When your anxiety or life becomes too overwhelming, coping strategies might not be enough. If you are experiencing feelings of sadness and are unsure where to go for mental health support and connections to resources, Acenda’s Early Intervention Support Services (EISS), offers a welcoming environment to help stabilize and support individuals in recovery from a mental health crisis and linkage to long term care. With locations in Cape May and Gloucester counties, Acenda’s EISS is co-located with other acute care programs to strengthen the continuum of care.
“Many people don’t realize there’s an alternative to the ER for mental health concerns,” said Christina Jackey, MFT, Senior Director of Acute Care Services. “At Acenda’s EISS centers, individuals can walk in and receive timely support from licensed professionals who understand both the urgency and sensitivity of their situation.”
What is Acenda’s Early Intervention Support Services (EISS)?
EISS is a walk-in urgent care with licensed mental health professionals. Acenda’s EISS offers evidence-based, trauma-informed services to individuals 18 years and older who are experiencing an emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric episode. Unlike emergency rooms, EISS patients receive faster, more efficient care in a non-stimulating environment. EISS services include:
- Mental health assessments completed by a licensed clinician (LAC/LPC, LSW/LCSW, LMFT)
- Co-occurring clinical assessment for substance use and recovery needs by a CADC/LCADC
- Medication assistance with an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)
- Mental Health and Substance Peer support
- Wellness checks to provide ongoing resources
- Access to Living Room space to relax while connecting with other services
- Referral to long-term therapeutic support, treatment, and medication management
“EISS provides a safe and calming space for individuals during a mental health emergency,” said Michelle D’Angelo-Myles, MA, Director of Crisis Services. “Our goal is to meet people where they are, support them in regaining their sense of well-being, and help them take the next steps toward treatment.”
4 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Wait for a Therapy Appointment
EISS is a walk-in urgent care with licensed mental health professionals. Acenda’s EISS offers evidence-based, trauma-informed services to individuals 18 years and older who are experiencing an emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric episode. Unlike emergency rooms, EISS patients receive faster, more efficient care in a non-stimulating environment. EISS services include:
- Mental health assessments completed by a licensed clinician (LAC/LPC, LSW/LCSW, LMFT)
- Co-occurring clinical assessment for substance use and recovery needs by a CADC/LCADC
- Medication assistance with an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)
- Mental Health and Substance Peer support
- Wellness checks to provide ongoing resources
- Access to living room space to relax while connecting with other services
- Referral to long-term therapeutic support, treatment, and medication management
“EISS provides a safe and calming space for individuals during a mental health emergency,” said Michelle D’Angelo-Myles, MA, Director of Crisis Services. “Our goal is to meet people where they are, support them in regaining their sense of well-being, and help them take the next steps toward treatment.”
4 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Wait for a Therapy Appointment
Many might assume you need to go to a hospital emergency room if you are experiencing a mental health crisis, but Acenda’s EISS offers a comfortable and welcoming alternative. But, how do you know if you are experiencing a crisis or can wait for a regular therapy appointment? If you are experiencing any of the following, don’t wait! Reach out to EISS for urgent support if you or a loved one is experiencing:
- Any mental health symptoms that require attention
- Feeling that you need in-person support and engagement
- Uncertainty about where to start or how to seek services for Mental Health
- Panic attack symptoms that are not easing with coping strategies
- Intense mood swings that feel unmanageable
- Lapse in psychiatric medication lapse without access to your current provider
How Does a Mental Health Urgent Care Differ from the ER or a Crisis Hotline?
EISS is an urgent care specializing in mental health support, including crisis intervention and stabilization services by licensed mental health professionals. As an alternative to hospital-based emergency treatment, EISS provides prompt access to psychiatric assessments, counseling, and referrals to community-based services. Unlike a crisis hotline, Acenda’s EISS centers provide in-person treatment and support, giving individuals the opportunity to address and stabilize crisis symptoms in a safe, therapeutic environment. Acenda’s multi-disciplinary team provides holistic care to improve an individual's well-being and quality of daily life.
What Can an Individual or Family Expect When Visiting One of Acenda’s EISS Centers?
- A warm and welcoming environment from an integrated care team
- Immediate access to a licensed clinician and APN for medication monitoring
- Support from peers who have firsthand experience in mental health and recovery treatment
- Referrals to services and resources for continuity of care
- Access to our living room space for a peaceful, supportive atmosphere
“Acenda's evidence-based approach is strengthened by the compassionate care of our staff,” said Sharon Veneziale, MA, Director of Crisis Services. “EISS is about helping people feel supported during their most difficult moments.”
What Happens After an EISS Urgent Care Visit?
After visiting one of Acenda’s EISS centers, patients are provided with direct referrals to long-term mental health care and services.
How Can a Caregiver or Loved One Support Someone During a Mental Health Crisis?
When a loved-one is in crisis, it can be difficult to know the right thing to say or do. If someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, let them know that EISS is available to help them. Remind them that EISS is not a hospital, rather a safe space designed for those experiencing a mental health episode. If coming to an urgent care location is not an option, call EISS to speak with a team member and get advice on how to best handle the situation, or have an EISS peer speak to the family member in crisis. As a caregiver or family member, it is important to support and empower yourself knowing that we are available—services are also available through Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) or NAMI New Jersey.
How Can I Access EISS?
Acenda’s EISS centers are available in Cape May and Gloucester counties and can be accessed in-person or by phone:
Cape May County EISS Center (609) 778-3020 128 Crest Haven Road Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 Monday, Thursday, Friday 9-5pm; Tuesday and Wednesday 9-7 pm, and Saturdays 9-5 pm.
Gloucester County EISS Center (856) 494-8160 200 Holly Dell Drive Sewell, NJ 08080 Monday-Friday: 9am – 7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday virtual 9am-5pm
*If you or a family member are having thoughts of harm to yourself or others, please immediately contact the Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services or dial 911:
- Cape May County: 609-465-5999
- Gloucester County: 856-845-9100
Check out Acenda's Mental Health Urgent Care Below!
About the Authors
Christina Jackey is the Senior Director of Acute Care Services for Cape May and Gloucester counties, where she oversees a robust continuum of acute care services at Acenda. She is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson University with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, bringing more than 15 years of experience in both child and adult mental and behavioral health services.
Michelle D’Angelo-Myles is the Director of Crisis Services in Cape May County. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the acute care system, including mental health outpatient services, substance use programs, and opioid treatment centers. Michelle is a strong advocate for harm reduction and trauma-informed approaches when supporting individuals in need of behavioral health care.
Sharon Veneziale is the Director of Crisis Services in Gloucester County and helped launch EISS in 2022. She has over 16 years of experience working within acute services and practices a holistic, strength-based, solution-focused approach that empowers individuals to make personal decisions throughout their journey of empowerment and recovery support.
Cassandra Boyce is a volunteer contributor, freelance creative consultant, and former Acenda team member now based in Denver, Colorado. She is the creative mind behind BoscoMKT, where she helps organizations tell their stories through unique content and design. When she’s not behind her MacBook, she enjoys hiking in the Rocky Mountains, traveling abroad, and attending concerts.