Behavioral health, mental health, and psychiatry – these are all related terms for emotional health and well-being.  It is long overdue that society treated these issues like any other medical condition, and removed the fear and stigma about discussing them or seeking care.

At Hackensack Meridian Health, we believe it is important that people feel comfortable discussing issues of concern in a safe and supportive environment. It is what you, your loved ones, our neighbors, and communities deserve.

Our services include:

• Comprehensive outpatient services
• Inpatient services
• Specialized care for opioid, substance abuse, and addiction
• Depression, mood disorders, stress, and anxiety
• Child, adolescent, and family services
• Geriatric and caregiver programs and support

As the largest and most comprehensive health care network in New Jersey, we’re proud that families rely on us for the most sensitive medical care and conditions.  Our goal is to be the name you know and trust for emotional and behavioral care.

Hackensack Meridian Behavioral Health provides a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient services across an eight county area is a warm, compassionate and supportive environment to serve your emotional and mental health needs.

Our experienced team, which includes skilled professionals and distinguished psychiatrists who’ve been recognized as “Top Docs” in New Jersey, can provide relief for patients of all ages and their families at times when mental illness, emotional difficulties, addiction or other issues arise. Our Behavioral Care transformation services are available to everyone throughout our network, 24/7, 365 days of the year.

Our locations and resource phone numbers include:

Hackensack University Medical Center
Outpatients Services: 551-996-4450
Inpatient Services: 551-996-2446 (adults)
Crisis Hotline: 201-262-HELP

Hackensack University Medical Center: Debra Simon Center for Integrative Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Main Number: 551-996-4450
Outpatients Services: 551-996-4450 (pediatrics)
Crisis Hotline: 201-262-HELP

Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Behavioral Health Main Number: 732-696-4400
Outpatients Services: 732-696-4400
Crisis Hotline: 732-776-4555

JFK Medical Center
Behavioral Health Main Number: 732-321-7189
Outpatients Services: 732-321-7189

Riverview Medical Center
Behavioral Health Main Number: 732-345-3400
Outpatients Services: 732-345-3400
Crisis Hotline: 732-219-5325

Palisades Medical Center
Behavioral Health Main Number: 201-854-0500
Outpatients Services: 201-854-0500
Crisis Hotline: 201-854-6300
Pediatrics/Adolescents/Adults: ER treats all

Mountainside Medical Center
Behavioral Health Main Number: 973-429-6813
Outpatients Services: 973-429-6813
Crisis Hotline: 973-429-6996

Raritan Bay Medical Center – Perth Amboy
Behavioral Health Main Number: 732-360-4077
Outpatients Services: 732-360-4077
Crisis Hotline: 732-442-3794

Raritan Bay Medical Center – Old Bridge
Behavioral Health Main Number: 732-360-4077
Outpatients Services: 732-360-4077
Crisis Hotline: 732-324-5289

Ocean Medical Center
Behavioral Health Main Number: 732-836-4664

Southern Ocean Medical Center
Behavioral Health Main Number: 609-978-8972
Crisis Hotline: 609-978-8972

You are not alone…
Mental disorders are common, and they can affect anyone.

Most of us want to think, at least at first, that we can handle the problem on our own, that it will go away by itself in time. According to the CDC, about one in four U.S. adults (26.2%) age 18 and older, in any given year, has a mental or emotional disorder including mood disorder, anxiety disorder, impulse control disorder, or substance abuse disorder (Kessler, Chiu, Demler, & Walters, 2005), yet the majority of people do not receive the help they need. Untreated behavioral health issues can impact a person for life by making it more difficult to be physically healthy and find a good job, safe housing, adequate health care, friends and a sense of belonging in the community.

I don’t want other people to know there’s something wrong with me.
Most of us do not hesitate to seek medical help if we think we might be physically ill, for instance with an infection, heart disease or diabetes.

So, what stands in the way of getting the help we need for ourselves or a loved one who we suspect is suffering from a behavioral health disorder?  One common reason is we think there’s a stigma attached to admitting we have a mental or emotional health problem. Though behavioral health issues are common, treatable and nothing to be ashamed of, we’ve all heard stereotypes and prejudices about mental illness that persist in our culture that may cause us to try to hide symptoms from friends, family, even ourselves.

Embarrassment, shame, self-blame and fear of disappointing or upsetting those close to us can all be barriers to getting necessary treatment for mental illness symptoms. So, not only do we struggle with the illness itself, we avoid taking the all-important step of reaching out for help to get better.

I have an addiction, but I feel that asking for help is admitting weakness.
When your life spins out of control, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

When you have an addiction, you may not be aware of how much your behavior is causing problems for yourself and others. Any addiction can cause a sense of hopelessness and feelings of failure, as well as shame and guilt.

But research tells us that most people can and do recover, and that there are many approaches to recovery. Hackensack Meridian Behavioral Health is here to provide the compassionate support and respect people with addiction disorders need and deserve.

I don’t know if I really need help.
If you (or a loved one) are having trouble coping with daily life but you’re not really sure what’s wrong, it may be a treatable behavioral health disorder.

The American Psychological Association recommends you seek the help of a trained mental health professional if:

• You constantly worry.
• You feel trapped.
• You aren’t getting any better with self-help.
• You feel as if you can’t handle things alone.
• Your feelings are affecting your job, relationships, or sleep and eating habits.

The mental health professionals at Hackensack Meridian Behavioral Health are experienced and qualified to provide the answers you need.

No one else can understand my problems, so why should I bother? 
The important question is, what do you lose by not giving yourself your best chance to get better?

To Hackensack Meridian Behavioral Health professionals, no problem is too odd, strange, or difficult to be respectfully heard, considered and treated. Our doctors are trained to understand how to help people with behavioral health disorders lead more productive and fulfilling lives. We are the largest health network in New Jersey, and we will provide you with a highly-qualified behavioral health professional near you in the Hackensack Meridian Health system.  This is your life, and you deserve to live it to the fullest. We are ready to help and we welcome your call.

We’re here to listen, we’re here to help. At Hackensack Meridian Behavioral Health, we listen to your questions and concerns with compassion and respect. We use the latest state-of-the art treatment interventions to help you reach your best levels of mental, emotional and physical health. Take the first step toward feeling better – we welcome your call at the location convenient for you.

The American Psychological Association recommends you seek the help of a trained mental health professional if:

• You constantly worry.
• You feel trapped.
• You aren’t getting any better with self-help.
• You feel as if you can’t handle things alone.
• Your feelings are affecting your job, relationships, or sleep and eating habits.

When your life spins out of control, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.