The Alternative Press

Too often the perceived stigma of mental illness keeps sufferers from seeking the treatment that could reverse their downward spiral, or help to maintain a healthier life through proper care and treatment. Often, people present with dual or multiple needs, such as substance abuse, or developmental disability, in addition to a mental health challenge.  At the Behavioral Health Program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, the goal it to reach out to anyone in need of mental health and to help return those individuals to better mental health and a more satisfying existence.

“It is the goal of the Department of Psychiatry to provide the most efficient, high quality, comprehensive, culturally sensitive and compassionate care to our consumers and improve the overall health of our community," Trevor Forbes, MD, Interim Chairman for the Department of Psychiatry. "The medical, social and mental health needs of our consumers are our priority.”

The programs at NBIMC addresses mental health issues that cover the entire spectrum, from anxiety disorders, depression and adjustment disorders, to chronic or persistent mental illness. Some conditions require brief outpatient care while others require intensive inpatient treatment followed by ongoing outpatient care. Patients come voluntarily, or may be referred by family member, physicians, clergy, friends, or through an admission from an emergency department.

"These situations can be greatly improved with intervention," says Joanne D. Reilly, LPC, LRC, Administrative Director, Behavioral Health Services at NBIMC. "Individuals who suffer in silence avoid reaching out for the very help and medical care that would benefit them."   

Even if the diagnosis is something that seems daunting, Dr. Forbes encourages all individuals to not fear seeking treatment.

 “These situations can be greatly improved with intervention,” says Dr. Forbes. “Individuals who suffer in silence avoid reaching out for the very help and medical care that would benefit them.”

The Children’s Crisis Intervention Service (CCIS) is unique, providing acute psychiatric care in a supportive, structured inpatient setting designed for youngsters age 5 through 17 in severe crisis. The Psychiatric Emergency Screening Service is a new seven room, state-of-the-art unit, designed to accommodate high risk mentally ill patients.  The environment of the unit features safety in design and in all equipment and hardware.  Each patient room is equipped with intercom and a camera to view the patient for enhanced safety and security.

The Behavioral Health program has recently completed renovations, including corporate- approved safety upgrades to all three inpatient units and, through two grants from the NBIMC Foundation, the program was able to refurnish the CCIS common room. The program is also in the process of establishing relationships with local Newark-based churches to provide mental health services.

“We want to reach people in need of our services throughout the community, and many people turn to their clergy in their time of need, which makes this a strong partnership,” says John A. Brennan, MD, MPH, Executive Director of NBIMC.

Adult Programs: Helping Adults to Heal

The following are ADULT programs offered by NBIMC:

• Psychiatric Emergency Screening Service: a state-designated emergency screening service for Essex County. Crisis intervention, stabilization, mobile outreach, crisis hot line and family crisis services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the emergency department or by calling 973.926.7416.

• Adult Inpatient Programs: for acute phase treatment, voluntary and involuntary inpatient psychiatric units meet the needs of clients suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, personality disorders, schizophrenia and other diagnoses.

• Short Term Care Facility (STCF): a separate hospital unit for the acute or chronically mentally ill which offers a community-based program for those who require commitment and is an alternative to involuntary state psychiatric hospitalization.

• Dual Diagnosis Clinical Track: the dual diagnosis inpatient program, led by a board-certified psychiatrist, incorporates psychiatric treatment with drug/alcohol education and utilizes a Twelve-Step model.

• Partial Hospitalization Program: designed to provide intensive, structured support to clients with all major psychiatric disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and dual diagnosis.

• Outpatient Programs: a complete range of adult outpatient counseling services, including individual, group and family/couples therapy at the medical center. Services include psychotherapy, psychiatric assessment and psychotropic medication monitoring.

Programs for Children and Adolescents: Meeting the needs of Young Patients

The following are programs for CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS are offered by NBIMC:

• Children’s Crisis Intervention Service: provides acute psychiatric care in a supportive, structured inpatient setting designed for youngsters age 5 through 17 in severe crisis. The unit is the only CCIS unit licensed by the NJ State Department of Health.

• The Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC): is an intensive outpatient program that serves children ages 4 to 11 who exhibit behavioral problems indicative of emotional disturbance or psychiatric disorder. Children attend five days a week for three hours each day, up to 90 days.

• Child and Adolescent Outpatient Program: provides quality voluntary behavioral health treatment for children ages 5-18. Individual therapy, family therapy and group therapy are utilized to assist children and families achieve optimal functioning.

For More Information

Programs are covered under Medicaid, Medicare and most major insurances. For general information on Behavioral Health Services and programs, please call 973.926.7024.