New Jersey provides various mental health services for people with serious mental illness and their families. These programs may include crisis centers, county mental health boards, publicly funded counseling, and more.
Many of these providers also offer support groups for people with mental health issues or who are coping with addictions. These are great ways to get help for yourself or someone you love.
Crisis Centers
Crisis Centers are often a key resource for mental health or substance abuse crises. They can help people get immediate evaluation and treatment and divert them from higher levels of care like emergency room visits or jail stays.
These centers can be found throughout the state and are often run by community-based organizations that specialize in helping people with mental health issues. They offer services ranging from emergency counseling and medication monitoring to peer support groups and residential services.
In addition to Crisis Centers, New Jersey has several other mental health services for people in need of specialized support. These include crisis residential programs, self-help centers, and mobile teams that work in partnership with police and hospitals to provide care.
The state is spending up to $75 million to fund nine new Intensive Crisis Stabilization Centers, which will serve as the first step in a plan that officials say will help anyone who needs immediate mental health or addiction help. The centers will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and they will have staff who are trained to evaluate people and help them deal with their mental illness or drug addiction.
To help people deal with their crises, these facilities will have psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers trained to help patients navigate the care system. They will also help patients with insurance and other barriers to care and provide referrals and links to treatment providers and resources.
Many of these centers also have a number of other services, including drug and alcohol treatment. These services can be helpful for those who are struggling with alcohol or drugs, and they can also provide valuable resources for their families.
For example, Reach NJ is a 24-hour call-in line that provides information about substance use and referrals to treatment providers and other resources. They are free and can connect people with the help they need, regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.
Another resource is the SOS Program, which offers a variety of services to help runaway and homeless teens. These services provide crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy to at-risk youth and their families.
County Mental Health Boards
County mental health boards are governmental departments in each of New Jersey’s counties that help ensure that residents have access to the mental health services they need. The Boards direct program development, make funding decisions and ensure that residents with serious mental illness have the support they need to live independently.
Burlington County, for example, has a Board of seven to twelve local citizens who provide public leadership to the county in developing its mental health programs. The County Board of Commissioners appoints members and represents the population served by the county’s mental health agencies.
They also meet monthly to discuss mental health programs, funding, and other issues affecting mental health in the county. They are also responsible for drafting and implementing the County Mental Health Plan, which sets forth goals, recommendations, and actions to address the community’s mental health needs.
These plans are developed in conjunction with representatives from mental health providers and families. They are used to prioritize and evaluate existing services and identify potential gaps in the service continuum.
The plans also include recommendations for funding to address gaps in the system. These plans are then submitted to the State Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services for approval.
There are a variety of mental health services in New Jersey, including crisis centers, outpatient counseling, and residential treatment programs. Many of these programs are funded by grants and contracts; others are paid for through fees-for-service.
Inpatient treatment is available at both crisis centers and hospitals and can be very helpful for people with severe or persistent mental illnesses. Inpatient treatment can be a scary experience for some, but it is important to seek out help if you are feeling overwhelmed or in a crisis.
If you are struggling with a mental health issue, talking about your problems with someone you trust is important. You can also find support groups that will allow you to share your experiences with other people who understand what you are going through.
Publicly Funded Counseling
Many types of mental health services are available in New Jersey. Some of these services are publicly funded. Others are private. You can find out if you are eligible for any of these programs by reviewing the state’s mental health provider directory or calling NJMentalHealthCares with specific inquiries.
Licensed therapists counsel individuals, couples, and families dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and substance abuse. They use a holistic approach to help people overcome their problems.
Professional counselors are also required to maintain their certification and training. They need to complete 40 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle. This includes courses in ethics, cultural competence, and opioid treatment.
Counselors are often certified by the American School Counselor Association or the American Psychological Association. They are required to abide by the ACA Code of Ethics and the ACA Multicultural Counseling Competencies and Standards.
They may work in private practice or in a mental health clinic. Hospitals, community mental health agencies, or social service organizations may also employ them.
Some public mental health agencies offer both in-person and online counseling. Regardless of your preferred method of counseling, it’s important to make an appointment.
In addition, the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) provides funding for a number of telehealth services. Several of these services are free and can be accessed by those who are uninsured, underserved, or low-income.
For example, the Monmouth University School of Social Work recently launched a Community Care Telehealth Clinic that offers free online counseling sessions for people in New Jersey who don’t live on campus. This telehealth service is available through cell phones, computers, and tablets.
Another resource for people who are experiencing a crisis is the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which provides support and emergency services to residents of New Jersey. This includes a Crisis Center and a Mobile Unit that can be sent to people who are not comfortable going to the crisis center.
In addition to these resources, the State of New Jersey provides mental health and wellness programs for youth, parents, and educators. These include COVID-19-geared mental health resources and a Mental Health and Wellness Hub.
Treatment Options
There are many ways to get help with mental health issues in New Jersey, including through crisis services, county and state-funded programs, and private, out-of-pocket counseling. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone who needs treatment can access these resources. If you have a serious mental illness or are struggling with substance abuse or co-occurring disorders, it may be more appropriate to see an expert counselor certified in these areas.
The mental health profession is growing, and there is an increasing demand for qualified and experienced professionals to provide services to individuals throughout the state. Therapists work in a variety of settings and are able to specialize in treating specific conditions, such as addictions, trauma, or personality disorders.
In addition to providing individual counseling, therapists also offer group therapy and family support services. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and government agencies. They can also be found in schools and long-term care facilities.
For those who need to see a therapist on a regular basis, private health insurance is an option for payment for mental health sessions. Most PPO and POS insurance plans cover the cost of a session as long as the provider is in-network with your plan.
If you have Medicaid or Medicare, a public mental health service provider can also be an option for low-cost or free mental health services. These services include crisis intervention, outreach and outreach-based services, intensive outpatient treatment and support services, and residential treatment options.
Counseling is a great way to address a range of concerns and build a strong relationship with a therapist who can help you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re looking for help with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues, find a mental health provider in Jersey City, NJ, who is right for you by focusing on your priorities and using the filters on Zencare to find a counselor who meets your specific needs.
The New Jersey Department of Human Services is a state agency that provides services and support to individuals with mental health and substance abuse concerns. Its mission is to improve the lives of people with mental illnesses, disabilities, and addictions through public policy, education, and research.