Mental health is vital to overall well-being, influencing every aspect of life—from our relationships and work to our sense of self and purpose.
As the awareness around mental health continues to grow, the importance of accessible, high-quality care becomes ever more critical.
Hospitals play a pivotal role in this, offering specialized support and treatment for those facing mental health challenges.
In New Jersey, a range of facilities is dedicated to providing this essential care, catering to adolescents and adults needing long-term and inpatient services.
In this article, we will explore some of the best mental health hospitals in New Jersey, focusing on long-term mental health facilities.
New Jersey Mental Health Statistics
In New Jersey, approximately 1,112,000 adults are living with a mental health condition.
In 2023, 27.7% of adults in the state reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, which is slightly lower than the national average of 32.3%.
Statistics show that the rate of drug overdose deaths in New Jersey has risen significantly, from 11.3 per 100,000 people in 2011 to 32.4 per 100,000 in 2021, mirroring the national trend.
To address these challenges, numerous hospitals across New Jersey are dedicated to providing mental health care and support. Let’s take a closer look at some of these facilities below.
List of Best Psychiatric Hospitals in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to numerous excellent mental health hospitals. Let’s explore some of the top facilities providing mental health services across the state.
1. Ramapo Ridge Behavioral Health
Ramapo Ridge Behavioral Health (RRBH) is a distinguished inpatient mental health facility for adults, offering specialized care through its 58-bed psychiatric hospital.
Licensed by the State of New Jersey and accredited by The Joint Commission, RRBH is dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment for a wide range of psychiatric conditions.
The hospital is divided into two primary programs: a general adult psychiatric program and a geriatric psychiatric program.
The geriatric program is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease, ensuring that elderly patients receive the specialized care they need.
At RRBH, patients benefit from an experienced interdisciplinary team creating individualized treatment plans aimed at helping patients achieve their recovery goals.
This team includes psychiatrists, internists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, activities therapists, dietitians, and chaplains.
Daily therapeutic interventions encompass medication management, individual and group therapy, psychoeducation, therapeutic activities, family support, and pastoral care services.
The hospital also emphasizes the importance of integrating faith into treatment for those who request it.
RRBH is committed to providing accessible care, with admissions open 24 hours a day and the ability to accept both voluntary and involuntary patients.
2. Northbrook Behavioral Health Hospital
Northbrook Behavioral Health Hospital, located in Blackwood, New Jersey, is a leading long-term mental health facility offering comprehensive inpatient care for adults.
This facility is recognized for its ability to manage high-acuity psychiatric conditions, psychotic disorders, substance abuse, as well as patients with higher medical comorbidities.
Northbrook has affiliation with Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) and the Cooper University Health Care Psychiatry Residency Program.
A standout feature of Northbrook Behavioral Health Hospital is its Adjunctive Therapy Department, which is virtually unparalleled in the region.
This department includes 20 full-time adjunct therapists who specialize in a variety of therapeutic disciplines.
The team is composed of mental health counselors, music therapists with mental health counseling expertise, an art therapist, and a chaplain/counselor focused on spirituality.
It also includes a marriage and family therapist, a recreation therapist, substance abuse counselors including an LCADC, and a peer recovery support specialist.
Together, they provide a multidisciplinary approach to mental health treatment, ensuring that each patient receives a well-rounded and personalized care experience.
Northbrook’s accreditation by The Joint Commission further solidifies its reputation as a premier provider of inpatient mental health services in New Jersey.
3. Hampton Behavioral Health Center
Hampton Behavioral Health Center is a mental health facility located in Westampton Township, New Jersey, offering both inpatient and outpatient services to a wide range of patients.
With a 120-bed inpatient facility at its main campus, Hampton provides specialized care for adolescents, adults, older adults, and those with dual diagnoses of mental health and addiction.
The center also offers electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients requiring this form of treatment, available on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Hampton also operates satellite outpatient locations in Cherry Hill and Camden County, where patients can access intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs.
Hampton treats a variety of psychiatric conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and co-occurring behavioral health issues with substance dependencies.
Most admissions are voluntary, but the center also assists in cases where intervention is necessary for the safety of the patient or others.
Following a comprehensive evaluation, a multidisciplinary team led by a psychiatrist develops a personalized treatment plan.
This team includes advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, licensed social workers, creative therapists, addiction counselors, and mental health associates.
4. RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Center
The RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Center (BHBHC), established in 1992, is a prominent leader in mental health and substance abuse treatment in New Jersey.
This center provides a full continuum of behavioral health care services, integrating both hospital-based programs and a freestanding psychiatric facility.
BHBHC offers a wide range of programs designed for children, adolescents, and adults, ensuring continuity of care through seamless integration with comprehensive medical services.
BHBHC’s services include 24-hour crisis intervention, emergency psychiatric screenings, inpatient care, as well as partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient counseling.
The center also specializes in treating individuals with both mental illness and substance abuse issues, providing specialized programs for these dual diagnoses.
By collaborating closely with physicians from various medical disciplines, BHBHC supports a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient.
5. Summit Oaks Hospital
Summit Oaks Hospital stands as one of the state’s oldest and most respected mental health and substance use treatment centers, with a history dating back to 1902.
The hospital specializes in providing comprehensive mental health care for both youths (ages 5–17) and adults (18 and older) who are dealing with psychiatric and substance use challenges.
Among the key services offered at Summit Oaks is a detoxification program for adults struggling with alcohol and drug abuse.
This program is designed to ease the discomfort of withdrawal and support patients in their journey toward a healthier lifestyle.
Summit Oaks also offers adult outpatient services, including a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, and a substance use intensive outpatient program.
The hospital’s multidisciplinary team consists of psychiatrists, nurses, clinicians, and counselors, all of whom are highly skilled and certified.
The hospital’s long-standing reputation for quality care has been recognized by the U.S. News & World Report in its annual review of “Best Hospitals.”
Summit Oaks is licensed by the state of New Jersey and fully accredited by The Joint Commission, highlighting its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
6. Buttonwood Behavioral Health Hospital
Buttonwood Behavioral Health Hospital offers a serene and nurturing environment for those seeking mental health care.
This 30-bed acute psychiatric care hospital is situated within a larger campus that also houses a skilled nursing facility, creating a tranquil setting.
The small patient population, coupled with the compassionate and dedicated staff, creates a healing atmosphere that is conducive to recovery and achieving therapeutic goals.
The hospital provides specialized care for adults of all ages, addressing a wide range of mental conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, acute psychosis, and suicidal impulses.
As a proud member of the New Jersey Hospital Association, Buttonwood also serves as a training site for psychiatric nurses from Rowan College.
The hospital accepts admissions directly from emergency rooms, crisis centers, and hospital medical units, making it a trusted choice for acute psychiatric care in the region.
7. Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital
Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, situated in North Central New Jersey, spans the townships of Morris Plains and Parsippany within a sprawling, multi-acre park-like setting.
This state-of-the-art facility is part of the Division of Mental Health within the Department of Human Services (DHS).
The hospital offers 450 beds in its modern psychiatric hospital and an additional 60 beds in cottages located on the hospital grounds.
As one of the five key psychiatric facilities in the state, Greystone Park is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care.
The expansive and serene environment of the hospital, coupled with its advanced facilities, supports a therapeutic atmosphere where patients can receive the care they need.
Adolescent Mental Health Hospitals in New Jersey
The following hospitals provide mental health services to children and adolescents in New Jersey.
1. Hampton Behavioral Health Center
Hampton Behavioral Health Center offers adolescent treatment programs designed to help youths develop healthier coping mechanisms and a deeper understanding of themselves.
The goal of these programs is to guide adolescents, typically aged 12 to 17, in recognizing their challenges and learning to manage their emotions, behaviors, and relationships effectively.
Through a process of self-discovery, adolescents learn to identify problems, handle frustration, and develop constructive solutions.
The program emphasizes the importance of communication, trust, and the ability to make wise decisions.
The inpatient program at Hampton offers individual therapy, group therapy, creative therapies, and educational support to adolescents with acute mental health and substance use issues,
The program is designed to help adolescents build life skills, improve self-esteem, and understand the consequences of their actions, ensuring that their academic needs are still met.
2. Summit Oaks Hospital
Summit Oaks Hospital is committed to offering high-quality mental health care for children and adolescents in a secure and nurturing environment.
Their inpatient psychiatric program, led by the Chief Medical Officer, is designed to provide comprehensive treatment and stabilization for youths experiencing mental health crises.
The program focuses on evaluating and stabilizing adolescents with psychiatric disorders and destructive behaviors, offering 24-hour clinical supervision to those in need.
The hospital’s secure environment is equipped with various therapies and activities aimed at identifying problems, exploring solutions, and developing essential life skills.
Family involvement is a critical component of the treatment process, ensuring that parents and guardians are actively engaged in their child’s recovery.
Additionally, through a partnership with LearnWell Inc., Summit Oaks provides academic support to help students stay current with their lessons.
3. ViewPoint Center
ViewPoint Center is one of the best adolescent inpatient mental health facilities in New Jersey, dedicated to helping teens navigate their mental health challenges.
Unlike many traditional mental hospitals for teens, ViewPoint Center adopts a personalized approach to treatment, recognizing that each child is unique.
Instead of applying a generic diagnosis and treatment plan, the facility tailors its care to meet the specific needs of each adolescent, ensuring a more effective path to recovery.
The center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that provide round-the-clock care, allowing for the stabilization and safety of teens when necessary.
The experienced professional staff at ViewPoint Center work closely with both the teens and their parents, collaborating to develop a long-term treatment plan that promotes lasting wellness.
This approach helps struggling teens, aged 12 to 18, to regain their footing and move forward on a healthier path.
4. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center stands out as one of the few facilities offering 24/7 access to psychiatrists and healthcare professionals for adolescents in behavioral health crises.
Bergen New Bridge is dedicated to supporting youths aged 5 to 17 who face mental health challenges that hinder their potential.
The center provides a range of services, including teen counseling, short-term crisis stabilization and subacute care for those requiring more extended treatment.
The medical center’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Outpatient Evaluation and Treatment Services are led by board-certified child psychiatrists and licensed social workers.
Their team treats a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bullying, anger, poor self-esteem, and bipolar disorder.
5. Inspira Health
Inspira Health offers a comprehensive range of behavioral and mental health programs designed for children and adolescents throughout South Jersey.
The organization’s Behavioral Wellness Centers provide a variety of therapeutic services, referrals, and on-site psychiatric care, although they do not include legal forensic assessments.
With an emphasis on personalized care, Inspira tailors treatment plans to each child based on an intake evaluation, which considers the child’s diagnosis, symptom severity, and progress.
Their services are available across multiple settings, including inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient therapy programs, ensuring that children receive the appropriate level of care.
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Top Mental Health Doctors & Professionals in New Jersey
New Jersey has many dedicated and experienced mental health professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and compassion to their respective fields. Some of them are:
1. Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter
Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine.
With a strong belief in the combined use of medication and therapy, she incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her practice.
Dr. Papa-Molter’s educational background includes a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Franklin and Marshall College and an M.A. in Educational Psychology from New York University.
She earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she learned to integrate mind, body, and spirit in treatment planning.
Her true passion lies in treating clients with substance use disorders, and she is a strong advocate of medication-assisted treatment.
Dr. Papa-Molter also has extensive experience in treating women’s issues and mood disorders.
2. Dr. Shirley Rajan
Dr. Shirley Rajan is a dual board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in both adult and child-adolescent psychiatry.
Dr. Rajan earned dual B.S. degrees in Psychology and Neuroscience from Rutgers University and completed her residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts.
She believes that a comprehensive assessment, strong client-family alliances, and collaboration with all treatment providers are essential to effective treatment.
Dr. Rajan specializes in treating complex emotional and behavioral challenges, including depression, ADHD, addiction, and high-risk self-harm behaviors.
She balances psychopharmacology with various psychotherapeutic modalities, including CBT, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.
She emphasizes the importance of involving families in medication decisions, particularly when treating children and adolescents.
3. Rafia Grooms
Rafia Grooms is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a focus on providing comprehensive, evidence-based mental health care.
Her ideal clients are those dealing with complex mental health issues or seeking to improve their overall well-being.
Grooms offers medication management, thorough evaluations, and collaborative care planning tailored to the individual needs of her clients.
As a family nurse practitioner and PMHNP, she provides care across the lifespan, from children to seniors, with a commitment to improving mental health outcomes.
Grooms’ approach emphasizes clear communication, patient education, and effective care, helping clients achieve a healthier, more balanced life.
4. Dr. Kelly Reid
Dr. Kelly Reid is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over 30 years of experience in helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, panic, and other emotional challenges.
She provides a confidential setting for clients to freely express their feelings, which can lead to insights and resolutions of underlying issues.
Dr. Reid is skilled in both talk therapy and medication management, offering a balanced approach to treatment.
She has also taught psychoanalytic trainees at a major psychoanalytic center, sharing her expertise in these areas.
Dr. Reid offers convenient telepsychiatry sessions for residents of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, allowing clients to access therapy from the privacy of their chosen location.
5. Saba Khan
Saba Khan is a psychologist who specializes in creating a reflective space for individuals to explore and understand their emotions.
She works collaboratively with her clients, helping them develop healthier relationships with themselves and others.
With a focus on emotion-focused therapy, Saba believes that our emotions serve as a roadmap to our psyche, guiding us to understand what motivates, reinforces, or hinders us.
Her approach involves embracing emotions in a way that promotes healing and growth rather than anxiety or depletion.
In her practice, Saba uses an attachment-based, relational perspective, incorporating psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and emotion-focused therapies.
She is also a clinical supervisor for doctoral students at Rutgers, GSAPP, where she mentors the next generation of psychologists.
6. Shannon Hughes
Shannon Hughes is a clinical social worker with a diverse professional background, allowing her to meet the needs of a wide range of clients.
She focuses on providing individualized, skills-based treatment using techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and relapse prevention.
Shannon is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is working toward certification.
Her approach is centered on educating and motivating clients to break free from problematic behavior patterns, distorted thinking, and mood instability.
Shannon’s extensive experience in crisis intervention and stress management enables her to support clients in achieving balance and relief from everyday stressors.
7. Dr. Rosemarie Vala Stewart
Dr. Rosemarie Vala Stewart is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and New York with 13 years of experience in clinical psychology.
She works with individuals and couples, helping them improve their quality of life, strengthen relationships, and develop emotional stability and self-awareness.
Her clients often seek her expertise to find relief from stress, anxiety, and depression, and she helps them cultivate coping skills, mindfulness, and better communication.
Dr. Stewart is psychodynamically trained but employs a variety of therapeutic modalities to promote readiness for change and enhance overall life and relationship satisfaction.
Her practice emphasizes creating a strong therapeutic alliance, ensuring a respectful, collaborative, and compassionate environment for her clients.
8. Sersaray S. Basarir Arslan
Sersaray S. Basarir Arslan is a licensed marriage and family therapist who believes that self-discovery and self-love are key to resolving life’s challenges.
She works with individuals, couples, and families to address issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life transitions, including marriage, parenthood, and divorce.
She employs various therapeutic modalities, with a particular focus on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, helping to create stronger bonds between partners.
FAQ’s:
1. How many mental hospitals are in NJ?
The Department of Health in New Jersey operates a system of four inpatient psychiatric hospitals, dedicated to providing high-quality care focused on wellness and recovery.
2. Does New Jersey have good mental health care?
Yes, New Jersey’s mental health care is considered to be better than the national average, with a lower percentage of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to the rest of the country.
3. How do you get someone admitted to a mental hospital in NJ?
To have someone admitted to a mental hospital in New Jersey, you typically need to contact a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, or visit an emergency room.
They will evaluate to determine if hospitalization is necessary. In cases of immediate danger, you can also contact emergency services for assistance with admission.
4. How many people in NJ have mental illness?
Approximately 1,112,000 adults in New Jersey are living with a mental health condition.
