Karen Wall,Patch Staff

A Lakewood organization that works to help people who are struggling with addiction and mental illness is set to receive a $1 million grant from the federal government.

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service Grant was awarded to the Lakewood Community Service Corporation by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. It will fund addiction and mental health services for the next four years, beginning Sept. 30, 2023.

"https://patch.com/new-jersey/lakewood-nj/1m-mental-health-addiction-services-grant-awarded-lakewood-groupWe are excited and thrilled to get this grant," said Sara Lerner, outpatient director at the center. The grant will support existing services along with support services in four clinics and in two dozen schools in the Lakewood area.

Lerner said the grant will allow the organization to expand psychiatric care for children and adults, and training for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) evidence-based programs. The organization offers crisis services, care management, service for veterans, and psychosocial rehabilitation, including vocational support.

It also has a certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that provides community mental health and substance use recovery-oriented services through person- and family-centered integrated services.

"We use a team approach of 'wrap around' service," Lerner said. The organization has working agreements with RWJ Barnabas Health and the area's Federal Qualified Health Center as well as other local providers.

"This federal grant will help people who are struggling with addictions or facing mental illness challenges in the northern Ocean County area over the next four years," said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, who announced the grant. "The programs funded by this grant will help support and improve existing outpatient mental health and addiction services in order to provide more assistance to people in need."

If you or someone you know needs help regarding addiction and mental health services, you can call the Ocean County Health Department at 732-341-9700, or the Monmouth County Ocean County Health Department at 732-431-7456.

Local mental health and addiction services providers include: Preferred Behavioral Health Group, Lakewood Community Service Corporation, CPC Behavioral Healthcare and CFC Loud N Clear Foundation.

This article was published on Sept. 19, 2023 and can be found online at:
https://patch.com/new-jersey/lakewood-nj/1m-mental-health-addiction-services-grant-awarded-lakewood-group