RWJBarnabas Health represents one of New Jersey's largest integrated healthcare delivery systems, providing extensive behavioral and mental health services across multiple facilities. The organization serves more than three million patients annually through a network of specialized behavioral health centers, staffed by over 20,000 employees and 5,000 physicians who collaborate to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare throughout the region.
Overview of Behavioral Health Services
RWJBarnabas Health's Behavioral Health services operate in partnership with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care to offer the most comprehensive mental health services in the state. These services cater to diverse populations including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. The evidence-based behavioral health programs are designed not only to help patients address current challenges but also to support their ability to thrive and maintain good health over time.
The organization provides a continuum of care that includes: - Acute care inpatient programs - Individually structured outpatient services - Intensive outpatient programs - Specialized treatment tracks for various psychiatric and dual disorders
Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center
Located in Toms River, the Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center serves as the flagship facility for the organization's behavioral health network. This freestanding, 100-bed acute care psychiatric facility provides specialized services for adults and seniors with psychiatric and dual disorders. The center operates with a multidisciplinary team featuring experienced leaders in nearly every facet of behavioral health, enabling truly customized and highly specialized treatment tracks.
The center emphasizes integration with extensive medical services to provide a true continuity of care. This approach allows for comprehensive treatment that addresses both mental and physical health components, recognizing the interconnected nature of wellbeing.
Treatment Approach and Philosophy
Barnabas Behavioral Healthcare, LLC, a component of the larger RWJBarnabas Health system, operates with a philosophy centered on compassion and evidence-based care. The organization believes in individuals' potential to overcome challenges and live fulfilling lives. Their experienced counselors and prescribers work in a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings.
A distinctive feature of their approach is the integration of both counseling and psychiatric care within one practice, allowing for comprehensive and coordinated treatment. This model ensures that therapeutic interventions and medication management are aligned and complementary.
Psychiatric Care Services
Psychiatric care at RWJBarnabas Health is framed as a collaborative partnership between patients and providers. Treatment plans are personalized based on thorough reviews of medical and psychiatric history, as well as current needs. With appropriate consent, treatment teams may gather information from family members or other healthcare providers to develop a more complete understanding of each individual's situation.
The psychiatric evaluation process typically involves: - Comprehensive assessment by a psychiatrist or behavioral health provider - Discussion of current situations, concerns, and disruptive symptoms - Collaboration with loved ones when appropriate - Development of a personalized treatment plan
Mental Health Workforce and Positions
RWJBarnabas Health employs a diverse range of mental health professionals across various positions and facilities. The organization offers numerous opportunities for mental health workers to contribute to patient care and community wellbeing.
Key Mental Health Positions
Several types of mental health professionals are employed within the RWJBarnabas Health system:
Adjunct Therapists: - Design, implement, and evaluate adjunct therapy programming - Facilitate and document therapeutic and psycho-education groups - Work in various settings including Monmouth Medical Center
Mental Health Associates: - Assist patients with activities of daily living - Provide nursing care to non-acutely ill patients - Work under the supervision of registered professional nurses - Take vital signs and perform EKGs - Provide bedside care including bathing, mouth care, and skin care - Offer emotional support to behavioral health patients
Other Positions: - Activities Specialists - Assistant Directors - Certified Screeners - Licensed Social Workers - Psychiatrists and Advanced Practice Nurses - Registered Nurses
Qualifications and Requirements
Mental health positions at RWJBarnabas Health have specific qualification requirements. For example, Mental Health Associates typically need:
- A bachelor's degree in sociology or a related field preferred, or a bachelor's degree with one year of prior relevant work experience
- A minimum of one year of experience, training, or education in the field of treatment
- Current BLS certification or successful completion of required training within three months of start date
These professionals work under the direction of Registered Nurses and provide both clinical care and emotional support to patients with behavioral health needs.
Patient Care Approach
RWJBarnabas Health emphasizes that mental health is as important as physical health. Their treatment philosophy begins with thorough assessments conducted by psychiatrists or behavioral health providers. During these evaluations, patients can discuss their current situations, concerns, and symptoms that have been disruptive to their daily lives.
The treatment team then works collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that address individual needs. This patient-centered approach ensures that interventions are tailored to specific circumstances and goals.
Organizational Scale and Impact
As New Jersey's largest integrated healthcare delivery system, RWJBarnabas Health's behavioral health services have significant reach and impact. The organization provides treatment and services to more than three million patients each year across numerous locations throughout the region.
The behavioral health network includes specialized facilities like the Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center, which offers 100 beds for acute psychiatric care. This substantial infrastructure enables the organization to provide both inpatient and outpatient services to meet diverse mental health needs.
Benefits and Support for Mental Health Professionals
RWJBarnabas Health offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package for mental health professionals, including:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
- Dental and Vision Insurance
- Retirement Plans
- Short & Long Term Disability
- Life & Accidental Death Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Wellness Programs
- Voluntary Benefits (such as Pet Insurance)
- Discounts through partner organizations
These benefits demonstrate the organization's commitment to supporting the physical, emotional, social, and financial health of their employees, recognizing that staff wellbeing contributes directly to patient care quality.
Conclusion
RWJBarnabas Health provides a comprehensive network of behavioral and mental health services across New Jersey, offering both inpatient and outpatient care for diverse populations. The organization operates with a patient-centered approach, emphasizing personalized treatment plans and collaboration between mental health professionals, medical staff, and when appropriate, family members.
The Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center serves as a flagship facility for specialized psychiatric care, while the broader network includes numerous positions for mental health professionals including Adjunct Therapists, Mental Health Associates, and licensed clinical staff. Through partnerships with institutions like Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, RWJBarnabas Health delivers evidence-based programs designed to address current challenges while supporting long-term mental health and wellbeing.