The Bergen County Community Mental Health System is composed of four comprehensive mental health agencies and several specialized agencies. They are private, non-profit facilities that receive a combination of public and private funding. Fees are based on a sliding scale served 27,296 people; of these, 8,191 were new cases. The agencies listed below are charged with serving specific areas of the county. As integral parts of the mental health continuum, each one constantly strives to meet the challenges of providing quality, client-centered treatment.
Mental Health Law Project:Provides legal assistance for indigent psychiatric clients in civil cases. See below for more information. (201) 599-6193
Friendship House: Provides vocational rehabilitation, transitional employment, job placement and coaches for adolescents and adults. (201) 488-2121
On Our Own Drop-In Center: A social club operated by and for mentally ill consumers. (201) 489-8402
For Us, By Us: A new drop-in center operated by and for mentally ill consumers. (201) 385-8457
Integrated Case Management Services (ICMS): Operated by CarePlus NJ, provides long-term case management to county residents with histories of chronic and severe mental illness who are discharged from county and state psychiatric hospitals. (973) 574-0655
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS): Operated by CompCare, provides support services countywide, including respite, for the families of those with mental illness. (201) 646-0333
Programs of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT): Operated by CarePlus NJ, is a comprehensive, integrated treatment, rehabilitative and support service designed to improve the lives of enrollees by reducing their dependence on hospitalization and supporting their assimilation into the community. (201) 398-9110
Psychiatric Emergency Screening Program (PESP): Operated by CarePlus NJ, PESP operates a 24-hour, 365 days-per-year, countywide hot line and screening program to assess clients in emotional crisis. The program is mandated by law and has the authority to hospitalize persons who present a risk of harming themselves, others or property. (201) 262-HELP (4357)
The Mental Health Board also recognizes the need to treat a special segment of the population: those afflicted with both diagnoses of developmental disability and mental illness. As a result, funding is provided to the following agencies that work toward meeting these specific needs:
