Building Stronger Communities Through Compassionate Care
- reliantbehavioralh
- Jul 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
A Spotlight on Reliant Behavioral Health & Community Services
At Reliant Behavioral Health & Community Services, we believe healing happens through connection, compassion, and cultural understanding. Located in the heart of New Haven and Hamden, Connecticut, we are a community-rooted private practice committed to transforming lives through accessible, high-quality mental health care and supportive services.
Who We Are
Founded and led by Lisa Hardy-Gardner, Owner and CEO, Reliant was created from a passion for justice, advocacy, and healing. Lisa is a master ’s-level therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience serving children, adults, and families in various community and behavioral health settings. She is currently pending licensure as an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) in the State of Connecticut.
Lisa is not only a dedicated clinician but also a mentor and educator. Over the last five years, Lisa has trained interns from Albertus Magnus College, Alfred University, Fordham University, Post University, and, of course, her alma mater- the illustrious Springfield College. In 2023, Lisa received her Field Seminar Instructor Certification from her alma mater, Springfield College School of Social Work, qualifying her to train and support fellow MSW students. Additionally, Lisa is certified in Mental Health First Aid and recognized as a Community Health Worker by the State of Connecticut—further enhancing her ability to serve clients holistically.
Her leadership is rooted in lived experience, higher education, and an unrelenting commitment to equity and access for all. Under her guidance, Reliant Behavioral Health has evolved into a vibrant, culturally responsive practice that serves individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Lisa’s team comprises distinguished, licensed clinical professionals—including LCSWs, LMSWs, LPCs, LPC-As, and LADCs—who collectively bring over 45 years of combined experience in clinical and community-based care. Each clinician is recognized not only for their expertise but also for the celebratory accolades earned through impactful service across hospitals, universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
In 2021, Lisa proudly expanded the agency’s offerings to include comprehensive case management services for eligible individuals and families. By 2024, this initiative had evolved into a robust program led by an exceptional Site Supervisor, clinical liaison(s) coordinator, and case management team. This team is comprised of certified, bachelor 's-level, and associate-level professionals who bring a powerful combination of academic training and lived experience. They are passionately dedicated to serving and advocating for communities impacted by mental health, food insecurity, maternal and child health disparities, gun violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, and urban violence.
You can often find our team actively engaged in the community. Please visit our informational tables at local events to meet our staff and learn more about the vital services we provide.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple yet powerful: To restore hope, wellness, and dignity to individuals and families through trauma-informed, culturally competent mental health and community support services.
We recognize that mental health is not just about therapy—it’s about addressing the systemic barriers and generational challenges that impact wellness. That’s why we work holistically to uplift every client we serve.
What We Do: Our Services
At Reliant, we offer a range of clinical and community services designed to meet people where they are—emotionally, culturally, and socially.
Clinical Services
Individual Therapy for children, adolescents, and adults
Family & Couples Counseling
Grief & Trauma Support
Anger Management & Emotional Regulation
Telehealth Services for increased accessibility
Psychosocial Assessments & Care Planning
Medication Management
Community & Supportive Services
Case Management Services for Individuals and Families who receive Husky A benefits between the ages of 0-19 years old. (Educational advocacy, Maternal and Child Health, utility, and basic needs assistance/referrals for clothes, food, emergency shelter, and so much more.
Community Outreach & Referrals
Youth Programming Referral and Assistance
Family Programming referral and planning Assistance
Crisis Intervention & Support Navigation
Assistance with DSS and DCF-Involved Families
Diaper Bank Partnership: Access to free diapers, indiscretions for adults/elderly clients, and feminine hygiene,
Our Kids Swim Too – a co-founded nonprofit by Lisa and her three daughters, established in April 2021 - is dedicated to addressing drowning disparities in at-risk and low-income communities. Together, they work to promote water safety, swimming education, and equitable access to aquatic programs for children and families who have historically been underserved in this area.
Impactful Cuts – Founded by Lisa in partnership with Dr. David Asbery and Omar Sangster of Sangster Barbershop, this nonprofit initiative provides free hair care services to men, women, boys, and girls. The mission is to boost self-esteem, reduce bullying, and help individuals present their best selves especially when preparing for job interviews or public engagements. Guided by the belief that “When you look good, you feel good and you do good,” Impactful Cuts is a powerful example of how personal care can inspire confidence and open doors.
Loaves and Fish Partnership: Access to Groceries for individuals and families in need.
Haven's Harvest: Access to Groceries for individuals and families in need.
Culturally Tailored Services to meet the needs of marginalized communities.
Rental Assistance and basic needs support for individuals with Husky D (only) who qualify. Clients can not receive Social Security disability or TANF.
Who We Serve
We proudly serve:
We serve all at-risk families and individuals disproportionately impacted by trauma and systemic barriers
Low-income and underinsured individuals
Young people navigating school, social pressure, or family challenges
Individuals and families who suffer from mental and physical disabilities are impacted by their diagnoses.
Adults facing stress, anxiety, or significant life transitions
Families touched by child welfare involvement
Individuals reentering the community after incarceration
Immigrant and refugee populations
Veterans
Our team understands that healing must be person-centered, trauma-informed, and community-aware.
Meet Our Team
What makes Reliant different? It’s our people.
Our team comprises deeply committed and diverse professionals—therapists, APRNs/medication management providers, case managers, outreach coordinators, administrative staff, and community advocates—who share a passion for service and transformation. Every member of our staff is trained in culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices.
We are not just mental health professionals—we are mentors, advocates, connectors, and agents of change. Many of us come from the very communities we serve, which builds trust and makes a lasting difference.
Why Choose Reliant?
Culturally Relevant Care: We recognize the significance of language, culture, and personal experience in the healing process.
Community-Focused: We don’t just provide services—we build relationships and restore community bonds.
Holistic Support: We go beyond talk therapy to address housing instability, legal system involvement, parenting needs, and more.
Strong Leadership: With Lisa Hardy-Gardner, our organization is anchored in both professional excellence and grassroots wisdom.
Inclusive Environment: We welcome clients of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Our Vision for the Future
As we continue to grow, our vision remains clear: to be a sanctuary of healing and empowerment for those who’ve been silenced, overlooked, or underserved. We envision a community where mental wellness is accessible, not stigmatized, where families thrive, and where dignity is restored to every client who walks through our doors.
Join us on the journey. Whether you’re looking for support, referring a loved one, or seeking a workplace that values mission over metrics, Reliant Behavioral Health & Community Services is here for you.
New Haven Office: 116 Sherman Avenue, 1st Floor Hamden Office: 2911 Dixwell Avenue, Suite B-15 Phone: (203) 439-5555 Fax: (959) 900-9896
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