By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor

Many adults experiencing emotional distress seek help at hospital emergency rooms. But Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton has an alternative program in place for those who are not in need of hospitalization. It’s the Early Intervention Support Services Program, which provides screenings and counseling available in a home-like setting. The program is open seven days a week, and clients do not need to make an appointment.

“Through this program, we offer short-term recovery options and support,” Marlene Lao-Collins, Catholic Charities executive director, said of EISS.

She acknowledged that the common option for someone needing help is going to an emergency room, which is much more costly and “generally not equipped with the type of specialist needed for their concerns.”

While EISS had been located on Cass Street in inner-city Trenton since opening its doors in 2014, Catholic Charities’ staff saw the need to broaden the program’s reach by moving it to the suburbs at 1225-1255 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton.

To mark the relocation, an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held March 22 with Lao-Collins, Hamilton Township Mayor Kelly Yaede, Daughter of Charity Sister Joanne Dress, diocesan executive director of Catholic social services, agency board members and EISS staff in attendance.

“We have many [Catholic Charities] programs in Trenton and having a space in Hamilton enables us to expand our footprint in Mercer [County],” Lao-Collins said.

Karalee Pieluc, EISS program director, explained that it is one of 11 early intervention programs established in New Jersey and is funded through the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The programs were developed in response to the needs  identified by screening centers throughout the state. They offer rapid access to supportive services provided by less costly community-based programs and help reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. She noted that there is currently legislation proposed to expand the services to all 21 counties in the state.

Noting that the EISS is geared for adults who are experiencing a crisis during which psychiatric symptoms are evident, Pieluc said EISS is contracted to provide assistance to 650 people a year and includes intensive services to assist individuals in managing their current crisis. Services are offered for up to 30 days and include an initial assessment by a licensed therapist, psychiatric evaluation and, when appropriate, staff will issue prescription medications, individual and family therapy, case management and peer support. If needed, EISS will then link clients with long-term services.  The EISS staff is composed of a psychiatric advanced practice nurse, licensed clinicians including a substance abuse clinician, case manager and peer specialists.

As for the program’s relocation, Pieluc said that the agency’s original facility on Cass Street was dually zoned for business and residential with a storefront on the first floor and a two bedroom apartment on the second floor. This zoning allowed the program to offer brief respite services for individuals who would benefit from having a safe place to stay while they managed their crisis. Although this component was found to be “very beneficial” to those who utilized it, the facility was closed in December 2015 because of insufficient use. The outpatient component of EISS remained operational at the Cass Street site but limited parking and the very small store front provided an impetus for the staff to seek an alternative location, Pieluc said. After searching for nearly a year, a new site was found in Hamilton, which “has opened up access to Mercer County residents who live outside of Trenton but is still easily accessible for city residents as it is located on a bus line,” she said.

Pieluc said EISS served 382 people in 2014, 576 people in 2015 and 672 in 2015. “The program is important because it allows individuals to receive crisis services with minimal wait time in a user-friendly, safe and supportive environment,” Pieluc said. “A significant number of persons served by the program are diverted from the hospital-based screening center. This results in the reduction in costly hospitalizations, while ensuring that people get the support that they need, when they need it.”

To reach EISS, call 609-256-4200 or the Acccess, Help and Information Center at 800-360-7711.