Michael J Frost, LCSW, Director of Human Services, (Acting Mental Health Administrator)

Lisa Federico, LPC, LCADC, CCS, Addiction Services Director

The Somerset County Mental Health Board serves as an advisory board to the Board of County Commissioners, and monitors the provision of a continuum of mental health services on behalf of residents. 

Up to twelve members are appointed for three-year terms. The Board meets a minimum of nine times a year, at 5 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month, at the Department of Human Services in Somerville. Regular meetings are open to the public. 

The 2024 Mental Health Board Meeting Dates are as follows:

February 8, (moved from February 1), March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, September (date TBD) Joint Committee/Board Meeting, October 3, November 7, December 5

The diversity of the county population and perspectives of families and consumers are represented. Mental Health Board membership is described in NJSA 30:9A.

Responsibilities of the Mental Health Board include:

• Recommend funding applications and affiliation agreements between state contracted agencies and community providers
• Monitor the provision of mental health services
• Community education
• Assist consumer advocacy and self-help groups
• Hear public grievances from community residents accessing the mental health and human services systems.

Monitoring

The Mental Health Board monitors the provision of mental health services under contract with the state Division of Mental Health Services. It also acts as the first level of outside appeal for client grievances regarding contracted agencies.

Community Education

The Board encourages, develops, and participates in mental health community education.

PAC/PACADA

Somerset County Professional Advisory Committee and the Providers Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Use (PAC/PACADA) facilitated though the Somerset County Department of Human Services.

This subcommittee of mental health providers under Mental Health Board and the substance use and recovery providers under Local Advisory Council Alcohol and Drug Use (LACADA) was integrated in 2019. This was for the purpose of actively participating in and supporting comprehensive continuum of care of mental health services through Somerset County.

The mental health and substance use providers were merged together to reflect the best practices of treating mental health and substance use disorders together. It mirrors the state and evidenced based initiatives to treat the whole person and consider the many aspects that affect wellness.

The committee meets six times a year, at 9:30am on the first Monday of the month, at the Department of Human Services in Somerville. Regular meetings are open to the public.

The 2024 PAC/PACADA Meeting Dates are as follows:
January 8th (observing January 1st for New Year’s Day), March 4^th, June 3^rd, September TBD (Joint Council Meeting), October 7^th, December 2^nd

All Somerset County Mental Health Board, Professional Advisory Council (PAC) and Providers Advisory Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (PACADA) meetings are currently held remotely via Zoom. Inquiries should be directed to HumanServices@co.somerset.nj.us. 

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