The State of New Jersey’s Fiscal Year 2011 Budget formally merged the Division of Mental Health Services (DMHS) and the Division of Addiction Services (DAS) into the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
Recent advances in understanding substance use and mental health disorders emphasize that while these diseases are strongly interactive and inter-related, systems of care have historically treated them separately. This fragmented approach to care contributed to the stigma associated with these illnesses and has resulted in many missed opportunities to provide accessible and integrated care for the clients that seek services.
The merger provided DHS an opportunity to build a combined system on the foundational strengths of both divisions. The operational efficiencies benefit both consumers and providers. DMHAS utilizes data from emerging science to offer effective, outcome oriented treatment and use its resources to support consumers in achieving wellness and recovery.