OCEAN COUNTY — County commissioners have endorsed a three-year mental health plan aimed at improving access to care, addressing service shortages and strengthening support for residents with behavioral health needs.
The 2027-2029 plan was developed by the Ocean County Mental Health Board and its Professional Advisory Committee with input from the community. It identifies priorities for prevention, early intervention, coordinated treatment and crisis services.
Among those priorities are helping young people move from children’s behavioral health programs into adult services and increasing supportive housing and residential care options.
The plan also calls for better services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who have mental health needs, along with more coordinated care for residents experiencing both mental health and substance use disorders.
Other goals include strengthening crisis response, increasing public awareness of resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and addressing transportation difficulties and other obstacles to treatment.
Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, the board’s liaison to the Mental Health Board and mental health administrator, said feedback from residents, families and providers helped shape the county’s priorities. Ellenbogen said the county would continue collaborating with behavioral health providers and community organizations to connect people with needed care and support.
As the county puts the plan into action, competitive contracting opportunities will become available for behavioral health programs that address the needs identified in the document.
Organizations interested in providing those services are encouraged to check the Ocean County Procurement Portal for upcoming solicitations at procurement.opengov.com/portal/oceancounty.
