Bringing Mental Health Support To Schools
The goal of all our school-based programs and services is to provide stigma-free, comprehensive support that allows students to thrive in their educational environment
Successfully Offering In-District Mental Health Support
CarePlus is a pioneer in integrated primary and behavioral health care services for adults and children. We have developed and implemented several innovative programs to help New Jersey schools overcome some of their biggest challenges surrounding the mental, social and emotional health of students.
More than a decade ago, we recognized the need to assist school districts struggling to provide the proper mental health support for students, families and the overall school community.
As a solution, we launched CarePlus’ School-Based Programs, which provides a wide-range of onsite services including;
- Counseling
- Care coordination
- Community outreach
- Skill development groups
- Access to CarePlus’ full continuum of integrated care and social support services
Our Mission
Since our founding in 1978 our mission has remained the same:
To enhance the continuum of care within the communities we serve by providing the most comprehensive integrated treatment options through a broad spectrum of services.
Therapeutic Services for School-Aged Children Has Grown Exponentially
1/5 youth experience a mental health or substance use problem during their school years.
Up to 60 percent of students do not receive the treatment they need due to stigma or lack of access to services.
Of those who do get help, nearly two-thirds will do so only in school.
Leadership Team
The partnership between school districts and Care Plus NJ Inc. is an important approach to increase academic success and positive peer interactions by addressing the mental health needs of students. Through this partnership, this team is able to support the social emotional needs of students and the school community as a whole.
With a shared vision, this team works with students and school systems, to reduce the stigma around mental health and empowering youth to live their best lives.
Nicole McQuillen, MSW, LCSW
Senior Vice President
Children & Family Services, CEO Paradigm
Nivioska Bruce, LPC, ACS
Associate Vice President
Care Plus NJ School Based Services
John Paul Simon, LMFT, ACS
Director of NJ4S
Staff Acknowledgments from our Partners
Principal at Mt. Vernon Avenue Elementary School- Irvington
“I wanted to take the time to acknowledge Mrs. Amanda Rhodes, Care Plus Clinician. Mrs. Rhodes has been a valued member of [our team], supporting our scholars, parents and staff over the past three years….At the onset of the pandemic, Mrs. Rhodes increased her communication and further availed herself to provide workshops, office hours and resources in support of our of scholars, teachers, and school communities…Mrs. Rhodes demonstrated respect for the administrative team and the practice sand policies of the district enabling her to coordinate an effective and fluid treatment plan for the families and children she worked with. Mt. Vernon Avenue is extremely appreciative of the support of Mrs. Rhodes. ”
Vice Principal of Thomas Jefferson Middle School Lodi School District
“I would like to take this opportunity to express how blessed we are to have [a school based clinician] on our team. [They] are a master clinical program manager that ensures that the students of TJMS receive the appropriate support that they need. I pay attention to the interaction they have with our student population, and it proves [the] effectiveness with the full spectrum of the students in our building. [The] empathy and caring personality are extremely essential to the well-being of our students. It is evident that [they] take pride in their work and that [they] perform your duties with excellence.”
