Whether you’re experiencing severe anxiety or struggling to recover from an addiction, asking for help is one of the most important steps on the road to recovery. You should feel proud of yourself for having the confidence to search for information about mental health in NJ. It’s also critical to understand you’re not alone. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 1.17 million adult residents of New Jersey experienced the symptoms of substance use disorder between 2021 and 2022. Additionally, 1.389 million adults reported having a mental illness during the same period.
What You Need to Know About Mental Health in NJ
Residents of New Jersey deal with some rather unique issues, some of which have the potential to contribute to poor mental health. For example, the state’s cost of living is 19.8% higher than average, leaving some individuals struggling to pay rent and buy necessities.
Although New Jersey has more mental health professionals than many other states, it still qualifies as a Health Professional Shortage Area, meaning there aren’t enough psychiatrists, addiction counselors, psychiatric nurses and other health care providers to meet the demand for mental health services. Fortunately, New Jersey has several state-level resources to help residents manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Calling a NJ mental health hotline gives you access to trained counselors who can help you through a crisis or connect you with mental health services in your area.
Mental Health Resources in New Jersey
- 988 New Jersey
If you’re concerned about calling 911 during a mental health crisis, call 988 New Jersey instead. The three-digit number directs callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a free service staffed by experienced counselors. You can also chat with a counselor online. The New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services plans to increase the number of options available to lifeline users. For example, the agency is developing a mobile crisis response program to ensure that callers can access de-escalation services.
988 - New Jersey Mental Health Cares
New Jersey Mental Health Cares isn’t a 24-7 NJ crisis line, but it does have experienced behavioral care specialists available to help you with your mental health concerns. Each specialist has an in-depth understanding of the mental health resources available in New Jersey, so you can use the hotline to get referrals to programs in your area. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern on weekdays.
(866) 202-HELP - NJ Connect for Recovery
If you’re looking for a resource specific to substance use and addiction, try NJ Connect for Recovery. The program connects callers with trained family or peer specialists, making it easier to access treatment. NJ Connect volunteers can also answer questions about using private or public health insurance to access addiction treatment services. NJ Connect for Recovery answers calls from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern on weekdays and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. If you leave a message, someone will call you back within 1 business day.
(855) 652-3737 - ReachNJ
ReachNJ is a hotline for New Jersey residents who need help with substance use disorders. Trained staff members answer calls 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, eliminating some of the barriers to receiving treatment. You can also use the hotline to get a referral to an addiction counselor or other mental health professional in your area.
(844) 732-2465
Free Rehabs in New Jersey
Although cost is an important consideration when addressing your mental health in NJ, it’s possible to get free addiction treatment if your insurance covers 100% of the costs without requiring you to pay coinsurance or meet other cost-sharing requirements. The rehabs below accept Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance.
National Rehab Hotline
If state-level resources aren’t enough to meet your needs, call the National Rehab Hotline. We have trained team members available 24-7 to ensure you can access high-quality resources in your area. Our staff members are dedicated to improving mental health in NJ.