In a major expansion of local mental health infrastructure, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset has been officially designated by the New Jersey Department of Human Services as the provider of Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) for Somerset County.
The designation solidifies the hospital’s role as the primary 24/7 hub for crisis intervention in the county. As the only acute care hospital in Somerset, the facility is now the official point of entry for residents of all ages—from children to seniors—experiencing acute mental health or substance use crises.
The PESS program, integrated within the hospital’s Emergency Department, provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, stabilization, and referrals. Beyond the hospital walls, the designation also includes mobile crisis outreach, allowing specialists to meet individuals in the community when an on-site hospital visit is not immediately feasible.
Conditions supported by PESS:
- Severe depression and anxiety
- Substance use disorders and withdrawal
- Suicidal ideation
- Serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
“This designation reflects RWJUH Somerset’s long-standing commitment to addressing the mental health needs of our community,” said Deirdre Blaus, Chief Administrative Officer of RWJUH Somerset. “We are working together with our community partners to reduce the stigma, build awareness, and help individuals get access to the care they need.”
In tandem with the emergency designation, the hospital has opened the Hope Hub in its South Fuld Building. Designed to resemble a living room rather than a clinical ward, the Hub provides a calm, confidential space for those in behavioral health crisis who may not require the intensive medical environment of an Emergency Department.
Hope Hub Details:
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Access: Walk-ins are accepted; appointments can be made by calling 908-526-4100.
- Environment: A welcoming, “living room” setting for individuals and families.
The move is a critical response to the growing demand for mental health services in New Jersey. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly 1.4 million adults in the state live with a mental health condition.
“Somerset County residents deserve mental health care that meets them where they are — not just during business hours, but whenever a crisis hits,” added Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Robinson.
With this new designation, RWJUH Somerset joins a statewide network of RWJBarnabas Health PESS-designated hospitals, including facilities in Essex, Hudson, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties.
RWJUH Somerset is already recognized for its specialized behavioral health offerings, including being one of only two hospitals in New Jersey with a dedicated inpatient unit for eating disorders, treating patients aged 14 and older.
Resources for Help:
- RWJUH Somerset Crisis Intervention (24/7): 908-526-4100
- RWJBarnabas Health Access Center: 800-300-0628
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
