NJAMHAA FY23 Advocacy Campaign

Behavioral Health StaffEmpower Recovery and other Successes At AtlantiCare, Adiba Saleem, LSW, Team Leader, Adult Intervention Services, AtlantiCare Behavioral Health, and her staff see individuals from all walks of life experiencing severe depression, anxiety and/or suicidal ideation. “When people come in, they’re often one step away from hospitalization,” Adiba said. Individuals are seen at least weekly until they can be connected to other services, such as AtlantiCare’s outpatient program. “We strive for a 30-day follow-up and we count our successes by having the individuals stable and linked to ongoing care,” Adiba explained. “In group therapy, everybody connects on so many levels, regardless of their backgrounds, jobs, etc. They know they’re not alone,” she said. As a result of the support received from Adiba and her team, and other providers at AtlantiCare and throughout the community, individuals have achieved many goals, such as entering the workforce, returning to careers and entering new professions, pursuing higher education and launching their own businesses. “Everyone can experience mental illness and people need help now more than ever,” Adiba added. “I am proud of the work we do.” Investment in the Behavioral Healthcare Workforce Is Essential to Enable Adiba and other Partners in Care to Serve Many Others in Need • Invest $5 million in tuition reimbursement for behavioral health staff. • Provide $5 million for recruitment and retention bonuses for behavioral health staff. • Invest to erase the backlogs in program/facility and individual licensing. 4 H   Watch Adiba talk about her work and its impact. “In group therapy, everybody connects on so many levels, regardless of their backgrounds, jobs, etc. They know they’re not alone.” Adiba Saleem, LSW Team Leader, Adult Intervention Services AtlantiCare Behavioral Health