University Behavioral Health Care at Piscataway - Main Building (Rutgers Health) — Local services in Piscataway Township

Being brought here was one of the most traumatic things in my life. I was "advised" to be evaluated by CAPS and thus ended up here after being roomed at a hospital waiting for an opening. I was on watch and had someone follow me for what I later learned was for suicide. I was not suicidal; I was unhappy and depressed. My first interaction with my social worker was bad. She asked me questions. She asked about my parents' professions and I pushed back because I did not like answering that question. My mom worked at a salon and my dad was collecting unemployment. Instead of being calm I got resistant with my tone and it offended her. She stood up and left. When I realized my mistake I quickly apologized but it was too late. I was informed that a social worker was to check with everyone everyday. Mine did not make time to see me everyday after that introduction. It was until a student doctor named Chris listened to me and we waited for her together and I apologized that she would check with me about my status there. I've never been in this environment before. I didn't know to ask about my status there nor knew to ask "When will I be discharged?" It was the nurses and staff who looked over us everyday that brought it up. I was there for over a week. Away from my phone, my friends, my family. When they visited I feel ashamed of the situation I got myself in. When talking to my doctor, I never asked about when I'd be discharged or my status here. I thought he was there to "listen" to me. I talked about everything because nothing worked, and I was still there. I even opened up something which I had long forgotten and still get haunted by the thought every now and then because now I cannot forget. I got relocated (because I was there for so long). To my surprise I was put into restraints and wheeled away. My doctor gave no notice of this when he informed me of a transfer. I said nothing and complied . An hour later I was in Toms River, still laying in the stretcher with my hands and legs cuffed. The day before, someone evaluated me and we talked. I remember him mentioning how the talk was positive and it felt like I might be discharged soon.. I feel if my social worker was more understanding/patient and my doctor was more directive/guiding like the kind staff who tended to us everyday my stay would not have been as long, wasteful, and traumatic. I felt neglected by my social worker for up to three days. And I felt I saw the student doctors more than my own doctor. Being here brought back a nightmare I had long forgotten because I didn't know what else to talk about with my doctor. I missed Easter mass and was away from the family. I saw a girl have a breakdown. I saw a guy who was to miss a recital he'd been preparing for but denied because he was here. I saw patients ask for shots to put them to sleep because their anxiety was acting up. Everything about this place, to the barred windows and the reason why they didn't have hooks on the bathroom doors because people would try to hang themselves was depressing. A year after I got discharged I felt so cold. Something I couldn't explain; a feeling I couldn't control. I felt so cold and unsafe as i sat next to my bed whispering I was alright. The aftermath from being here I presume. Thanks for the memories. Please reevaluate the staff who are supposed to help...

SUGGESTION TO PARENTS- READ BOOK PSYCHIATRIC SLAVERY BY THOMAS SZASZ

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UPDATE: my son was released Tuesday Nov 7th. PARENTS BE AWARE THAT THE KIDS INSIDE HAVE COURT ON FRIDAYS. I was NOT made aware of this. If I would’ve known I would’ve been there and he would have had appropriate counsel. They provided him with a public defender but he has a law guardian who knows him well and would’ve represented him better. It felt like it was kept from us on purpose. Also, my son informed us that he was pretty upset when he found out he had to stay for an additional two weeks. He was restrained and medicated. WE WERE NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THIS. When his dad asked the nurse about it in front of my son she said “well you were behaving bad.” It’s almost like you are not allowed to have feelings there. He just learned he had to stay .. did they expect him to be happy about it? I’m not sure what type of training the nurses receive that qualifies them to work with these kids. However, Dr.Randolph is a great doctor and very patient. But the staff working under him is another story. Nardika is awesome as well.

My son is currently a patient here so this rating is TEMPORARY. I will update with a very detailed rating once he is RELEASED as I have been keeping a journal. He is currently being treated by Dr.Randolph who has been very helpful. I do value and appreciate his help thus far. Nurses Kim and Ronny have been very thorough with communication which I really appreciate. There’s another nurse but I didn’t get her name who has been helpful as well. Some (only 2) of the nurses have shown empathy and compassion. His one-on-ones have been really nice guys and I wish I could thank them in person. Hopefully one day I’ll get the chance. Clinician Nardika has been great and she mentioned that my teen son isn’t a bad kid just having a tough time with depression. I love that she acknowledged that because it lets me know that she is paying attention to him and really getting to know the REAL him. One thing I will say is that my son has been there for over two weeks now without access to fresh air or sunlight. Basic life necessities and just plain HUMAN RIGHT. That could drive even the healthiest person crazy often causing more harm than good out of desperation.

Edit- just spoke to Clinician Nardika who told me that my son is under RUNAWAY RISK which is why he hasn’t been allowed out which I completely understand. They are working diligently to give him the help he needs to deal with his emotions. Doctor and clinician are working on a discharge plan and says he will be released early next week. I really really appreciate the support they are providing him and our family during...

I’ve had the most wonderful experiences in other RWJ departments, so I was extremely disappointed when my experience at RWJ behavioral health was subpar.

My screening appointment went very smoothly. If I could give five stars for my screening appointment, I would! The person who helped me was very kind. Despite asking about some denser topics, the person leading the appointment made me feel comfortable to share.

The timeline from scheduling my screening appointment to my first “official” appointment with the nurse practitioner was about a month. I understand this is not uncommon for many healthcare organizations — they’re so impacted!

Accordingly, I was unfazed when my appointment with the nurse practitioner started 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment time. What did surprise me was that the appointment itself was no longer than 15 minutes (which might be a generous estimate). Most psychiatry appointments are an average of 2-2.5 hours in addition to the 1 hour screening appointment.

I was so excited about this appointment, as I have been eager to get clarity on some of my experiences and find potential solutions to help improve my quality of life. However, I left the appointment feeling frustrated, dismissed, and misunderstood. I prepared for the appointment with a list of symptoms and concerns I wanted to discuss. I would bring up these concerns, but very few follow-up questions were asked. Instead, the practitioner kept wanting to discuss a symptom that was not a priority/major concern for me. Then, the provider prescribed a medication to address this symptom, but did not share the medication name, explain its purpose, its side effects, etc. They then recommended that I change when I take my currently prescribed medication, again, without explanation as to why I should change the timing.

I asked for more clarity as to what was happening and why. I also asked about a potential diagnosis to help alleviate some of my uncertainty. The provider responded by attributing my problems and symptoms to my gender identity when, again, my gender identity has not been a stressor for me. Just a heads up for anyone — particularly folks of minoritized identities — looking to seek care here. Needless to say, I have not and will not take the medication that was prescribed. Now I’m in the process of looking for another provider at a different organization, which I anticipate will take another month (if not longer) provided how impacted healthcare institutions are.

TLDR: Screening appointment was great! First “official” appointment with the nurse practitioner was not great. I will be seeking services at...