Providing Critical Support for Children and Families at Risk of Out-of-Home Placement
Preferred Behavioral Health Group (PBHG) is proud to announce the launch of our Intercept® program, thanks to a generous $1.1 million grant awarded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). This funding allows us to bring our trauma-informed, in-home mental health services for children and teens to even more families across Ocean, Monmouth, and Mercer counties.
With this launch, PBHG continues its mission to strengthen families, promote healing, and create healthier communities one home at a time.
What Is the Intercept® Program?
Intercept® is an intensive, individualized, in-home mental health program designed to help children and adolescents who are at risk of entering or re-entering out-of-home placements such as foster care, group homes, or residential treatment. The program serves youth from birth through age 17 and supports families through some of the most difficult periods in their lives.
The goal is simple but powerful: stabilize families before a crisis results in separation, and support reunification for those already navigating the child welfare system.
Services Offered Through Intercept®
Delivered by trained Family Intervention Specialists, Intercept® provides wraparound mental health services that are tailored to each family’s needs. These services include:
- Trauma-informed therapy and counseling
- Crisis intervention and 24/7 on-call support
- School and legal advocacy
- Parenting support and education
- Emotional and behavioral health treatment for youth
- Referrals to community resources
Every family receives a customized treatment plan rooted in strengths-based and trauma-informed care.
Why This Matters
Far too often, children with emotional or behavioral challenges—especially those who have experienced abuse, neglect, or trauma—end up in costly and disruptive out-of-home placements. The Intercept® model helps prevent this by offering early, in-home intervention and support designed to strengthen family bonds, reduce crises, and keep children safely at home.
“This generous support from the Department of Children and Families allows us to expand our reach and ensure more children in crisis receive the care and support they need—right in their homes and neighborhoods,” said Dr. Tara Chalakani, CEO of PBHG.
Who Is Eligible?
Intercept® is available to children and families living in Ocean, Monmouth, and Mercer counties who meet the following criteria:
- Children ages 0–17 facing emotional or behavioral health issues
- Youth at risk of being placed in foster care or other facilities
- Families working toward reunification from out-of-home placement
- Caregivers in need of mental health and parenting support
Making a Difference in New Jersey Communities
PBHG has long been committed to providing accessible, community-based behavioral health services. This expansion means more families can benefit from early, effective support, helping children stay with those who love them and reducing long-term reliance on the child welfare system.
By delivering mental health services directly in the home, Intercept® also reduces barriers to access like transportation, scheduling, and stigma, making help easier to receive when it’s needed most.
