The Technical Assistance Center

Prepares staff at New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) designated screening centers to become certified mental health screeners.  Course topics include clinical assessment, suicide assessment, substance use, children and special populations, crisis intervention, mobile outreach, and working with law enforcement.  After receiving full certification, the TAC’s Recertification Training Series provides trainings for screeners to renew their certification.  To recertify, the State requires 15 continuing education credits every two years, including a minimum of six credits from Division-approved trainings.  Recertification trainings are generally offered twice each year and are available online.

In partnership with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides annual trainings concerning topics related to co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.  These topics may include screening and assessment, NJ trends in substance use, contingency management, suicide, substance use, motivational strategies, and cognitive behavioral strategies, among others.  We also, upon request, may offer individual consultation to agencies funded and/or licensed by DMHAS.  Consultation services include assistance with the implementation of related treatment and service approaches as well as individualized, agency specific trainings.

Geared toward enhancing the foundational skills of the behavioral health workforce for community outreach programs and funded by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Our trainings focus on practical applications of the fundamental skills necessary to implement evidence-based practices for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. This series is offered virtually several times each year. Eligible audiences include Integrated Case Management (ICMS), Projects for Assistance in Transitioning from Homelessness (PATH), Supported Housing, Community Support Services (CSS), Justice Involved Services (JIS), Involuntary Outpatient Commitment (IOC), Early Intervention Support Services (EISS), and Partial Hospital/Care program outreach staff.

The Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) Training and Consultation Program assists New Jersey behavioral health care organizations with the implementation of IMR. A SAMHSA and empirically supported evidence-based practice, IMR has evolved into a state recommended treatment intervention for adults living with mental illness. The IMR Training and Consultation programs provide a number of trainings annually focused on the implementation of IMR as well as monthly Round Table meetings to discuss ongoing implementation, provide support, and continue to expand upon existing understanding of then practice. Eligible audiences include staff from partial hospital and partial care programs, community support services (CSS), and other DMHAS funded programs.