There are several reasons why the New York University Child Study Center (CSC) opened a satellite office in Hackensack. For starters, the NYU program, only one of two in the country that provides assessment, treatment and clinical study of child and teenage mental health, is expanding.

But second, and probably most significant, is the Garden State’s unfortunate ratio of children and adolescents living with some form of mental disorder.

"One in every 94 children here has autism," said Dr. Larry Peters, administrative clinical director for NYU CSC. "Now, parents have another and closer place to bring their child for an evaluation."

Dr. Peters maintains an office in New York but will also oversee operations in the new Hackensack facility, which was officially unveiled this month on the seventh floor at 411 Hackensack Ave.

Ceremonies were held with a special live broadcast of "About Our Kids," NYU CSC’s weekly satellite radio program. The two-hour show offers listeners information and advice about child, teen and family mental health.

Last Friday’s program, hosted by Drs. Lori Evans and Jess Shatkin, featured Hackensack Mayor Jorge Meneses and NYU CSC founder and director Dr. Harold Koplewicz.

New York in Hackensack

"It’s very necessary that we come to New Jersey. Residents in Bergen and Passaic counties, as well as Rockland and Orange (in New York) no longer have to go into the city to evaluate their child. The center here in Hackensack gives parents some convenience," Dr. Peters said.

The Hackensack branch of the CSC, staffed by expert clinicians, will offer training space to the next generation of child psychiatrists and psychologists. According to Dr. Peters, there is an increasing need for specialists to deal with younger patients.

"It’s really important that we train new child psychiatrists. There are only between 5,000 and 6,000 in the country, but the need is far greater," he said.

In addition to offices and filing space, the Hackensack center has several conference rooms with one-way mirrors and evaluation rooms.

"They’re all plainly decorated for a reason," Dr. Peters said, suggesting that the bare walls were a sign of reduced distractions rather than the need of an interior decorator.

The center will also offer space for research, which Dr. Peters said will be focused on studies in neuro-imaging and neuroscience, among other areas. Several rooms are available for clinical work, as well.

Dr. Harold Koplewicz also stressed the importance of opening a center in New Jersey. Before the Hackensack facility opened, CSC operated two centers in Manhattan and one in Long Island.

"There are fewer than 10 child and adolescent psychiatrists for every 10,000 children living in New Jersey," he said. "We have been providing the highest quality care at our sites in [New York] for over a decade and we are thrilled to be able to extend our world-class diagnosis and treatment services to the families in the Garden State."

Meneses addresses city’s needs

During his 30-minute guest spot on the radio, Meneses offered a proclamation and the key to Hackensack to Dr. Koplewicz and Drs. Evans and Shatkin. He also offered a plea on behalf of the city’s parents, particularly those in the Latino community.

Hackensack’s population, Meneses said, is 26 percent Latino and many residents are not apprised of the various child mental health programs offered by the county. In addition, he said a stronger program is needed in the city’s school district.

"It’s definitely needed in Hackensack schools. I want the superintendent to get in touch with you," Meneses said on the air last Friday.

But in the Latino community, the creation or installation of a new program won’t necessarily translate into success.

"There are more barriers, particularly with language. When there’s a service, they might not know it’s there," said Meneses, who’s of Colombian descent.

"Also in the Hispanic culture, some parents might say ‘[a child] has a problem? No they don’t’."

Dr. Koplewicz described several programs that the center implements to evaluate and treat adolescents, which gave Meneses an improved outlook on the mental health of Hackensack’s youth.

"You picked the right place to open."