Get Help with Mental Health including Substance Abuse Services
When you or someone you know is experiencing mental health struggles, it can feel confusing to know how to get help. Luckily, there are a lot of options in New Jersey to guide you through the process of accessing resources and, as desired, making appointments.
Note: If you think someone is in immediate danger, including a suicide attempt or potential overdose, call 911. You can also dial or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – this will get you to crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance abuse crisis, or other kinds of emotional distress.
New Jersey-based Hotlines and Organizations
New Jersey Suicide Prevention Hopeline. The Hopeline is a 24/7 crisis call line. Call 1.855.654.6735, text njhopeline@ubhc.rutgers.edu, or use the live chat.
New Jersey MentalHealthCares from the New Jersey Department of Human Services. A behavioral health information and referral service. Provides support and referral information for a variety of mental health concerns. Call 866-202-4357 (7 days a week, 8AM to 8PM), email help@njmentalhealthcares.org or text NJHOPE to 51684 (10am-8pm).
NJ Connect, a service of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. A free, confidential hotline for family and friends of individuals who struggle with substance abuse. Offers support and education on insurance questions. Call 855-652-3737. M-F 8AM-10PM; Sat-Sun 5PM-10PM; holidays 3PM-10PM. Mental Health Association in New Jersey also offers a range of other information and programs, including a mental health screener.
Mental Health & Addiction Hotline, Helpline & Treatment Directory from the New Jersey Department of Human Services. A listing of information about and links to mental health and substance abuse-related hotlines, helplines, and other services that are available.
ReachNJ, administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services. A hotline for individuals wo struggle with substance abuse, as well as their friends and family, to access immediate assistance from trained addiction counselors. Insurance status does not matter. Call 844-732-2465. 24 Hours, 7 days a week.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey. A guide to mental health services available through NAMI, including programs for individuals, families, and children. Particularly useful tool for people with friends or family members with mental illness. Call 1-866-626-4664 or info@naminj.org.
Acenda Counseling Services. (Camden and Cape Counties) Acenda offers counseling services for adults, teens, children, and families. Go here to book a consultation or call 1-844-422-3632.
Resources for Stress Related to COVID-19 / Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s information on Coping with Stress (during the COVID-19 pandemic)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)'s Fact Sheet on Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- National Institute of Mental Health's information on Supporting Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic