NJAMHAA News Winter 2022

October 2021 11 Oaks Integrated Care NJAMHAANews: How have the mergers over the years and the affiliation with Preferred Behavioral Health Group enabled Oaks Integrated Care to expand its reach to a broader client base for integrated services? Mike D’Amico, MSW, LCSW, Vice President: We established our foundation of integrated care when we merged with Greater Trenton Behavioral Health Care in 2014. At the time, Greater Trenton was creating a Behavioral Health Home, had a planning grant for a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic [CCBHC] demonstration and established a partnership with Henry J. Austin Health Center. We renamed our organization to Oaks Integrated Care to reflect this expansion of integrated care and we have seen growth since then. We expanded our partnership with Henry J. Austin, which built an ambulatory clinic at Oaks in Trenton. This was part of our sustainability strategy. We’ve also had a great partnership with Preferred over the years. They also now have a CCBHC and are part of Horizon’s ISC since affiliating with Oaks in 2016. We share best practices and strategies, which enables us to create a more consistent network throughout the state. NJAMHAANews: How do planning and delivery of integrated services for individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (I/DD) differ from solely integration of mental health, substance use and physical health care? Mike D’Amico: We recognize each person’s needs and strengths, and tailor interventions for each person, including helping the clients develop skills. We serve people with significant impairment and others who are much higher functioning and living independently. We also establish partnerships with primary care providers who are more attuned to the needs of people with I/DD. Preferred Behavioral Health Group (PBHG) NJAMHAANews: Please share examples of how PBHG’s expansive services are integrated. Mary Pat Angelini, MPA, CPS, President and CEO, and Tara Chalakani, MS, LPC, NCC, RN, Chief of Quality and Health Integration: The care at Preferred Behavioral Health Group has truly always been (unofficially) integrated. PBHG offers an array of services spanning across the behavioral health continuum. All divisions (adult, children, addiction services) work collaboratively, connecting clients to primary care and ancillary services to enhance their well- being and address social determinants of health. This practice became formalized in April 2021 when PBHG launched its CCBHC. Clients receive added benefit when they choose PBHG as their behavioral health provider. In addition to being embraced through a trauma- informed culture and philosophy, they receive the additional “perk” of having all their needs met under one roof. Whether someone needs a mammogram or wants to finish high school or start college, PBHG can assist. PBHG can provide families with services for every family member. This is something that not all behavioral health organizations can provide. As a trauma-informed organization, PBHG places a significant importance on self- care and wellness. The commitment to integrated care of our clients has had a positive impact on staff, as well. PBHG encourages staff to use time off to recharge and engage in monthly winter 202 [continued on page 12] “Integrated care empowers clients to take responsibility for their care.” - Casey Thompson, BSN, RN Director of Nursing Oaks Integrated Care