NJ’s First Women-Only Inpatient Trauma Care Program Opens, Founded by Christian Health as Haven at Ramapo Ridge

Ramapo Ridge Behavioral Health, a Christian Health hospital, has introduced a specialized program, Haven at Ramapo Ridge, to provide inpatient trauma-informed care and services in a safe and secure wing for women only, within the hospital in Wyckoff. The program is the first of its kind in Bergen County and the only inpatient women’s program in New Jersey.

In partnership with other providers in the community, Christian Health identified the growing need for specialized services for women who have experienced trauma, such as childhood abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, fetal loss, postpartum depression, infertility, tours of duty, and substance use disorders.

Patients at Haven will have personalized care plans that lay out a path to healing in a safe space separate from the general population, which allows privacy, a sense of security and stability away from triggers, and a peaceful environment for group therapy sessions.

All rooms in the secure area are painted and furnished to create a space that feels welcoming and calming. The program’s team members, including nurses and nursing assistants, social workers, and those providing therapeutic activities, have been thoroughly trained in women’s trauma and trauma-informed care.

Therapeutic group sessions will be small to allow for the proper facilitation and processing of group content and sharing, which enables true trauma-informed care.

“Our organization is rooted in helping those in need and being the hands of Christ,” said Alexis Totaro, MSN, RN, WHNP-c, CARN-AP, Vice President of Mental Health Services – Chief Nurse Executive at Christian Health. “Many organizations shied away from providing these types of services because they are difficult to develop and speak to. Our beautiful and tranquil inpatient setting promotes healing in many ways, and we have the ability to ensure continuity of care with all the services we offer on campus, including a partial-hospitalization program and outpatient counseling.”

Haven currently includes 12 beds, but leaders plan to expand because of the need for this type of specialized program.

“Our mission is to continue growing, expanding, and tailoring our services to better meet the changing needs of our community,” said Doug Struyk, CPA, LNHA, CEO of Christian Health. “We are very excited to offer this important, specialized program in a safe and secure environment and help so many women who are struggling to find the right place to receive trauma care.”

Haven is dedicated to the memory of Rose Patek, former President of Jewels of Charity, Inc. and The Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation, two organizations that supported the development of the program with their philanthropic donations.

“Rose made a significant impact supporting so many charities and organizations around the world,” said Douglas A. Struyk, CEO, Christian Health. She led a life of grace and service and was a pioneer in philanthropic leadership, who gave greatly of time, talent, and treasure to benefit those in need. Dedicating this important healing space for women in Rose’s name embodies her loving heart and compassion as a female leader in philanthropy.”

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About Christian Health
Founded in 1911, Christian Health is a nonprofit health care organization offering a continuum of high-quality senior living, short-term rehabilitation, and mental health services. For more than a century, Christian Health has grown and expanded to meet the changing needs of the community. Today it offers excellence in independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation (post-acute care), memory support, and mental health services in a manner consistent with the Christian principles upon which the organization was founded.

Media Contact:
Christian Health
Kelly Tanis
(201) 848-5921
Media@ChristianHealthNJ.org