Pathways Program at Christian Health Care Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Pathways, the first dual-diagnosis program in New Jersey designed specifically to treat the needs of adults who experience both a developmental disability and a co-existing psychiatric disorder, is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year. The program was established in 1988 in response to a request by the Bergen County
Department of Human Services to develop mental-health services for
developmentally disabled adults and their families.

Since the inception of the Pathways program, more than 225 individuals have been served. The vision statement of the program is that through psychiatric and social support, Pathways seeks to assist consumers so they can return to their previous levels of functioning and lead fulfilling, positive lives in their communities. The program is strictly voluntary. 

Pathways is designed to be short-term and is open to adults 18 and older. The length-of-stay depends on the consumers’ needs. The majority of individuals who come to Pathways are diagnosed with a major psychiatric illness such as depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and anxiety disorders. The current emotional illness must be acute, requiring intensive mental-health treatment and result in the individual being unable to participate in any vocational program or work setting.

Consumers attend a variety of groups during the six-hour program day, including  group therapy, life skills, illness management and recovery, stress management, current events, expressive art, medication education and counseling, health education and wellness, and skill development. By attending groups and having daily structured support and reassurance in a positive, caring atmosphere, individuals feel safe and identify meaningful goals to work toward, and the steps to achieve them.

“Pathways is an amazing program with a very high success rate,” said Jennifer Puskas, LCSW, ACS, Pathways Director. “We have helped so many people in this delicate population and their families, guardians, and or group home staff. The program continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of those we serve. No matter how big or small, all progress is recognized, praised, and encouraged. The
fact that Pathways has served the community for the past 25 years is certainly
a testament to the quality of the program.”

Christian Health Care Center provides a broad continuum of high-quality, compassionate care, offering superior mental-health, elder-care, residential living, and rehabilitation services. As a non-profit organization, we deliver care to our community based upon the Christian principles on which we were founded more than a century ago.