Middlesex County Mental Health Services Directory English

Middlesex County Mental Health Services Directory Spanish

Mental health conditions are among the most prevalent health concerns in the United States, affecting many adults at some time during their lifetime. Evidence-based research has demonstrated that with appropriate supports and services, mental health challenges are treatable, and achieving a state of wellness and recovery is possible. A service delivery system that is consumer-focused and fully embraces a wellness and recovery approach throughout the continuum of care is an essential part of that process.

Working closely with citizen and professional advisory boards, the Division advocates to improve the mental health system and to ensure that consumers have access to appropriate, accessible, consumer-focused mental health supports, services, and best practices.

The Division monitors all mental health services in Middlesex County and operates as a clearinghouse for information regarding mental health services.

The Division:

• Plans, monitors, and promotes mental health services and community education, with a focus on consumer empowerment, recovery awareness, prevention, cultural competence, and de-stigmatization.
• Monitors state-and County-funded agencies.
• Provides information and referrals regarding the mental health services continuum of care.
• Under the Mental Health Administration, acts as the local coordinator of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management’s mental health response in the event of a declared disaster or community incident and local crisis counselor training and credentialing
• In partnership with the County Mental Health Board and Professional Advisory Committees, identifies needs and barriers within the mental health continuum of care, makes recommendations for improvement, and highlights important available resources.

For further information on Middlesex County Mental Health Services, or to be considered for Mental Health Board membership, please contact Penny Grande at 732-745-4313 or Lori Dillon at 732-745-4518.

CIT Program

CIT is a 40-hour, five day, nationally acclaimed, best practice jail diversion training program, comprising of both classroom instruction and practical exercises. The training included topics on mental health, addiction, and other behavioral health concerns; signs and symptoms; myths and stereotypes; stigma; identifying a crisis; de-escalation strategies; peer and family perspectives; safety concerns; understanding the impact of trauma; Tourette’s and related disorders; concerns for older adults; veteran’s services and diversion program; and an overview of local community resources.

The CIT program is dedicated to improving the law enforcement and behavioral health response to persons experiencing a psychiatric crisis who encounter law enforcement first responders. The goals of the Middlesex County Behavioral Health Justice-Involved Task Force are to:

• Promote collaboration and effective interaction between criminal justice professionals and the behavioral health community
• Help individuals impacted by behavioral health challenges get linked to appropriate, community-based supports and services, rather than involved in the criminal justice system
• Explore strategies for building trust and positive outcomes
• Reduce injury/use of deadly force, and promote public safety for all Middlesex County citizens, including law enforcement officers and individuals impacted by behavioral health challenges

The Middlesex County Mental Health Board

Who Are They? Mental Health Board members are volunteers who live or work in Middlesex County and have a knowledgeable interest in mental health and wellness.

What Do They Do? The Mental Health Board provides oversight for the mental health services continuum of care; recommends funding; monitors County-funded programs; provides a forum to discuss priority concerns; and establishes a mechanism for advocacy on behalf of consumers, programs, and community actions. The Board also reviews consumer grievances.

Mental Health Board Fact Sheet

The Middlesex County Mental Health Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) 

Who Are They? A merged mental health PAC and PACADA comprised of mental health and addiction service providers who serve Middlesex County residents; representatives from consumer and family organizations; and state liaisons. The PAC may also include representation from other related community or social service agencies.

What Do They Do? The PAC meets quarterly as a forum to share information on best practices and issues that influence the service delivery system.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer