Mental Health Resources
If there is an immediate mental health crisis, go to a hospital emergency room or call 9-1-1.
If unsure of the severity of the mental health crisis, call or text 9-8-8 or chat 988lifeline.org for trained counselors who are available 24/7.
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how people handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life.
- Additional mental health resources from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Mental Health Crisis Assistance
The three-digit dialing code, the 988 system, is part of a larger crisis care plan being developed in New Jersey. The system is being set up with the guiding principle that there will always be Someone to Contact, Someone to Respond, and A Safe Place for Help.
Someone to Contact
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national hotline offering one-on-one support for mental health, suicide, and substance use-related problems for anyone 24/7. No matter where you are in the United States, you can call or text the number 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org and connect with a skilled, compassionate crisis counselor. 988 call, chat, and text services are available in English and Spanish. Call services with interpreters are available in more than 240 languages.
There is no reason too big or too small to reach out to 988 – you can also contact 988 if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
In New Jersey, there are currently 4 Lifeline centers responding to contacts that come through 988.
Also Available
New Jersey has available a number of specialized call lines to support individuals in need:
| 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline Open 24/7 | Call or Text: 888-222-2228 | This youth helpline serves teens and young adults with their daily life challenges. |
| NJ Mental Health Cares Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm | Call: 866-202-4357 TTY (EN): 800-852-7899 TTY (ES): 866-658-7714 | This is NJ’s behavioral health information and referral service. |
| Peer Recovery WarmLine Weekdays 8 am - 10 pm Weekends 5 pm - 10 pm Holidays 3 pm - 10 pm | Call: 877-292-5588 | This helpline provides ongoing support to those with mental health struggles as they work towards their recovery. |
| ReachNJ Open 24/7 | Call: 1-844-732-2465 | This is a central call-in-line for New Jersey residents who are looking for help to overcome a substance use disorder. |
| Cop2Cop Open 24/7 | Call: 1-866-267-2267 | This helpline is for New Jersey law enforcement officers and their families |
| NJVet2Vet Open 24/7 | Call: 866-838-7654 | This resource provides veteran peer support, family support, case management, employment resources, and referrals. |
Someone to Respond
The NJ 988 Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Team (MCORT) program responds 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to adults experiencing non-life-threatening mental health, substance use or suicidal crises in the community. Learn more here.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline centers are the only entities that are able to request a dispatch for MCORT. If you are interested in receiving MCORT services, please call 988 for an evaluation of need.
Also Available
Several additional crisis response services are available in New Jersey and can be accessed by individuals directly or by someone concerned for a person in crisis.
- Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services
- Children’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services
- Crisis Assessment Response and Enhancement Services (NJ CARES)
- Police, Fire and EMS (dispatched via 911)
A Safe Place for Help
There are several stabilization services already available in New Jersey and can be accessed by individuals directly or by someone concerned for a person in crisis:
Designated Screening Centers (Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services)
Crisis Residential Services Programs
In Development:
NJ DMHAS is developing Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers (CRSCs), 24 hours a day, every day of the year across the state, providing short-term (less than 24 hours) community-based services to individuals experiencing a suicidal, mental health or substance use crisis. Learn more here.
Youth Services
The State of New Jersey provides a Mental Health and Wellness Hub for youth, parents, and educators. The public is provided with resources on identifying mental health challenges and where youth can seek help.
Talking with others about Mental Health
Talking about mental health concerns with family and friends can be difficult for some. Find out more information about talking with others and disclosing important information about mental illness from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Support groups are also available.