UMDNJ-University Behavioral HealthCare to Provide Free Support Groups for Anyone Affected by the Economic Crisis

NEWARK – Panic over job loss. Fear of unemployment. Profound worry about the fiscal crisis. Unfortunately, these are realities of this severe recession.

If you are feeling any of these, it is important to know that you are not alone and there is a place you can go for assistance.

Experts say these tough economic times may trigger a number of responses, including stress and a need for support. For those individuals, there is help.

Beginning March 3, UMDNJ-University Behavioral HealthCare (UBHC), a statewide mental health and addiction services network, will offer free 90-minute support groups, run by experienced counselors, for those affected by the economic downturn. Sessions will be held weekly at the following locations on the days and times specified:

• Newark: Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. at UBHCBehavioral Health Science Building, 183 South Orange Avenue;
• New Brunswick: Wednesdays at 3 p.m. at 303 George Street, 2nd Floor;
• Edison: Thursdays at 3 p.m. at 100 Metroplex Drive, 2nd Floor, Suite 200;
• Monmouth Junction: Tuesdays at 12 nnoon at 4326 U.S. Highway 1.

Sessions are open to the public and no appointments are necessary to attend. Participants may remain anonymous.

People interested in attending may call (800) 969-5300 if you want more information.

Members of the media interested in more information about this new initiative should contact Zenaida Mendez at (973) 972-7273.

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is the nation’s largest free-standing public health sciences university with nearly 5,700 students attending the state's three medical schools, its only dental school, a graduate school of biomedical sciences, a school of health related professions, a school of nursing and its only school of public health on five campuses. Annually, there are more than two million patient visits at UMDNJ facilities and faculty practices at campuses in Newark, New Brunswick/Piscataway, Scotch Plains, Camden and Stratford. UMDNJ operates University Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center in Newark, and University Behavioral HealthCare, a statewide mental health and addiction services network.