Unified Care Management (UCM)

Unified Care Management (UCM) is a community-based program located at 200 Executive Dr., Suite 5, West Orange, New Jersey, that primarily works with "aging-out" youth (16-21) who have various behavioral, emotional and mental health needs. The majority of our work is with underserved youth who reside in urban areas to ensure they receive appropriate services (cultural/spiritual, educational/vocational, legal, housing, medical, psychological/mental health, safety, recreational, substance abuse). A wraparound model of care is utilized through the facilitation of Child/Family Team meetings. During these meetings a specific, unique and culturally competent plan is created. This is achieved through collaboration with the youth, community providers, family and friends. The overall goal of UCM is to keep youth at home, in school and out of trouble.

The Unified Care Management (UCM) program began in March 2008 as a result of the need for Essex county children to be served under one unified organization. In reorganizing the existing system of children's care management needs, a new model for service delivery was created. The new model called UCM, offers accessible and quality supportive care management services to children with significant emotional and mental health needs along with their families. The Mental Health Association of Essex County (MHAEC) manages and operates one (1) team of UCM care managers. The MHAEC UCM team primarily works with the "aging-out" population (16-21). The majority of the work is with underserved youth who reside in urban areas to ensure they receive appropriate services (cultural/spiritual, educational/vocational, legal, housing, medical, psychological/mental health, recreational, substance abuse). A wraparound model of care is utilized through the facilitation of Child/Family Team meetings. This model of care is created through collaboration with the youth, community providers, family and friends. In turn, a specific, unique, strengths-based and culturally competent plan is created. A primary goal of UCM is to develop creative individualized service plans that help keep youth at home, in school, and a positive, productive member of the community. The office is located at 200 Executive Drive, Suite 5, West Orange, NJ 07052. To make a referral please contact the New Jersey Division of Child Behavioral Health Services' System Administrator at 1-877-652-7624.

If there are additional questions please contact Ross Croessmann at 973-323-3000 x2003 or rcroessmann@mhaessex.org