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908-527-4419EmailSUMMIT, NJ – OCTOBER 29, 2024 – Union County and Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center in Summit are partnering to create a new pediatric behavioral health program designed to be a one-stop resource for a variety of mental health needs for children and adolescents.
The Pediatric Behavioral Health Access Expansion initiative, also known as the UPBEAT Program at Overlook Medical Center, will be a comprehensive support network for children and adolescents in Union County. Developed in collaboration with Atlantic Health System, this initiative ensures that residents receive specialized behavioral health services promptly, reducing reliance on emergency departments and improving young patients' outcomes.
The program, operated by Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center in Summit, will function as a “one-stop” resource, integrating services through school partnerships, primary care providers, and community outreach. The initiative aims to address disparities, prioritize underserved communities and provide coordinated care, emphasizing the link between mental health and overall well-being.
“Overlook is committed to being the resource for our communities’ most critical needs. Families throughout our region are seeking mental health services at a growing rate, and through this partnership with Union County, we will be able to make that pathway to care more accessible,” said Stephanie Schwartz, MHSA, FACHE, President of Overlook Medical Center.
This initiative aligns with Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded’s 2024 “Growing Together in Union County” initiative, aimed at developing a healthier, more inclusive and supportive environment for Union County residents.
“Our children’s mental health is a priority in Union County, and the launch of the Pediatric Behavioral Health Access Expansion, also known as the UPBEAT Program, marks a significant step in ensuring that every young person has access to the behavioral health support they need,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “By supporting Atlantic Health System, we are creating a comprehensive network that brings services directly to children and families, connecting them with the care they deserve. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community.”
The program is expected to be up and running in mid-Q1 of 2025, and is supported through a $5 million grant and will include the following initiatives:
· Expansion of in-person outpatient and intensive outpatient adolescent services at Overlook and a focus on culturally responsive training. This will involve adding clinicians at Overlook to specifically work with pediatric patients
· Expansion of Atlantic Health System’s long-running access center to include navigation services, providing a point of access for referrals from pediatricians, school staff, or social service agencies, as well as self-referring families
· Strengthen Union County pediatric providers’ skills to screen, identify and treat or refer behavioral health conditions.
“The need for more pediatric mental health services is very real and growing every day,” said Lori Ann Rizzuto, LCSW, executive director of Atlantic Behavioral Health for Atlantic Health System. “Atlantic Health System is proud to take this opportunity to work with Union County and health care providers in our communities to make this care more accessible to children and adolescents who need it.”
Locally and nationally, demand for behavioral health services have surged in recent years. According to The State of Mental Health in America, 2023, 16 percent of youth nationally report experiencing at least one major depressive episode in the past year, and 60 percent of youth with major depression do not receive mental health treatment.
Atlantic Health System, in its annual Community Health Needs Assessments in recent years also identified rising concerns about mental health and substance abuse in the area served by Overlook Medical Center.
About Union County, NJ
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is dedicated to providing services and programs that enhance the quality of life for all residents. With a focus on inclusivity, public safety, and community wellness and more, the Commissioners work in partnership with local organizations to deliver essential services and innovative initiatives that strengthen our communities. For more information about Union County programs and services, visit www.ucnj.org.
About Atlantic Health System
Atlantic Health System is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of 20,000 team members and 5,440 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 14 counties and 7.5 million people.
The not-for-profit system offers more than 550 sites of care, including its eight hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ and CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold, NJ.
The system includes Atlantic Medical Group, part of a physician enterprise that makes up one of the largest multispecialty practices in New Jersey with more than 1,700 physicians and advance practice providers. Joined with Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners they form part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 2,500 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ.
Atlantic Health System provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 27 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse and Atlantic Health Virtual Visits. Facilitating the connection between these services on both land and air is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.
Atlantic Health System leads the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, a partnership of six regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability, has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University, is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers, and is the official health care partner of the New York Jets.