Pathways is the first partial-hospitalization program in New Jersey designed specifically to treat the needs of adults who experience both a developmental disability and a co-existing psychiatric disorder.

Who We Are

Pathways was established in April 1988 in response to a request by the Bergen County Department of Human Services to develop mental-health services for developmentally disabled adults and their families. It is the first partial-hospitalization program in the state designed specifically to treat adults who experience both a developmental disability and a psychiatric disorder.

Pathways, in addition to Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital, Christian Health Care Counseling Center, Advent Counseling Centers, Ministry Renewal Center, and Advent at Summit Hospital, is a mental-health ministry of Christian Health Care Center (CHCC).

Who We Serve

The day treatment program is open to adults 20 and older who experience a developmental disability and a psychiatric illness. The developmental disability must have been identified prior to age 18, result in cognitive limitations, and include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, pervasive developmental disorder, or another neurological impairment.

A prior diagnosis of a mental illness is not required. The current emotional illness must be acute, requiring intensive mental-health treatment and result in the individual being unable to participate in any vocational program or work setting.

Partial Hospitalization

Pathways provides a supportive environment within the community in which psychological, social, and habilitative growth may occur. The primary goal is to teach coping skills, which can lead to a more satisfying lifestyle. The program objectives focus on helping clients communicate more effectively, enriching their personal relationships, increasing their problem-solving and coping skills, and elevating their sense of competence and self-worth to help them realize their potential.

Due to the cognitive and communication limitations experienced by our clients, we emphasize expressive therapies in treatment, as well as habilitative and social-skills training.

Services include:

• psychiatric diagnostic evaluation;
• medication therapy;
• individual psychotherapy;
• case management;
• crisis intervention;
• transportation; and
• therapeutic groups such as interpersonal skills, group therapy, art therapy, movement/exercise, creative writing, life skills, music, pre-vocation, and health.

Admissions

Individuals may be referred by any public or private social-service provider, health-care facility or practitioner, school system, family, or self.

To make a referral, call the Pathways Admissions office at (201) 848-7549 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. A staff member will take the information needed and schedule an intake appointment.

In order to provide high-quality services, fees must be charged. Pathways is approved for:

• Medicaid100-percent reimbursement
• Medicare100-percent reimbursement less required co-pay
• Major medicalVaries with policy

Clients who are not covered or only partially covered by medical insurance for treatment may be assigned private fees. All private fees will be determined on a sliding scale based on the individual's income.

A financial interview will be scheduled with the program director prior to admission to review the fee schedule and payment policy.

Our Bottom Line is Quality Care

At Pathways, and at all our mental-health programs and facilities at CHCC, we meet the needs of the mentally ill with care, compassion, and commitment. In addition to Pathways, other mental-health options available include, Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital, Ramapo Ridge Partial Program, and Christian Health Care Counseling Center.

CHCC is a non-profit organization open to anyone regardless of race, sex, or religion.