization in child and family therapy.

The number of Darien and New Canaan youth needing mental health services has risen drastically, with total referrals to CGC increasing twofold over the past two years. The number of children needing urgent mobile crisis services has nearly quadrupled. Because children and adolescents face extreme risks to their health and safety including self-harm, thoughts of suicide, and even prior attempts at suicide, CGC’s presence in Darien and New Canaan is crucial to staying up to date with the community’s needs.

Sauter looks forward to the prospect of strengthening CGC’s relationships with local groups to best help children who are struggling at home and in school.

“I’ve always known that I was meant to work with children, and ultimately, I found that my passion lies in helping kids with emotional and behavioral difficulties. I’m excited to work with the change-makers in Darien and New Canaan who share the same ambition for bringing CGC’s needed services and supports to all corners of our community and bringing help to the children who need us most.”

In Darien, CGC works closely with Darien High School, The Community Fund of Darien, and the Darien Youth Services Bureau. New Canaan partnerships include Networking for Youth, the New Canaan Community Foundation, the New Canaan Domestic Violence Partnership, and New Canaan Youth Services.

The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut (CGC) serves children, from birth to 18. CGC’s clinical staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other clinicians work with over 2,500 children annually, providing culturally competent and sensitive care to families. Preventative services are provided to youngsters, parents and professionals through community education and consultation programs.

If you would like to get help for your child or learn more about professional mental health services, please call the Child Guidance Center at (203) 324-6127 or visit the Child Guidance Center website. You can also find CGC on Facebook and Twitter.