Finding your way to wellness and recovery during times of crisis is not always easy. Oaks Integrated Care, Urgent Care Mental Health, located at 1420 S. Lincoln Avenue in Vineland, helps adults ages 18 years of age and older who are experiencing emotional problems. If you or someone know has mental health problems, you can go to Oaks to get assistance. Many people in crisis who need immediate help with symptoms of a mental illness go to local hospital emergency rooms and wait a long time for care. Mental Health Urgent Care offers an alternative for those who are not in need of psychiatric hospitalization.

Oaks is a walk-in, first come first serve program, open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Oaks provides a welcoming environment. There is a living room with juice, coffee and snacks. For those who prefer a little privacy, there is a meditation room, helpful if you have anxiety. When you walk through the doors, you will find several comfortable seating areas, a television, coloring books, and the like.

The first time you go to Oaks Integrated, you will meet with a Peer Advocate who explains the program in further detail, goes over the patient bill of rights and consents. Once the paperwork is completed, which takes about 30 minutes, you will be assigned to meet with a therapist who will conduct an intake to obtain information; this takes about one hour. If the client is interested in medications, they will have an appointment made with one of the Advanced Practice Nurses for a psychiatric evaluation and medications if deemed necessary. Clients will also meet with a Case Manager who can assist with resources they may need and referral to ongoing therapy and medication management services. Clients will receive weekly individualized therapy, medication monitoring, additional Peer Support if needed. After the client completes their initial services and intake they will receive appointments for their upcoming visits. Treatment generally is for up to 30 days and options include:

• Individual counseling
• Peer support
• Medication treatment
• Psychiatric consultation
• Access to community resources
• Referral to follow-up services

The goal is to help you acquire the skills and resilience necessary to manage your crisis and move on with your life. In order to continue with the strides you make while at the program, you will be assisted in building a support network to implement a successful recovery. Support networks may include service providers, family members, friends, religious institutions and other community resources.

The Cumberland County Mental Health and Addictions Board actively promotes awareness of stigma and the need for public education regarding mental health and addiction. The Board meets monthly, and the public is invited to attend. Please refer to the meeting schedule on the Cumberland County website for meeting dates. The Board is also seeking new members. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and a resume to Melissa Niles, Cumberland County Human Services, 70 W. Broad St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or [email protected]