CarePlus NJ Inc. announced plans for $2.9 million in state grants recently awarded by the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. 

The Paramus-based integrated primary and behavioral health services provider said the funds will support Coordinated Specialty Care & Community Integration Services to care for those with early serious mental illness in Bergen and Morris counties. 

CarePlus NJ said the program will treat patients 15 and older who have experienced psychotic symptoms. The service model includes 24-hour accessible recovery support in the community as well as in a clinical setting.  

The Bergen County program will serve Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. Meanwhile, the Morris County program, in partnership with Integrity House, will treat those in Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon and Warren counties.  

‘A crucial investment’

According to CarePlus NJ, these types of programs reduce the likelihood of long-term disability that people with psychosis often experience and help individuals lead productive, independent lives. 

In a statement, CarePlus NJ President and CEO Brigitte Johnson thanked the state division for the funding. “These grants signify a crucial investment in mental health care, as well as a reinforcement of our commitment to transforming lives and communities through comprehensive, compassionate treatment,” Johnson added.

In Bergen County’s 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment, mental health was described as a “major problem” by 67.2% of respondents. Various programs have been initiated to help curb this issue, including an $8.2 million grant to establish a services network and the new Valeridge Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness, located on The Valley Hospital’s Ridgewood campus. 

In Morris County, the 2020 Morris County Needs Assessment, conducted by DHS, found that 67.74% of respondents identified behavioral and mental health services for children among their top three priority service needs.  

The other organizations that received these state grants, awarded in February, are Legacy Treatment Services ($1.44 million) and Rutgers ($2.9 million). 

Continued care:

Earlier this year, the New Jersey Department of Human Services announced the recipients of approximately $13.6 million in grants to fund 988 Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams around the state. Click here to see the list of recipients.