Based on the approval of the New Jersey State Plan Amendment (SPA) on March 12, 2015, Care Plus NJ, Inc. (CarePlus) is the first state-certified agency to provide integrated mental health care services to individuals residing in Bergen County with severe mental illnesses through their Behavioral Health Home (BHH) model.
This advocacy effort makes health care services more affordable and accessible to those individuals with serious mental illness that need the services and might not otherwise be able to afford them.
“Bergen County was selected as the first county for this initiative,” explained Joe Masciandaro, CEO at CarePlus. “We are proud that the CarePlus BHH model is the first in the state to be recognized.”
CarePlus has been a leader in the integrated mind and body approach to wellness since 2010 when the agency was awarded a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Through that funding, CarePlus was able to develop proven integrated treatment care regimens that produced favorable outcome measures including: normal blood pressure, reduction of emergency room visits, participation in wellness programs, and a positive perception of care.
“Being a pioneer isn’t new for us at CarePlus,” Masciandaro continues, “we have also spearheaded the county-wide Stigma-Free Initiative in local communities. CarePlus has taken a strong role in developing the foundation for this initiative, and we are taking the action to further these efforts through our dedication to providing the most optimal service for those who live with mental health challenges.”
The State funded BHH model only provides coverage to a select group of individuals affected by serious mental illness. What distinguishes CarePlus is the newly formed Health Management Solutions team that is looking to leverage this model to the outliers of state coverage including commercial insurers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and ACOs.
CarePlus Health Management Solutions is developing the capacity to ensure that any individual who may benefit from coordinated physical and behavioral healthcare will have access. These efforts will help to improve health outcomes and quality of life. Services include a professional team of medical and behavioral health experts that work together to best serve the individual and their recovery.
If you work with someone who may benefit from these services, please contact the Health Management Solutions Team: Jessica Shea at (201) 796-9479, Sean Sundberg at (201) 478-4162, or Kathy Bianco at (201) 986-5032.
CarePlus NJ, INC. is dedicated to excellence in mental healthcare and has a commitment to life-long support needed by individuals and their families to ensure that they achieve their full potential and improve the quality of their lives.
