New Jersey Inpatient & Outpatient Mental Health Treatment
Mental Health in New Jersey
On this page we will discus New Jersey inpatient & outpatient mental health treatment. New Jersey is home to a diverse population that experiences mental health challenges. According to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, about one in five adults in New Jersey experience a mental illness each year, with about one in 20 experiencing a serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depression [1]. Unfortunately, many of these individuals do not receive the treatment they need. At Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Center we hope to change that statistic.
Adults in New Jersey Experiencing Mental Health disorders each year
What are my options for Mental Health treatment in New Jersey?
Inpatient and outpatient treatment options for mental health conditions are available in New Jersey, but access to these services can be limited. According to a report by Mental Health America, New Jersey ranks 34th in the nation for access to mental health care [2]. This means that individuals who are seeking mental health treatment may experience long wait times, high costs, or a lack of available providers.
Fortunately, there are steps being taken to improve access to mental health treatment in New Jersey. The state has made investments in telehealth services, which can help connect patients with mental health providers even if they live in rural or underserved areas [3]. Additionally, organizations like the Mental Health Association in New Jersey are working to increase awareness of mental health issues and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness [4].
Common mental health conditions in New Jersey include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Treatment options for these conditions may include medication, psychotherapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress management.
Inpatient treatment for mental health in New Jersey can be effective for individuals with severe or acute mental health conditions who require intensive care and supervision. There is some data available on the effectiveness of inpatient treatment for mental health in New Jersey.
According to the New Jersey Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Status Report for 2020, in 2018, there were 50,892 hospitalizations for mental health in New Jersey, including both voluntary and involuntary admissions. The report also notes that the average length of stay in a psychiatric hospital was 9.5 days.
Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research in 2018 evaluated the effectiveness of inpatient psychiatric treatment in New Jersey. The study found that patients who received inpatient treatment had significant improvements in their mental health symptoms, including decreased depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that patients who received longer inpatient treatment had greater improvements in their mental health outcomes.
Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment programs are two types of mental health treatment options that can be effective for individuals who require more intensive care than traditional outpatient therapy but do not need 24-hour inpatient care. In New Jersey, there are a variety of partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment programs available for individuals with mental health conditions.
According to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) provide intensive, structured treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. These programs are typically five days a week, and patients receive therapy and medication management services during the day and return home at night. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are less structured than PHPs and typically involve fewer hours of treatment per week, but still offer more support than traditional outpatient therapy.
Studies have shown that partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs can be effective in improving mental health outcomes for individuals with a range of mental health conditions.
For example:
- A study published in the journal Psychiatric Services found that individuals with depression who participated in a partial hospitalization program experienced significant improvement in their symptoms over the course of the program [1].
- A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that intensive outpatient treatment was effective in reducing substance use and improving mental health outcomes for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders [2].
In New Jersey specifically, there are several partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment programs available.
For example:
- Summit Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ offers a partial hospitalization program for adults with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders [3].
- Saint Clare’s Health System in Boonton Township, NJ offers an intensive outpatient program for individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders [4].
- Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, NJ offers a partial hospitalization program for adults with mental health disorders [5].
In New Jersey, mental health services are typically covered by insurance, including counseling and therapy, medication management, and inpatient and outpatient services.
You can find a mental health provider in New Jersey by contacting Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Center(610-563-2752)your insurance provider, searching online directories such as Psychology Today or GoodTherapy, or by contacting your local community mental health center.
The most common mental health disorders in New Jersey are anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorders.
You may need to see a mental health professional in New Jersey if you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, changes in mood or behavior, difficulty sleeping, or difficulty functioning in daily life.
The cost of mental health services in New Jersey varies depending on the provider and the type of treatment. Many insurance plans cover mental health services, and there may be sliding scale fees available for those who do not have insurance.
Patients seeking mental health treatment in New Jersey have the right to confidentiality, informed consent, and to be treated with respect and dignity. Patients also have the right to participate in their treatment plan and to receive information about their condition and treatment options.
Psychologists in New Jersey hold a doctoral degree in psychology and provide counseling and therapy services. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and can prescribe medication in addition to providing therapy.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health condition, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider or a local mental health organization for more information on available resources.
In the words of New Jersey mental health expert and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, Carolyn Beauchamp: “Don’t suffer in silence. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and there is no shame in seeking help” [5]. With the right support and treatment, individuals with mental illness can lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Hotlines for Mental Health Help
NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline: 1-866-202-HELP (4357) This helpline provides free, confidential support and information for individuals seeking mental health services in New Jersey. It is staffed by trained professionals who can help connect callers with mental health providers in their area.
NJ Hopeline: 1-855-654-6735 The NJ Hopeline is a suicide prevention hotline that provides crisis counseling and support for individuals in distress. It is available 24/7 and is staffed by trained counselors who can provide assistance in multiple languages.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) The SAMHSA National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 hotline that provides information and referrals for individuals seeking substance abuse and mental health treatment in their area.
- Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Center is available 24/7 for any mental health needs or support. Call 610–563-2752 or email: admissons@pabehavioralhealth.com
- Cherry Hill Recovery Center is an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center located in New Jersey that can also help find detox or rehabs. They can be reached at 856-200-3127.
Sources
[1] New Jersey Department of Human Services. (n.d.). Mental Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhas/home/index.html
[2] Mental Health America. (2021). The State of Mental Health in America: 2021. Retrieved from https://www.mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america
[3] New Jersey Department of Health. (2021). Telehealth Services.
[4] Mental Health Association in New Jersey. (n.d.). About Us.
[5] Beauchamp, C. (2019, May 13). Opinion: Mental health must be part of healthcare in New Jersey. NorthJersey.com.