March 2020

We are adapting our services but are still here for you! Following guidelines by the federal and state government to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Coronavirus, Preferred Behavioral Health Group is implementing major changes in the way we are operating over the next few weeks. Effective Wednesday, March 18, most of our buildings will be closed to staff, consumers, clients, and visitors. Our group homes and Children’s Mobile Response program will continue to be operational. Plans are in place to support you remotely and to continue to support those in need in our communities.  Please reach out to your therapist, clinician, or case manager for details on your specific situation. The current intention is to resume our normal operations on April 2nd. For any questions or concerns, call us at 732-367-4700. If you are in a crisis and need immediate assistance, please call:  Monmouth County: 732-886-4474 or 911 Ocean County: 866-904-4474 or 911 We will keep you updated on this page and via our social media channels. This is an unsettled time for all of us; please continue to take care of yourself and those you love.

Everywhere we turn, we hear about it. It’s the number one topic of conversation. It’s on the news 24/7. It’s being talked about at work, in supermarkets and stores – with friends and strangers. It may even be impacting your travel plans, job locations, and financial situation. How to cope? It’s a stressful situation for all of us. And for those dealing with the challenges of anxiety, it can be magnified. One of the most important things you can do is to stay informed, but don’t stay glued to the news. You want to stay up-to-date, but focusing on other positive activities will help manage your stress. Use credible sources for your information so you know you are getting the true facts (see below). It’s also critical to know your own signs of stress and when to get help. Stress reactions can be both physical and emotional. By paying attention to your body, emotions, and behaviors, you can recognize the signs and take steps to feel better. Click here for the information we are sharing with all of our staff, clients and consumers, and below are links we have compiled to reliable sources for news and stress coping strategies that we recommend. Sources for Reliable News: Centers for Disease Control – most current information World Health Organization – protection tips, travel advice, faq’s Guidelines for Stress Management: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administratio (SAMHSA) guidelines for coping with stress, including signs of stress and stress relieving techniques. Click Here for English and Click Here for Spanish. SAMHSA guidelines for social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. Click here for English and Click Here for Spanish Guidelines for Helping Families Cope: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Includes readiness, reducing your family’s risk, coping with stress, and scheduling and activities. Click here. Follow us on our social media outlets for our Coronavirus response updates. Facebook: @PreferredBehavioralHealthGroup Twitter: @PBHGNJ Instagram: @preferredbehavioral LinkedIn: Preferred Behavioral Health Group