Care Plus NJ has been awarded a one-year grant totaling $120,000 from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to establish a substance use and mental health gambling disorder clinician services program in northern New Jersey.

Gambling disorder is a chronic mental health condition with symptoms that result in higher-than-average rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal behavior. According to the National Association of Addiction Professionals, problem gambling has the highest suicide attempt rate (up to 20%) of all addictions.

Through the grant, the Paramus-based pioneer in integrated primary and behavioral health services will provide screening, treatment and case management for individuals with a gambling disorder, including those who may also have a substance use disorder and/or mental illness.