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Wellspring Community Resources for Crisis & Mental Health Guide

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Published by sfierra, 2019-11-19 17:28:05

Wellspring Community Resources for Crisis & Mental Health Guide

Wellspring Community Resources for Crisis & Mental Health Guide

The PATH at South Plainfield High School

PARENT RESOURCE GUIDE

HOME OF THE TIGERS

Table of Contents

Introductory Letter to Parents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………03
Signs of Suicide Ideation……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………04
Signs of Anxiety in Children & Teens…..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………07
Coping Strategies For Positive Well-Being…..……………………………………………………………………………………………………08
Community Resources for Mental Health & Crisis (Quick Reference)…..…………………………………………………..………09
Community Resources for Mental Health (Comprehensive)…..…………..……………………………………………………………10

2

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The school year is well underway, and a new school year can bring about many changes, challenges and
stressors for your child. A student’s social and emotional well-being is critical to their academic success.

You may have become aware of recent news headlines concerning the prevalence of anxiety and
depression in today’s youth. While we do not know for sure what is causing the rise in anxiety, there are a
number of factors that very well may be contributing. In addition to genetics, personality, life events, social
media use, high expectations and pressure to succeed, the world can feel like a threatening and scary
place to many. Although some factors can cause anxiety in children of all ages, some anxieties tend to be
more common during certain phases of development.

Just as kids experience happiness, sadness, anger, joy and embarrassment, they may also experience
periods of anxiousness. Anxiety is that feeling of unease, worry, nervousness or fear we get, when faced
with a stressful or scary situation. Although anxiety can feel bad for kids in the moment, it has an upside. It
is part of the body’s fight or flight response, which kicks in when the brain perceives threats or dangers.
Thus, it is a built-in protector.

Anxiety and depression are commonly co-occurring, particularly if anxiety prevents your child from doing
things developmentally appropriate, which could increase feelings of sadness. Occasionally being sad or
feeling hopeless is a part of every child’s life. However, some children feel sad or uninterested in things
they used to enjoy or feel helpless or hopeless in situations they are able to change. A child who is
depressed may present with changes in eating, sleeping, energy patterns, and an inability to focus. They
may also experience feelings of worthlessness and guilt. Extreme depression can lead to self-injury, self-
destructive behavior, or thoughts of suicide.

As parents or guardians, you have a very important role in helping your children take on new challenges,
build coping strategies, and learn resiliency skills needed to adapt in the face of adversity. If your child’s
fears or worries are persistent, overly intense, causing avoidance of developmentally appropriate activities,
or hampering their ability to participate in school, family, or social activities, you should discuss this with
your child’s primary care provider or a mental health specialist.

Anxiety and depression are treatable conditions. We have included some information on the signs of
anxiety, coping strategies, suicide prevention, and other helpful resources. Be aware of your child’s mental
health. Don’t ever hesitate to ask questions and ask for help. We are here to help.

Here is to a Happy and Healthy Year!!!

In The Best of Health,

Sam Fierra

Sam Fierra

Director of Guidance and School Counseling K-12

South Plainfield Public Schools

(908)754-4620 x1630

[email protected]

When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don’t blame the lettuce. You look for

reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame

the lettuce. -Thich Nhat Han

3

SIGNS ONE MAY BE IN DANGER OF

HURTING THEMSELVES
OR HURTING OTHERS

Signs that someone may be at risk for suicide

The following signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. The risk of suicide is greater if a
behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If
you, or someone you know, exhibits any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible.

• Calling 2nd Floor youth support line: 1-888-222-2228 (for youth)
• Calling Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Calling NJ Hopeline – 1-855-nj-hopeline (654-6735)
• If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 911 or the local screening center

Suicide Risk Factors

• Mental illness including depression, conduct disorders, and substance abuse.
• Family stress/dysfunction.
• Environmental risks, including presence of a firearm in the home.
• Situational crises (i.e., traumatic death of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, family

violence, etc.).

Suicide Warning Signs

• Suicidal threats in the form of direct and indirect statements.
• Suicide notes and plans.
• Prior suicidal behavior.
• Making final arrangements (e.g., making funeral arrangements, writing a will, giving away

prized possessions).
• Preoccupation with death.
• Changes in behavior, appearance, thoughts and/or feelings.
• Talking about feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live.

4

• Talking about feeling trapped.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
• Sleeping too much or too little.

The following signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. The risk of suicide is greater if a
behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If
you, or someone you know, exhibits any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible.

• Calling 2nd Floor youth support line: 1-888-222-2228 (for youth)
• Calling Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Calling NJ Hopeline – 1-855-nj-hopeline (654-6735)
• If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 911 or the local screening center

Suicide Risk Factors

• Mental illness including depression, conduct disorders, and substance abuse.
• Family stress/dysfunction.
• Environmental risks, including presence of a firearm in the home.
• Situational crises (i.e., traumatic death of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, family

violence, etc.).

Suicide Warning Signs

• Suicidal threats in the form of direct and indirect statements.
• Suicide notes and plans.
• Prior suicidal behavior.
• Making final arrangements (e.g., making funeral arrangements, writing a will, giving away

prized possessions).
• Preoccupation with death.
• Changes in behavior, appearance, thoughts and/or feelings.
• Talking about feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling trapped.
• Talking about being a burden to others.

5

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Displaying extreme mood swings.

What You Can Do

• Remain calm
• Ask the person directly if he or she is thinking about suicide.
• Focus on your concern for their wellbeing and avoid being accusatory.
• Listen.
• Reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever.
• Do not judge.
• Provide constant supervision. Do not leave them alone.
• Remove means for self-harm.
• Get help; use your resources – school, religious, community, health

Additional Resources

• http://prp.jasonfoundation.com/

• https://afsp.org/

• http://www.sptsusa.org/
• http://www.yspp.org
• http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/suicideprevention.aspx
• SPANISH-

http://public.health.oregon.gov/PreventionWellness/SafeLiving/SuicidePrevention/Pages
/espllh.aspx

JUST ASK …. YOU CAN SAVE A LIFE

6

ANXIETY

SIGNS OF ANXIETY IN CHILDREN AND TEENS

PHYSICAL

-Often complains of headaches or stomachaches, with no medical reason.
-Refuses to eat at school or other public places. Changes in eating habits.
-Won’t use restrooms away from home.
-Constantly tenses muscles.
-Becomes restless, fidgety, hyperactive or distracted.
-Starts to shake or sweat in intimidating situations.
-Has trouble falling asleep or staying awake.

EMOTIONAL

-Cries often.
-Becomes cranky or angry for no clear reason.
-Afraid of making even minor mistakes.
-Has extreme test anxiety.
-Doubts skills and abilities, even when there is no reason to.
-Can’t handle any criticism, no matter how constructive.
-Has panic attacks (or has a fear of).
-Has pressing fears or phobias.
-Worries about the future.
-Has nightmares about losing a parent or loved one.
-Has obsessive thoughts or worries about bad things happening.

BEHAVIORAL

-Asks “what if” this happens constantly.
-Avoids participation in class activities.
-Remains silent or preoccupied when expected to work with others.
-Refuses to go to school.
-Avoids social situations with peers.
-Refuses to speak to strangers.
-Becomes emotional or angry when separating from family or loved ones.
-Begins to have explosive outbursts.
-Withdraws from activities.
-Constantly seeks approval from parents, teachers and friends.
-Compulsive behavior like frequent hand washing or arranging things.
-Won’t make any decisions or agonizes over decisions.

7

COPING STRATEGIES

40 COPING STRATEGIES FOR POSITIVE WELL BEING

These are things your child can do to make themselves feel better, by managing
their emotions in a healthy way.

*Get plenty of sleep *Cook or Bake
*Eat Healthy food *Play with a pet
*Go for a walk *Take a bath
*Go for a bike ride *Go out in nature
*List 10 positive qualities about you *Practice yoga
*Draw a picture *Stand up and stretch
*Listen to music *Close your eyes

*Hang out with friends *Color a picture

*Talk to a friend *Meditate

*Talk to a trusted adult *Rip paper into pieces

*Write in a journal *Use a relaxation app
*Write a poem *Label your feelings
*Use positive self-talk *Write down your thoughts

*Take deep breaths *Smile in the mirror
*Perform a random act of kindness
*Visualize a safe calm place *5 Senses Activity:
*Read a good book Name 5 things you can see
*Set a goal Name 4 things you can touch
*Use a stress ball Name 3 things you can taste
*Dance Name 2 things you can smelL
*Make a gratitude list Name 1 thing you can hear
*Count to 100
*Read Inspirational Quotes
*Think of something funny
*Tell someone you are thankful for them

8

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR CRISIS & MENTAL HEALTH

Municipal (Non Emergency)

South Plainfield Police Department (908)755-0700
South Plainfield EMS (908)754-2259
South Plainfield Fire Department (908)756-4700

Toll-Free Hotlines/Helplines/Children and Family Resources

Catholic Charities(Rental/Utility Assistance) (732)826-6278
DCP & P/Child Abuse (877)NJ ABUSE (652-2873)
Family Helpline (Parent Stressors) 1(800) THE KIDS (843-5437)
Family Support Organization (732)287-8701
Jewish Family Services 732)777-1940
LGBTQ National Hotline (888)843-4564
LGBTQ National Youth Hotline (800)246-PRIDE (7743)
Mobile Response and Stabilization (877)652-7624
NJ Addiction Hotline (844)276-2777
NJ Connect (Substance Abuse/Recovery) (855)652-3737
NJ Domestic Violence 1(800)572-SAFE (7233)
Pride Center of NJ (732)846-2232
Puerto Rican Action Board (732)828-4510
Wellspring Center for Prevention (732)254-3344
Woman Aware (732)249-4900

Mental Health

Acute Psychiatric Services (855)815-5700
Catholic Charities (732)324-8200
Crisis Text Line 741741
JFK Center for Behavioral Health (732)321-7189
Performcare NJ (877)652-7624
Raritan Bay Psychiatric Emergency (732)324-5289
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care 1(800)969-5300
St. Peter’s Hospital For Keeps (732)565-5494
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1(800)273-TALK (8255)
Trinitas Psychiatric Services (908)994-7131
2ND Floor Youth Helpline (888)222-2228(talk or text)

9

COMMUNITY AGENCIES FOR
MENTAL HEALTH

Acute Psychiatric Services – 855-515-5700

Trinitas Emergency Psychiatric Services – East Jersey Campus 908-994-7131
Fax - 908-994-7731

Raritan Bay emergency 732-324-5095

Perform Care – 877-652-7624

DCP&P – 877-652-2873

Ambulance – 732-541-4181

Catholic Charities –– 732-324-8200
partial care program operates M-Th 3:30-6:30 in Edison. Have transportation
outpatient counseling and treatment to individuals, families, and couples who may be impacted
by depression, anxiety, the loss of a loved one, parenting difficulties, child behavior problems
and other common life stressors.
Psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring is available for people receiving counseling
services at Catholic Charities.
*Spanish speaking counselor available*
Insurance, Medicaid, medicare and sliding scale
East Brunswick Family Service Center
288 Rues Lane,
East Brunswick, NJ, 08816

Maple Street Family Service Center
319 Maple Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

St.Peter’s Hospital --- For Keeps
732-565-5494
http://www.middlesexresourcenet.org/search/st-peter-s-hospital-for-keeps/
adolescent residential
Medicaid accepted

10

Goal: To offer high quality mental health diagnoses and intensive treatment to children who
suffer from emotional and behavioral difficulties that impede their ability to function
successfully in a social environment

• Individual and Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Academic instruction in collaboration with the child’s school district
• Medication management
• Discharge planning and referral services
• Daily lunch
• Transportation for eligible children

Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare
Overview of services:
https://ubhc.rutgers.edu/services/children_family/index.html

Child and Adolescent Outpatient Services – Central New Jersey
Appointments are made by calling our Access Center at 1-800-969-5300.
Locations: New Brunswick, Edison, Monmouth Junction

• Psychiatric Evaluations to determine outpatient treatment needs
• Family Therapy
• Individual Therapy
• Medication management
• Group Therapy

Children's Mobile Response & Stabilization Services (CMRSS)
Referrals are made to and through the Children's System of Care (CSoC) Contracted Systems
Administrator (CSA) at 877-652-7624. CSA Care Coordinators triage the calls and forward them
to the program's mobile response workers 24/7.

Adolescent Partial Hospital Program
Youth who are able to benefit from a short-term treatment program which utilizes medical,
educational, behavioral and psychological interventions in an open setting may be admitted on a
voluntary basis. Admission is initiated through Acute Psychiatric Services (APS) at UBHC in
Piscataway, 732-235-5700 or the UBHC Access Center at 1-800-969-5300.

The Acute Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (AAPHP) is a program for youth in
need of structured psychiatric day treatment services. The program operates Monday through
Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at our Piscataway campus. The average length of stay is
typically one to two weeks.
• Psychiatric and psychosocial assessment and evaluation
• Comprehensive nursing services and medical care
• Behavior management
• Individualized treatment planning

11

• Individual and group therapy
• Family therapy, education and support
• Recreational, therapeutic and psycho-educational groups
• Social and emotional learning programming and creative activities
• Medication management and monitoring
• Service coordination, discharge planning and referral to community services
Admission is initiated through Acute Psychiatric Services (APS) at UBHC in Piscataway, 732-
235-5700 or the UBHC Access Center at 1-800-969-5300.

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT INPATIENT SERVICES (CAIS)
adolescents ages 5-17 whose psychiatric illness is serious enough to need inpatient treatment and
who require specialized care, observation or evaluation that can only be provided in an inpatient
setting.
Admission is initiated through a county Designated Screening Center, such as Acute Psychiatric
Services (APS) at UBHC in Piscataway, 732-235-5700 or the UBHC Access Center at 1-800-
969-5300.

High Focus (800)877-FOCUS
IOP
Partial care
Middle school program full day and after school
Co-occuring
Substance use
Transportation provided
Psychiatric programming is offered at two levels. The Partial Care Program is a high intensity full day
program which meets five days per week, while the Intensive Outpatient Program is an after school, half
day program which meets up to five days per week.
This location also offers a specialized psychiatric partial care and intensive outpatient program for middle
school students.
High Focus Centers is an in-network provider for most major insurance carriers:

• 1199 NJ Benefit Fund
• Aetna
• AmeriHealth
• Cigna
• ComPsych
• Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
• GHI
• Horizon Behavioral Health
• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield
• MHN
• OPTUM Health
• Oxford
• Qual Care
• UBH/United Healthcare
• Unions

12

• Value Option
NO medicaid

Total Family Solutions
1500 St. Georges Ave
Avenel
(856)772-5809
http://www.totalfamilysolutions.com

• Outpatient mental health services are provided at our Central and South Jersey
Facilities. Appointments can be made by calling 856-772-5809

• Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Management
• Behavioral Assistance Services are concrete, outcome-oriented interventions provided

in accordance with a plan of care. Services are designed to help children and adolescents
learn adaptive coping strategies and improve self-esteem, interpersonal relationships,
communication skills, and anger management. The service is provided under the
supervision of a licensed practitioner.
• Intensive in community services are provided by a licensed clinician and are designed
to assist the child with his or her emotional and behavioral difficulties. Services may
include caregivers and other family members. Services are flexible and provided in
accordance with a plan of care.
• Bio-psychological social assessments / needs assessments are provided by a licensed
clinician. They are conducted in the home to determine the level of care required and to
recommend specific behavioral health services.
• Bio-psychosexual evaluations are provided by a licensed clinician.
• Court evaluations are provided by a licensed clinician.
• Equine Therapy (coming soon to South Jersey)

JFK Center for Behavioral Health
www.jfkmc.org/clinical-services/behavioral-health
65 James St
Edison
(732)321-7189
• Individual, group and family therapies
• Psychiatric/medication evaluations
• Weekly anger management group
• Nicotine dependence treatment
• Intensive outpatient substance abuse program
• Group substance abuse treatments
• Weekly aftercare and relapse prevention groups

Cooperative Counseling – 908-731-7300

Our Outpatient Program provides:

13

Individual, Family and Group Therapy for children and young adults, ages 3 to 20, and their
families in a safe and nurturing environment.
Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Management provided by a Board-Certified Psychiatrist
and/or APN.
Outpatient services for children and adolescents struggling with various issues such as
depression, anxiety, defiance, anger, substance abuse, ADHD, bullying, and interpersonal
relationships.
Highly skilled, caring professionals specializing in Trauma-Focused Therapy, Family Therapy,
Play Therapy, and Grief Counseling.
Group therapy topics include: Self-esteem, Anger Management, Social Skills.
Bilingual services.
Afternoon and evening appointments.

Our Outpatient Program has three convenient locations:
407 Chestnut Street, Union, NJ 07083
1139 Spruce Drive, 2nd Floor, Suite 1 Mountainside, NJ 07092
147 Union Avenue, Middlesex, NJ 08846

George Otlowski – Outpatient and medication management
Bilingual
(Medicaid/ sliding scale) 732-442-1666 x 2089
570 Lee st.
Perth Amboy

Clarity Treatment Center, LLC
Addiction Treatment – Outpatient
Bilingual services
Accepts insurance and medicaid
Perth Amboy, New Jersey 08861
Call Mr. Elie De Franca
(732) 393-8639 x102

Princeton House

Princeton 609-497-3355 (inpatient for substance abuse and mental health)

North Brunswick 732-729-3636 (outpatient, partial, IOP for substance abuse and mental health)

Carrier Clinic (co-occurring) 1-800-933-3579

14

Be Well Counseling®
285 Durham Avenue
Bldg#6, Suite 2A
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Office: 908-548-8533
Accept many insurance plans not Medicaid

Housing/Basic Needs
Street Smart (no experience with them) – free outreach 13-21 y/o
Housing assistance, food, medical attention
973-644-4666
Adolescent services at the state - 609-888-7100
Adolescent Housing Hub – 877-652-7624
Shelter locator theteenproject.com/shelterlocator/shelter-finder.aspx.
Homeless hotline 888-908-4636
Catholic charities 732-729-0850
Garden state home 908-331-0467

Maternal and Child Health services call 732-937-5437

Private Practice

Kathleen D'orsi
Carteret
732-672-5069

Carl Dilorenzo
Carteret
347-441-0925.

Michelle Haar in Cranford
15 Alden Street
Cranford, New Jersey 07016
(973) 671-8131

Personal Counseling Services, LLC
215 Elm Avenue
Rahway, New Jersey 07065
Call Mr. Leo Battenhausen
(908) 349-1277

15

Monique Swift
Swift Solutions Consultant Services, LLC
-Rahway, New Jersey 07065
(646) 600-8118

Donna DiStefano AKA Highland Park LCSW
320 Raritan Avenue, Suite 307A
Highland Park, NJ 08904
732-266-5154
www.highlandparklcsw.com
M-F 9 am – 3 pm/ Tues & Wed. 4 pm – 8 pm and Sundays 10 am – 3 pm
Provides sliding scale fees. ACCEPTS MEDICARE.

Services provided: Alcohol & Drug Assessment; Psychological Assessment; services to
children & adolescents; individual, or group, or family therapy; codependency
treatment; treatment for nicotine and gambling addiction

J. Victoria Laszlo, LCSW, CADC

Laszlo Center 4 Hope & Healing

Individual, couples, and family Psychotherapy. Sexual concerns, addictions, anger

management, depression & anxiety provide individual, marital, family therapy to

individuals within the community perform court assessments, evaluations & substance

abuse screenings
Some insurances—mostly PPO

367 Old Bridge Turnpike

East Brunswick, NJ 08816 732-794-3629

Jacqueline Giordano, MA, LPC – Crossroad

Adolescents and adults, substance abuse and mental health

BCBS, Magellan, Aetna, Qualcare, Cigna, United Healthcare, Magna Care & other

insurances

NO Medicaid

402 Main St., Suite

Metuchen, NJ 732-635-9797

Janet Chizmadia, MA, LPC, CADC, SAC

Alcohol & drug assessment, psychological assessment, children/adolescent, individual,

group & family therapy, codep. Treatment, COA/COSA (under 18) and ACOA (over 18)

treatment, heroin treatment; heroin, nicotine, gambling and sexual/love/relationship

addiction pre-recovery only/assessment. Specialization: Alcohol, codependency and

other drugs.

Sliding scale/Out of Network insurance provider

3 Auer Ct.

East Brunswick, NJ 732-742-2719

16

Psychiatrists

Grace Medical 732-596-1088
Intuitive Behavioral Inc. Psychiatrist, MD
35-37 Progress Street
Suite A3
Edison, New Jersey 08820
(201) 687-1208

• Sliding Scale: Yes
Pay By: American Express, Cash, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa
Accepted Insurance Plans

• Aetna
• Anthem
• Blue Cross
• Blue Shield
• BlueCross and BlueShield
• Cigna
• EmblemHealth

17


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