WEST BERGEN SEES DRAMATIC RISE IN REQUESTS FOR SERVICES
“Over the past several months, West Bergen Mental Healthcare has experienced a staggering 18 percent rise in the number of individuals seeking help “, notes Michael J. Tozzoli, Chief Executive Officer at West Bergen. The Agency, established in 1963, is a nonprofit counseling and psychiatric center serving individuals and families in our communities.
“These are anxious times and the stress of the economy is taking a profound emotional and physical toll on individuals nationwide. Every day seems to bring news of more and more job loss, doubt, insecurity and fear”, Mr. Tozzoli added. West Bergen has seen a marked increase in the number of people seeking help for a wide range of stress related issues – depression, anxiety, marital problems, anger, and helplessness. In addition, referrals for drug and alcohol dependence are up 14 percent.
West Bergen‘s staff believes many clients are self medicating themselves in order to relieve despair over the current economic situation. In addition, many more clients are now involved with the child welfare system and many marriages which were shaky, are now truly challenged. “The declining state of the nation’s economy makes the need for mental health services all the more important”, Mr. Tozzoli continued.
In these troubling times, West Bergen provides individuals and families with counseling and support to handle difficult challenges. The hope is to build resiliency in a stressful world. Therapists work with clients to encourage changes in behavioral and lifestyle approaches. Cognitive strategies, as well as relaxation techniques, are also utilized.
West Bergen also serves as a vital link… a life-line… for those who need counseling and psychiatric services but are not able to afford them. The Agency operates on a sliding fee scale – providing help for those who qualify and are in financial need. Over the past year, West Bergen has also seen a significant increase in individuals and families asking for a fee reduction.
West Bergen offers services for children and adults in three convenient locations:
West Bergen Mental Healthcare, 120 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, (201)
444-3550; West Bergen Center for Children and Youth, One Cherry Lane, Ramsey, NJ 07446, (201) 934-1160 and West Bergen Counseling Group, 3 Post Road, Oakland, NJ 07436, (201) 651-1900.