Pediatric Associates of Hampden County behavioral health

06/09/2025

Sports day at PAHC! If you have an appointment today wear your best gear!

01/10/2023

PAHC announces that Nicole Santos will be leaving our practice. We wish to thank her for her amazing gift of empathy and sharp clinical skills to all of our families, both within and beyond our practice. Please see the letter that she has written to you all:

Dear PAHC patients and families,
It is with much emotion that I share my departure from Pediatric Associates of Hampden County, Inc. effective February 24, 2023. Please know this decision was not easily made, and was one of the most difficult and thoughtful decisions of my career.
I have had such pleasure working with the team at PAHC and being a part of your children's growth. I am deeply grateful that so many families allowed me to join their journey, and I thank you for that opportunity.
Be well and take care of yourselves, and each other!
Sincerely,
Niki

11/21/2022

A little introduction for our new behavioral health clinician, Caitlin Visneau. She has 17 years experience working with children and families with a variety of mental health needs and crisis situations. Her experience spans from residential programs, children’s behavioral health initiatives programs, and supervising clinicians / clinical interns from local graduate schools. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with my family, dog, reading, and craft fairs.

11/08/2022

We are both pleased and saddened to share a change in staff for PAHC. Brooks Gleason, one of our integrated behavioral health clinicians, will be leaving us in December to pursue other goals. She will be missed, and we are deeply grateful for the meaningful work she did with our families. The exciting news is that the new behavioral health clinician, Caitlin Visneau, will be joining us just before Brooks leaves to provide a seamless transition for available behavioral health supports. We look forward to sharing more about Caitlin in the coming weeks.

07/19/2022

New National Mental Health Hotline Now Available.
988 - the new 3-digit number for mental health and su***de crisis, is now available across the nation. Anyone experiencing mental health, substance use, or su***de crisis can call or text 988 or chat with the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

We know that some people need more help than can be provided by phone, text or chat. While everyone will have access to the Lifeline via 988, it is just the first step.

05/25/2022

You might be expecting us to post an article or tips about how to talk to your kids about mass shootings. We, like you, are devastated with the events that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Texas yesterday and are not quite sure what to say.

Like all times before, we'll see the conversation turn political very quickly. And while the dialogue is necessary, there is a time and a place for that. Right now I would encourage you to grieve. Allow your children to grieve. Hug them. Show your love. Show your emotion and show others, including your children, that you hurt too. Have open conversations that are appropriate for your child's level of understanding. Ask questions about what they know, and invite them to ask their own questions. It's okay to say I don't know if you don't have the answer. Just BE together.

If you are concerned about your child, talk to your pediatrician or their behavioral health provider. If YOU are struggling with how heavy the world seems (and let's be honest, it has felt oppressive lately) and need support please talk to your own primary care provider, or consult with your child's provider for suggestions.

05/12/2022

Today is National Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day. There are no words to express the depth of our admiration and appreciation for our amazing providers, Nicole Santos and Brooks Gleason. Thank you!

03/02/2022

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

Help policy makers understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to mental health care for children and families.

GIFT CARDS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS!!

March 2 (Spanish w/ Eng translation) 7-9p
March 16 (Young people up to 22yo) 4:30-6:30p
March 18 (Parents and Caregivers) 9-11a
March 19 (Parents and Caregivers) 10a-12p

HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD! JOIN OUR LISTENING SESSIONS Massachusetts policy makers want to hear from YOU. In order to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to mental health services for children and families, Massachusetts policy makers requested ...

02/28/2022

📣 Post 2 of 2 📣

Talking to Children about War [1] NCTSN Resource Resource Description Offers information for caregivers on how to talk to children about war. This fact sheet includes the potential impact and considerations when talking to children about war, how to start the conversation, understanding media covera...

02/28/2022

📣 Back-to-back post alert 📣

As word spread last week about the attack on Ukraine, many of us were flooded with emotion. War is scary, even if it is far away. Some of us may be impacted in more personal ways through military involvement, loved ones located in areas directly impacted, or heritage. As adults we feel overwhelmed by the humanitarian crisis unfolding thousands of miles away, and may feel at a loss when considering how to discuss these circumstances with our kids. The resource below includes a brief news clip with suggestions to guide your approach; the next post includes a fact sheet from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network that expands on the conversation.

No matter the child’s age, all children need extra support and reassurance from their parents right now.

01/19/2022

Has your child or family experienced a frightening or traumatic event?
When scary events occur, caregivers of young children can feel unsure where to turn for social and emotional support. It can be confusing to figure out what each child needs, and who can help.
Our colleagues at Baystate Family Advocacy Center are hoping to help by providing assessments for children 0-5yo. Trained clinicians will help you identify what supports are needed to build resilience and encourage healing.
Click the photos below for a description of the program and contact information.

01/13/2022

FREE WEBINAR TO REDUCE ANXIETY RELATED TO VACCINATIONS!!

Helping Your Child Get Ready for Vaccinations and Other Pokes: Reducing Anxiety

Wednesday, January 19 2022
12:00pm EST

Join us for a live webinar to get tips for helping your child cope before, during, and after the poke. This webinar will be presented by the Family Medical Coping Initiative team at Boston Children’s Hospital psychologist Dr. Elisa Bronfman; child life specialist Gail Windmueller; and social worker Annie Banks

Register at

Join us for a live webinar on Wednesday, January 19 2022 at 12:00pm EST to get tips for helping your child cope before, during and after the poke. This webinar will be presented by the Family Medical Coping Initiative team at Boston Children’s Hospital – psychologist, Dr. Elisa Bronfman; child l...