A $40 million project aimed at providing mental health treatment to children and adolescents facing various challenges has been celebrated by Carrier Clinic in Montgomery. The new addition to the Hackensack Meridian Health inpatient facility will encompass 43,000 square feet and feature 52 inpatient rooms, a family resource and support center, and an academic teaching center. This expansion will allow the clinic to lower the minimum treatment age from 12 to 7 and will enhance their capacity to educate physicians and mental health professionals.
According to Dr. Eric Alcera, Chief Medical Officer at Carrier Clinic, addressing the escalating mental health issues affecting families and children across New Jersey is of utmost urgency. He expressed his belief that this expansion will play a crucial role in helping more children heal and potentially saving lives. Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office support this need for expanded mental health services for youth. Both agencies have noted an increase in anxiety and depression rates among children and teenagers, even predating the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has reported that over 20% of adolescents aged 13-18 have experienced a severe mental illness at some point in their lives.
This significant project was funded through a combination of state grants and private donations, with State Sen. Andrew Zwicker and Assemblyman Roy Freiman securing $10 million in state grants for the project, while the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation generously provided a $10 million grant in March. This collaborative effort ensures that Carrier Clinic can continue its essential work of providing quality mental health care to children and adolescents in need.
The new addition to Carrier Clinic is expected to provide much-needed resources for families struggling with mental health issues involving their young ones. With additional space dedicated solely to mental health care, clinicians will be better equipped to offer personalized care tailored specifically to each patient’s needs.
In conclusion, this expansion marks a significant milestone for Carrier Clinic as they continue their mission of providing top-quality mental health care services to children and adolescents facing various challenges across New Jersey.
