Camden County offers a range of mental health resources specifically designed to support students facing mental health challenges. This article explores the various mental health support systems available to students in Camden County, highlighting the services offered, eligibility criteria, and how to access these resources. While the source data focuses primarily on service availability and access rather than specific therapeutic methodologies, the information provided offers valuable insights into the mental health support infrastructure available to students in the region.
Camden County College Mental Health Services
Camden County College provides accessible mental health support for all students through its Center for Counseling and Wellness. The college offers an initial consultation for every student, with the option to receive up to six therapy sessions per semester. These sessions are available by appointment and can be conducted in-person at either the Blackwood Campus (Taft Hall, Rooms 302-303) or the Camden City Campus (CTC 201A).
The college employs qualified mental health professionals, including Andrea Falzone, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist, and Sherley Michel-Williams, MSW, LSW, who serves as a case manager and care coordinator. These professionals are available to provide counseling services and help students navigate available resources both within the college and the broader community.
In addition to direct counseling services, Camden County College offers case management services to help connect students with appropriate resources. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive not only therapeutic support but also assistance in accessing additional services that may benefit their mental health and overall well-being.
The college has also partnered with Uwill to provide students with free immediate access to teletherapy through an easy-to-use online platform. This service includes direct crisis connections and wellness programming, offering students flexible options for receiving mental health support that may be more convenient or accessible than in-person sessions.
For students experiencing mental health crises, Camden County College provides contact information for several 24/7 resources: - National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or call 988 - Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741 - Camden County College Office of Public Safety: (856) 374-5089
Additionally, the college refers students to Oaks Integrated Care's Mental Health Urgent Care, where providers can offer treatment options including individual therapy, case management, psychiatric medication management, and peer support.
Camden County Schools WIN (Wellness Interagency Network)
The Camden County Schools WIN (Wellness Interagency Network) represents a significant initiative to increase access to mental health supports for students throughout the county. This program, developed through a partnership between the Camden County Educational Services Commission and Oaks Integrated Care—a private, nonprofit mental health agency—has been implemented with funding from a four-year SAMHSA grant.
The WIN network currently serves twenty-four schools and districts throughout Camden County, offering three primary components:
Professional Development and Training
The WIN initiative provides customized professional development and training to school staff, parents, and students based on the specific needs of each school or district. These training programs address various mental health topics, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicide ideation. By educating those who interact with students regularly, the program aims to create a more supportive environment and improve early identification of mental health concerns.
School-Based Therapeutic Services
Ten of the twenty-four districts participating in the WIN network receive school-based, proactive therapeutic direct services. These services are delivered directly to students within the school setting, reducing barriers to access that might otherwise prevent students from receiving mental health support. The school-based approach allows for early intervention and ongoing support within the familiar environment of the educational setting.
Crisis Intervention Services
The WIN network provides crisis intervention services through outpatient clinicians who offer triage, school clearance, or emergency department referrals as needed. This component ensures that students experiencing acute mental health crises receive appropriate and timely intervention, potentially preventing more serious outcomes.
The implementation of the WIN initiative has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of students being referred to hospital emergency departments due to mental health concerns. This suggests that the school-based mental health services are effectively addressing issues before they reach crisis levels that require emergency intervention.
In addition to the WIN initiative, the Camden County Educational Services Commission offers a fee-for-service option with First Children Services to districts within their general services agreement consortium. This option provides an alternative or supplement to WIN partners or out-of-network districts for school clearances. The fees for crisis assessments apply specifically to uninsured students unless districts opt to cover these costs.
For more information about the WIN initiative, individuals can contact Nina Longer, Program Manager - Education, at 856-784-2100 x132.
Crisis Intervention Resources
Camden County provides several crisis intervention resources specifically designed to support students experiencing mental health emergencies. These resources ensure that help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be accessed by dialing or texting 988. This service provides immediate support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health crises. The lifeline connects callers with trained crisis counselors who can provide immediate support and connect individuals with appropriate follow-up care.
Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line offers text-based support by texting HELLO to 741-741. This service is particularly valuable for individuals who may prefer not to speak on the phone or who are in situations where verbal communication might be difficult. The text-based format allows for discreet communication while still connecting individuals with trained crisis counselors.
Local Crisis Support
Camden County College students have access to the Office of Public Safety at (856) 374-5089 for immediate crisis support. Additionally, Oaks Integrated Care operates a Mental Health Urgent Care at 2051 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ, 08003, where individuals can meet with providers who can address presenting concerns and connect them with appropriate treatment options.
These crisis resources form a critical safety net for students experiencing acute mental health challenges, ensuring that immediate support is available when needed most.
Additional Community Mental Health Services
Beyond the school-based and college-specific services, Camden County offers a comprehensive network of community mental health resources. These services include various levels of care and specialized support to meet diverse mental health needs:
Outpatient Services
Oaks Integrated Care provides multiple outpatient service locations throughout Camden County: - Main office: 19 East Ormond Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034; (856) 428-7632 - Partial Care program: 128 Cross Keys Road, Berlin, NJ 08009; (856) 210-1500 - Jail Diversion program: 1409 Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034; (856) 482-8747
Residential Services
Several organizations offer residential mental health services:
South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources:
- 2510 McClellan Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08109; (856) 361-1100
- 400 Market Street, Camden, NJ 08102; (856) 361-2700
- 212 East Madison Avenue, Magnolia, NJ 08049; (800) 220-8081 or (856) 541-1700
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care:
- 886 Greentree Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002; (856) 874-4463
- 57 Haddonfield Rd. Suite 120 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002; (856) 566-6200
Taylor Care Adult Behavioral Health at Berlin: 147 Jackson Road, Berlin NJ, 08009; (609) 879-2233
Specialized Programs
Camden County offers several specialized mental health programs:
Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) through Oaks Integrated Care:
- 19 East Ormond Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034; (856) 428-7632
Supported Education through Mental Health Association of Southwest NJ:
- 217 Black Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035; (856) 522-0639, ext. 205
Supportive Housing through Collaborative Support Programs of NJ (CSP):
- 11 Spring Street, Freehold, NJ 07728; (732) 780-1175
Self-Help Centers:
- The Donald Mays, Jr. Self-Help Center: 204 White Horse Pike, Barrington, NJ 08007; (856) 429-9940
- Fresh Start Self-Help Center (Ancora Psychiatric Hospital): 301 Spring Garden Road, Ancora, NJ 08037-9699; 609-561-1700, ext. 7542
Residential Services for the Deaf through South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources:
- 400 Market Street, Camden, NJ 08101; (800) 220-8081
These community-based resources ensure that students with more complex or ongoing mental health needs can access appropriate levels of care and specialized support services.
Support Programs and Initiatives
Camden County offers several targeted support programs and initiatives designed to address specific mental health concerns and promote overall well-being:
Addiction Awareness and Prevention
The county operates an Addiction Awareness Task Force focused on addressing substance use disorders and related issues. This initiative includes public education campaigns and awareness events to reduce stigma and promote understanding of addiction and recovery.
Fentanyl Awareness
The county has implemented specific initiatives addressing the fentanyl crisis, including the "Fentanyl Is Fatal" campaign, which aims to educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
Naloxone Training
Camden County provides naloxone training through programs like "Naloxone Training – How to Save a Life." These trainings equip community members, including students, with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to opioid overdoses potentially saving lives.
Xylazine Awareness
The county has developed resources and information regarding xylazine, a dangerous substance increasingly found in the drug supply, to raise awareness and promote safety.
NaloxBoxes Distribution
Camden County distributes naloxone boxes to social service organizations to ensure that this life-saving medication is readily available in community settings where overdoses might occur.
Youth Mental Health Resources
The county provides specific resources focused on youth mental health, recognizing the unique challenges faced by young people and the importance of early intervention.
Municipal Alliance Program
The Municipal Alliance Program supports community-based initiatives focused on substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion at the local level.
Conclusion
Camden County offers a comprehensive network of mental health resources designed to support students at various levels of need. From initial counseling services at Camden County College to school-based initiatives like the WIN network, and from crisis intervention resources to specialized community programs, the county has developed a multi-faceted approach to addressing student mental health needs.
The availability of diverse service options—including in-person counseling, teletherapy, school-based services, crisis intervention, residential care, and specialized programs—ensures that students can access appropriate support based on their specific needs and circumstances.
Key considerations for students and families navigating these resources include:
- Understanding eligibility requirements for different services
- Knowing how to access crisis support when needed
- Being aware of both school-based and community resources
- Recognizing the importance of early intervention in preventing mental health concerns from escalating
As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, Camden County's commitment to expanding access to care and developing innovative approaches to student mental health support positions it as a model for community-based mental health service delivery.