CarePlus NJ Awarded $120,000 Grant to Establish Substance Use and Mental Health Gambling Disorder Program in Northern NJ

Paramus, N.J. (April 3, 2023) – Care Plus NJ, Inc. (“CarePlus NJ”), a pioneer in integrated primary and behavioral health services for adults and children, announces it has been awarded a one-year grant totaling $120,000 from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to establish a substance use and mental health gambling disorder clinician services program in northern New Jersey.

Gambling disorder is a chronic mental health condition with symptoms that result in higher-than-average rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal behavior. According to the National Association of Addiction Professionals, problem gambling has the highest suicide attempt rate (up to 20%) of all addictions.

Through the grant, CarePlus NJ will provide screening, treatment and case management for individuals with a gambling disorder, including those who may also have a substance use disorder and/or mental illness. Clients enrolled in the program will be offered a 12-week prescriptive treatment program, gambling psycho-education, and evidence-based care. In addition to treatment services, CarePlus NJ clinicians will work with individuals to assist with issues that often occur concurrently with gambling disorders such as financial distress, estranged relationships, legal issues, and a need for social services. The program will also address the need for gambling services of individuals with a primary diagnosis of gambling disorder or as a co-occurring substance use disorder and/or Mental health disorder.

“The rates of gambling addiction are climbing in our state. A recent Rutgers University study estimates about 13% of New Jersey residents meet requirements for having a gambling problem,” said Ann Marie Zihal, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, Care Plus NJ. “More significant is that often individuals with a gambling disorder also present with co-occurring disorders surrounding substance use and/or mental illness, which requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and care. This grant will enable us to expand our addiction recovery services and increase access to treatment to those in need.”

For more information, or to make a referral, please contact Admissions at 201-986-5000.

About CarePlus NJ

For more than 40 years, Care Plus NJ, Inc. (“CarePlus NJ”) has been a pioneer in integrated primary and behavioral health services for adults and children in northern New Jersey. Based in Paramus, New Jersey, CarePlus NJ is committed to providing the most comprehensive integrated treatment options through 80 programs designed to meet the full spectrum of health and wellness needs for adults and children in the communities it serves. Specializing in acute care, CarePlus NJ provides immediate, high-quality health services and support programs for individuals in crisis. Nationally ranked for excellence in customer satisfaction by the Mental Health Corporations of America, CarePlus NJ is mission driven ensuring that anyone who needs it has access to specialized care. To learn more about CarePlus NJ and its wide range of programs and services, visit https://www.careplusnj.org/.