RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Center
As a leader in mental health treatment in New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Center, part of RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health services, opened in 1992 and offers patients, clients, their families and caregivers unparalleled access to a full continuum of behavioral health care services.
With a freestanding 100-bed psychiatric facility, we are able to seamlessly integrate behavioral health care and medical services by incorporating full-time medical physicians resulting in outstanding continuity of care—and positive, long-term results. From short-term psychiatric care to intensive outpatient programs, we provide a comprehensive array of behavioral health treatment for adults, and older adults, with a specialized geriatric unit complete with a geropsychiatrist. In addition to treating a vast array of mental illnesses, we also treat behaviors stemming from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
For patients diagnosed with both mental illness and substance use disorder, the Behavioral Health Center incorporates specialized programming and optional AA/NA meetings, including a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor to provide support, education and aftercare planning.
We work closely with physicians across all medical disciplines, together with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, who look to the Behavioral Health Center for support services, treatment options, and as an adjunct to their patients’ plan of care.
Effective December 1, 2025
Masking
In response to an increase in key viral benchmarks across RWJBarnabas Health and the region, and in support of the total wellbeing of our communities, patients and colleagues, RWJBarnabas Health has implemented the following masking protocols at all system locations, effective Monday, December 1.
Inpatient Care
- Physicians, providers and staff – Face masks must be worn when providing direct care to patients. All staff can also choose to wear a mask at any time.
- Patients – All inpatients who are able to will be required to wear a face mask when leaving their room and can also choose to wear a mask at any time.
- Visitors, volunteers and vendors – Face masks must be worn at all times in the presence of patients when at an RWJBarnabas Health facility.
- Every patient has the right to request physicians(s), provider(s) and/or staff wear a mask when treating them. If a request is made, physicians(s), provider(s) and/or staff are required to comply.
Outpatient and Medical Group Care
- Masking will be required for all patients who present with respiratory symptoms, as well as all staff members and providers caring for them.
- Masking is strongly encouraged for all physicians, providers, staff,c patients, visitors and vendors at all times when in the presence of patients.
- Outpatient and Medical Group sites can make the decision to require universal masking at their location if they determine this is in the best interest of the patient population they serve, such as a location primarily serving immunocompromised patients.
- Every patient has the right to request physicians(s), provider(s) and/or staff wear a mask when treating them. If a request is made, physicians(s), provider(s) and/or staff are required to comply.
We will remain vigilant in monitoring benchmarks and may adjust policies accordingly to ensure the safety of our workforce and communities.
As always, we encourage you and our communities to take steps to reduce the spread of contagious illnesses by remaining up-to-date with appropriate vaccinations and boosters; choosing to wear a mask if you aren’t feeling well and/or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, influenza and/or another contagious illness; and observing isolation guidelines when appropriate.
Visiting Information
Visiting hours are as follows:
Visiting is available on all units seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. One visitor is allowed at a time.
Please have a valid government issued ID, and leave all other belongings in your vehicle including pocketbooks and cellphones.
Patient belongings may be dropped off anytime.
Thank you for your cooperation and your efforts to help keep our patients, staff and communities safe!