Special Programs

Community-based services that extend our care

A big part of our role as a health care provider is working with other organizational partners to further our reach.

For example, by working with schools, we can provide medical, dental, and behavioral health care to students right in school, during daytime hours.

Special programs enable us to put health care resources where they’re needed most.

Special programs at OPTIMUS include:

Health Programs

  • School-based health care. At select schools in the greater Bridgeport area (Bridgeport, Stratford, and West Haven) we provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services, as well as an evidence-based trauma program (CBITS). Learn more about school-based health care.
  • Multidisciplinary Exam (MDE) Program. Designed for children and teens entering foster care, this initiative focuses on their medical, dental, and mental health. Our teams perform exams, collect personal health data, and work with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families to provide medical and behavioral health treatment recommendations to program participants.
  • Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP). Through our collaboration with GBAPP, we provide medical, dental, and behavioral health support for young adults age 16-21.
  • Transitions Clinic. Through this innovative partnership with Yale University, we provide health services to individuals released from incarceration within the past 6 months. A clinician, medical assistant, and community health worker collaborate to provide medical and behavioral health screenings and assist with basic needs such as housing, clothing, and food.
  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This nationally recognized program provides eligible candidates with a range of services. Learn more now
  • The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. This nationally recognized program provides individuals with an HIV-positive diagnosis with treatment, education, case management, and other supportive services. Learn more now
  • Empowerment, Mindfulness, Motivation, Education Coalition (emme). This highly regarded trauma-informed program, created with the generous support of the Fairfield County Community Foundation, connects girls and women with services and provides the tools they need to succeed in life. Learn more now

Recovery Programs

  • Promoting Integrated Care in Connecticut (PIC-CT). Individuals struggling with substance use or a behavioral health diagnosis and a chronic medical condition are eligible to participate in this innovative program. Working in partnership with Recovery Network of Programs, we provide evaluations to determine appropriate referrals for patients with medical and behavioral health conditions, as well as substance use treatment, through the support of a team of medical staff, community health workers, and recovery coaches.
  • Community Center for Integrated Health (CCIH). In coordination with Recovery Network of Programs, OPTIMUS provides medical services to clients facing substance use issues.

Academic Programs

  • Masters of Social Work (MSW) internship. OPTIMUS hosts interns seeking advanced degrees from area schools that currently include: Southern Connecticut State University, Sacred Heart University, UCONN, and NYU
  • Residency programs. OPTIMUS partners with Stamford Health to offer postgraduate medical training in internal medicine, family medicine, and OB/GYN
  • On-site clinical rotations. Students from local colleges and universities enjoy hands-on teaching and mentorship opportunities provided by licensed clinicians and registered nurses at OPTIMUS.

Our approach:

  • The purpose of OPTIMUS’ special programs is to extend care into the community.
  • Targeting the right people. We focus our services on those who need them most.
  • Committing to partners. Effective alliances make each partner stronger.

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