2025 advocacy piece

Recommendations: 6 Untold Stories D iane Richardson, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, from Mount Carmel Guild Behavioral Health, Catholic Charities of Newark, shared success stories from clients and the challenges that partial care programs have been facing. “I have been the Director of Outpatient and Partial Care Programs in Union County, Essex County, Jersey City and Union City for approximately three years. During this time, I have observed a significant turnover rate among case managers, especially in the partial care programs. Since January 2024, I estimate that at least 20 partial care case managers have left their positions. Numerous employees have accepted this job, but quickly realize that the excessive paperwork and the intensity of dealing with high-risk clients make the job untenable. Some have not lasted even one week, with some leaving after just two days,” Diane said. Invest $5 million for recruitment and retention bonuses for behavioral health staff. Invest $5 million in incentives for behavioral health organizations to become field placement sites and provide clinical supervision of interns. “There are several factors contributing to the challenges faced by the partial care program. Case managers receive very low pay, facilitate five groups per day, and manage potentially violent and aggressive situations. Staff are underpaid and work in conditions where staff shortages have resulted in caseloads of nearly 30 clients. The excessive paperwork further reduces the quality time available for client interactions,” she added. Diane also shared the following letter from one of the partial care program clients. “I attend the partial care program at Mt. Carmel Guild. I’ve been gradually weaning myself off the program for the past 3 1 /2 years since I was discharged from Greystone Psychiatric Hospital. Mt. Carmel Guild has helped me in the transition from my 32 years in state hospitals to a semi-independent life. I may be graduating from the program soon as I seek full-time work. What I’ve learned at the Guild will be a foundation for me to build on as I seek to be a productive member of society. “Programs like Mt. Carmel Guild are indispensable for people like me. They are essential to help former psychiatric patients like me stay out of the hospital and live healthy, productive lives.”