March 10, 2021. Lakewood.

Preferred Behavioral Health Group (PBHG) has been awarded a 2-year $4 million grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to expand and enhance services in Ocean and Monmouth counties.

The grant will enable PBHG to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), joining 339 other programs throughout the United States. The funding is part of the federal Covid-19 relief package.

“This pandemic has substantially increased the number of people in need of services. “The extended isolation and social distancing, family illness and loss, unemployment and under-employment, all have played a part in increased mental health and substance abuse challenges.”

Mary Pat Angelini, Chief Executive Officer, PBHG

Services will include crisis services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the care will be comprehensive, providing or linking people with the mental health, therapy, and physical health treatment as needed.

“By having the resources to establish a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we will not only expand and increase access to services but will integrate physical health care as well. People in need will have a case manager ensuring this coordinated care,” Angelini continued. “This model of care focuses on the whole person.”

Preferred Behavioral Health Group has served the communities in Ocean and Monmouth counties for over 40 years, providing mental health and substance abuse education, prevention, support, and treatment.