Union County and Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center in Summit are partnering to create a new pediatric behavioral health program designed to be a one-stop resource for a variety of mental health needs for children and adolescents.
The Pediatric Behavioral Health Access Expansion initiative, also known as the UPBEAT Program at Overlook Medical Center, will be a comprehensive support network for children and adolescents in Union County. Developed in collaboration with Atlantic Health System, this initiative ensures that residents receive specialized behavioral health services promptly, reducing reliance on emergency departments and improving young patients’ outcomes.
The program, operated by Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center in Summit, will function as a “one-stop” resource, integrating services through school partnerships, primary care providers, and community outreach. The initiative aims to address disparities, prioritize underserved communities and provide coordinated care, emphasizing the link between mental health and overall well-being.
Overlook President Stephanie Schwartz said the hospital is committed to being the resource for our communities’ most critical needs.
“Families throughout our region are seeking mental health services at a growing rate, and through this partnership with Union County, we will be able to make that pathway to care more accessible,” she said.
Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded said the initiative aligns with her “Growing Together in Union County” initiative, aimed at developing a healthier, more inclusive and supportive environment for Union County residents in 2024.
“Our children’s mental health is a priority in Union County, and the launch of the Pediatric Behavioral Health Access Expansion, also known as the UPBEAT Program, marks a significant step in ensuring that every young person has access to the behavioral health support they need,” she said.
“By supporting Atlantic Health System, we are creating a comprehensive network that brings services directly to children and families, connecting them with the care they deserve. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community.”
The program is expected to be up and running in mid-Q1 of 2025, and is supported through a $5 million grant and will include the following initiatives:
- Expansion of in-person outpatient and intensive outpatient adolescent services at Overlook and a focus on culturally responsive training. This will involve adding clinicians at Overlook to specifically work with pediatric patients
- Expansion of Atlantic Health System’s long-running access center to include navigation services, providing a point of access for referrals from pediatricians, school staff, or social service agencies, as well as self-referring families
- Strengthen Union County pediatric providers’ skills to screen, identify and treat or refer behavioral health conditions.
“The need for more pediatric mental health services is very real and growing every day,” said Lori Ann Rizzuto, the executive director of Atlantic Behavioral Health for Atlantic Health System. “Atlantic Health System is proud to take this opportunity to work with Union County and health care providers in our communities to make this care more accessible to children and adolescents who need it.”
