Dysregulated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-circuits have been implicated in the pathophysiology of stress-related psychiatric disorders. This study provides novel insights into the underlying CRH-neurotransmitter interactions. Different genetic tools helped to unravel the identity and connectivity of CRH-expressing neurons in the mouse brain. Moreover, this work highlights the ability of the CRH-system to regulate behavioral responses in a bidirectional manner, thereby modulating adaptive and maladaptive stress-circuits