NJ Spotlight published the following article on February 27, 2014. To read the full article, click here.
TEAMS OF EXPERTS HELP PATIENTS COPE HOLISTICALLY WITH ARRAY OF PROBLEMS
ANDREW KITCHENMAN | FEBRUARY 27, 2014
Treating patients with severe mental illnesses holistically – dealing with problems as varied as joblessness, health issues and addictions in combination with psychiatric care – has proven effective in keeping them out of hospitals and helping them lead productive lives.
That’s the lesson from a statewide program that is going beyond traditional mental health care to include wellness initiatives and even job training, according to healthcare experts
Elizabeth-based mental-health services provider Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services has been leading this effort through the Program for Assertive Community Treatment, or PACT, which utilizes teams of professionals, including a psychiatrist, nurses, and experts specializing in wellness, vocational training and recovery from both mental illness and addictions.