What you need to know
Hackensack Meridian Health launched the first medically integrated urgent care center with behavioral health in the country on September 20.
Patients who use this urgent care center will have access to a behavioral health team including mental health technicians, licensed clinical social workers, advance practice nurses and, if required, a psychiatrist via telemedicine.
These new behavioral health services aim to improve treatment by:
- Increasing access to treatment for behavioral health patients in an appropriate setting.
- Providing more timely care for people who may have to wait to see a specialist.
- Reducing the burden on already stressed hospital emergency departments.
- Providing more coordinated and comprehensive care to improve patient outcomes.
- Addressing the stigma associated with mental health by affording patients a safe and confidential place to access the care they need.
- Providing immediate access to more intensive care it necessary.
The center is located at 2040 Route 33 in Neptune, across from Jersey Shore University Medical Center.