DIRECTOR:

Frank J. Del Gaudio
County Administrator
973-571-2801

The state-of-the-art Essex County Hospital Center was completed in December 2006 and began serving patients in February 2007. With a clear mission to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care, the Hospital Center is committed to promoting recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into community living. A structured discharge-planning process ensures that patient transitions are timely, appropriate, and supportive of long-term well-being. Designed with modern advancements, the facility is equipped to integrate cutting-edge Information Technology systems, enhancing care delivery for both patients and healthcare providers. As the primary receiving hospital for all short-term psychiatric facilities in Essex County, the Hospital Center plays a crucial role in the region’s mental health network, serving as a hub for community mental health initiatives such as the Mental Health Advisory Board, PAC, and NAMI. This positioning enables the Hospital Center to lead efforts in developing a coordinated, integrated system of care for the community.

In October 2006, the Institute for Mental Health Policy, Research, and Treatment was established as an academic division of the Essex County Hospital Center—the first of its kind in New Jersey. This Institute fosters clinical-academic partnerships with leading medical schools and research institutions, bridging the gap between scientific research and patient care. By integrating research-driven insights into mental health services, the Institute aims to enhance treatment effectiveness, improve patient outcomes, and inform evidence-based policy decisions.

The Institute is organized into six Centers of Excellence, each specializing in key areas of mental health and healthcare innovation:

• The Center for Mood Disorders
• The Center for Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
• The Center for Metabolic Disorders
• The Center for Workforce Development
• The Center for Mental Health Policy
• The Center for Technology Integration

Through these specialized centers, Essex County and its Hospital Center continue to lead the way in mental health research, policy development, and innovative treatment approaches, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care backed by scientific advancements.