Feb2015 We strive to improve the quality of life for individuals and families…one life at a time. The West Bergen Beat The Mission of West Bergen Mental Healthcare is to promote psychological health and personal growth. Through comprehensive treatment and supportive services, we respond to the needs of our clients and the communities we serve. West Bergen Receives Federal EHR Incentive In December 2014, West Bergen attested to the Medicare/Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Program through the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009, which provides federal dollars to eligible professionals as they adopt, implement, upgrade or demonstrate meaningful use of certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) technology. To receive these payments, provides must successfully attest to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and meet certain meaningful use criteria. Adopting meaningful use measures shall provide: · Improve quality, safety, efficiency, and reduce health disparities · Engage patients and family · Improve care coordination, and population and public health · Maintain privacy and security of patient health information West Bergen has officially attested through the Medicaid program for three medical prescribers. The next step of the process will be to meet certain meaningful use objectives, including the implementation of a patient electronic health record portal, along with a number of other clinical quality measures that require the collection of particular data. West Bergen Staff Member Participates in Panel Discussion on Parental Awareness At a recent panel discussion, parents heard from school counselors, police officers, county prosecutors and mental health officials about how to help children suffering from issues ranging from anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying and eating disorders. Danielle Heller, clinical director for West Bergen’s Center for Children and Youth, said she receives from five to six referrals each week from schools of students showing risk factors of mental illness. She’s been seeing more and more exhibiting signs of anxiety and depression, she said. But, there is good news: 80 percent of people with depression show great signs of improvement after receiving services. Warning signs of clinical depression, which afflicts an estimated 2 million American teens, include distress, disproportionate response to situations, irritability and a sense of hopelessness, all of which extend beyond a two-week period. Heller also said society must keep discussing suicide and provide teens who attempt to kill themselves with the services they need. She said research shows female teens are more likely to attempt suicide, while male teens are four times more likely to actually kill themselves. “Parents sometimes say, how do I know the difference between the typical sadness, blues, moodiness that all teens go through? When does that reach the level of clinical, of seeking services and help?” Heller said. “Just because your child is going through ups and downs of adolescence, doesn’t mean he or she is depressed, but it also doesn’t mean therapy couldn’t help.” *excerpts from Northjersey.com : News Page 2 The West Bergen Beat Group News Many West Bergen programs conduct group therapy as a method of treatment. Group therapy is a powerful venue for growth and change. Not only do clients receive tremendous understanding, support, and encouragement from others facing similar issues, but they also gain different perspectives, ideas, and viewpoints on those issues. The following are some of the groups we hold on a regular basis: Teen Girls Empowerment Group: We are now accepting referrals for the Teen Girls Empowerment group. In group we address numerous issues including: Depression, Body Image, Relationships, Parent-Child Relationships, Anger, Anxiety, Responsibility, Self-esteem, Emotional Wellness and Stress Management. The group will be held at West Bergen’s Center for Children and Youth in Ramsey, NJ on Wednesdays from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. If you have The Parent Forum This monthly support group is scheduled to run on Thursday evenings from 7:30-8:30 p.m. We will be running two sections of this workshop, one for parents of children 12 and under and one for parents of children 13 and over. The support group will have a two-part focus. The first aspect of group will explore the challenges of parenting individuals with Asperger’s and related disorders. Social Anxiety Teen Group “Stand Up Speak Out”, is for high school students who present with symptoms of social anxiety such as school refusal, fear of social situations and limited peer relationships. This group will teach adolescents how to minimize their anxiety and avoidance of social situations by any questions, would like to discuss a possible referral or have any other inquiries, please contact Helena Fotopoulos at 201-934-1160 ext. 7204. ADHD groups for boys and girls ages 7— 18 run throughout the week depending on ages. Please contact Alan Koenig, at 201-934-1160 for more information. Adult Programs The second aspect of each group will allow participants to share and process their own experiences within their families. To register please call Kelly Weaver at 201-857-0080. The Young Adult Partial Care Track offers people ages 18-35 years old, groups that are designed to support a younger person experiencing the beginning of a mental learning to cope with the anxiety they experience and to practice these skills in the safe and measured environment of the group. Group meets on Tuesdays 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a possible referral you may have, please contact Eve Thaler, LPC at 201-444-3550 ext. 7135. To schedule a group please contact our Access Department at 201-934-1160. Group therapy is a powerful venue for growth and change. Social Skills Groups for children ages 4-18 presenting with ADHD/ADD, ODD, and other Disruptive Behaviors. The Social Skills Groups teaches positive relationship skills and helps build confidence to manage conflicts within a safe and supportive circle of peers. Module Topics include: Conversation skills, strategies to cope with bullying and teasing, cooperative play and teamwork, building and strengthening peer relationships, managing time and organizing tasks. For additional information contact Alan Koenig, LPC, 201-934-1160 ext. 7243. health challenge, or who may be in need of support during a life adjustment. The Young Adult Partial Care Track Groups are offered at our 120 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood location. For further information call Donna Marinaro, Program Director at 201-444-3550. ext: 7116. Page 3 The West Bergen Beat CARF To Survey West Bergen West Bergen will undergo its fifth triennial CARF (Commission on accreditation as assurance that providers strive to offer the highest quality services. 24 and 25. Surveys were taken in 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012. West Bergen has received a three year accreditation each time due to its substantial conformance to the standards and is the highest accreditation a behavior health agency can achieve. To be accredited by CARF, an organization must satisfy each of the CARF Accreditation Conditions, and demonstrate through a site survey that it meets the standards established by CARF. While an organization may not be in full conformance to every applicable standard, the accreditation decision is on the balance of its strengths with those areas in which it needs improvement. the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) survey on February 23, CARF accreditation signals a service provider's commitment to continually improving services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community. Consumers, their families, and the public look for CARF West Bergen staff have been busily preparing for this year’s survey and are confident that it will be as successful as it was in previous years. Distinguished Service Award Brunch Honoring Deirdre And Joseph Ward March 15, 2015 Visit annualbrunch.com For more information Page 4 The West Bergen Beat Sibling Support Group Expands With 2 New Groups! 6-8 Year Old and 13-15 Year Old Groups For siblings and cousins of children with Asperger’s Disorder, HFA, PDD, NOS and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities. This workshop will cover a range of topics, such as tolerance, coping strategies, focusing on your sibling’s or cousin’s strengths, disclosure, fairness, creating quality time, and finding common ground. For additional information, please contact Dawn Rhode at 201-4443565 X7347 . Visit our website www.westbergen.org for info on our other services! 6-8 Year Old Group 13-15 Year Old Group 1/12/15 1/26/15 2/9/15 2/23/15 3/9/15 3/23/15 4/13/15 4/27/15 5/11/15 No meeting in May 6/8/15 6/22/15 Horizon Foundation Awards $25,000 Grant for Children's Depression West Bergen Mental Healthcare is pleased to announce that it has received a grant of $25,000 from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. The grant was awarded to support the organization’s Children's Depression Intervention Program that provides assessment and treatment services for young people suffering from depression. “The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey recognizes the quality services that West Bergen is providing to young people suffering from depression. With the treatment provided by this valuable program, many young people will be better able to cope with the social and health related challenges of depression. Children's Depression Intervention is among the specialized programs offered by the West Bergen Center for Children and Youth located in Ramsey, Ridgewood and Oakland. Children's Services has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Center for the Advancement of Children's Mental Health of Colum- bia University. Depression Intervention offers screenings as well as a variety of treatment methods, supervised by child and adolescent psychiatrists. For information on specialized treatment programs please West Bergen Mental Healthcare 120 Chestnut Street Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-3550/Fax 201-652-1613 West Bergen Center for Children and Youth One Cherry Lane Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-934-1160/Fax 201-934-0019 West Bergen Counseling Group 3 Post Road Oakland, NJ 07436 201-651-1900/Fax 201-651-9608 West Bergen Counseling Group 615 Franklin Turnpike Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-857-0080/Fax 201–857-0073 WWW.WESTBERGEN.ORG