Mental Health in New Jersey

17 verified resources.

About Mental Health for Fathers

Mental health services in the US range from free crisis lines and public community mental health centers to private therapy and inpatient care. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline operates 24/7 nationwide and is free and confidential. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) connects callers with local treatment resources for mental health and substance use. Community Mental Health Centers exist in every state and serve people regardless of ability to pay, usually on sliding-scale fees. Medicaid covers mental health care in all states, and the ACA requires insurance plans to cover mental health at parity with medical care. Fathers are particularly at risk for undiagnosed depression, anxiety, and substance issues around separation and custody disputes — this directory surfaces crisis lines, low-cost therapy, support groups specifically for men, and state mental health authorities.

Mental Health in New Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.

17 Resources

1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (NJ) — Free

Call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support. New Jersey operates four Lifeline crisis centers and can dispatch Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams as an alternative to police response. Available for mental health emergencies, suicidal thoughts, and acute distress. Chat online at 988lifeline.org. All calls are answered by trained counselors. No cost, no insurance needed. Veterans can press 1 for specialized veteran crisis support after dialing 988.

988 · Statewide · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Crisis Text Line — Free

Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling via text message. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ideal for situations where speaking aloud isn't safe or possible. Available to anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or mental health emergencies. The service is completely free and confidential. Also accessible via crisistextline.org for online chat support anywhere in New Jersey.

Text-based — national · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. NAMI New Jersey — Free

Statewide mental health advocacy organization offering free peer support groups, Family-to-Family education classes, NAMI Basics for parents, and helpline referrals. Located in North Brunswick. Call 732-940-0991 or 800-950-6264 for the NAMI helpline Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Email info@naminj.org. Programming covers depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, and other conditions. All peer support programs are free and run by people with lived mental health experience.

732-940-0991 · 1562 Route 130, Suite 2, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Helpline: 800-950-6264 · Visit Website

4. NAMI Essex County — Free

Local NAMI affiliate serving Newark and Essex County with free peer-led support groups, Family-to-Family education classes, and mental health resource navigation. Located in Montclair at 60 S Fullerton Ave. Call 973-509-7779 or email info@namiessex.org Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Peer-led NAMI Connection support groups meet regularly in Essex County. All programs are free and welcoming to individuals and family members affected by mental illness.

973-509-7779 · 60 S Fullerton Ave, Suite 206, Montclair, NJ 07042 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

5. SAMHSA National Helpline — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 helpline for mental health and substance use disorder treatment referrals in English and Spanish. No insurance required. Call 1-800-662-4357 at any time. Specialists can identify local NJ treatment programs, support groups, and community-based organizations. Services are free and private. Callers are not required to give their name. Text your ZIP code to 435748 to find local treatment options. Also visit samhsa.gov for the online treatment locator.

1-800-662-4357 · National · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services — Free

State agency overseeing New Jersey's public mental health and addiction treatment system. Funds community-based services, operates psychiatric screening centers, and oversees mobile crisis response teams. Located at 5 Commerce Way in Trenton. Call 609-292-5760 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Residents can dial 2-1-1 to be connected to local DMHAS-funded programs including outpatient counseling, intensive community case management, and residential treatment services.

609-292-5760 · 5 Commerce Way, Trenton, NJ 08625 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. NJ Mental Health Cares — Free

Statewide helpline connecting NJ residents to mental health resources, counseling referrals, and support services. Free and confidential for residents of all ages. Call 866-202-4357 Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm. Trained counselors help identify local therapists, psychiatrists, support groups, and crisis resources by county. No insurance required to call. Visit njmentalhealthcares.org for an online resource directory searchable by location and type of service.

866-202-4357 · Statewide phone service · Mon-Fri 8am-8pm · Visit Website

8. Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care — Paid

Major behavioral health provider offering psychiatric emergency services, outpatient counseling, and community mental health programs across central and northern New Jersey. Located in Piscataway at 671 Hoes Lane West. Call 855-515-5700 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm; crisis services available 24/7. Services include individual therapy, group counseling, psychiatric medication management, and intensive outpatient programs. Accepts most insurance plans and NJ FamilyCare. Sliding scale fees may be available.

855-515-5700 · 671 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm; crisis services 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Postpartum Support International - NJ Chapter — Free

Support for fathers and mothers experiencing perinatal mood disorders including postpartum depression and anxiety. Provides helpline, online support groups, and provider referrals across New Jersey. Call 1-800-944-4773 or text 503-894-9453 anytime, 24 hours a day. Fathers experiencing mood changes after a baby's birth are encouraged to reach out. Free peer support groups meet virtually and in person statewide. Referrals to NJ mental health providers who specialize in perinatal conditions.

1-800-944-4773 · National with NJ coordinators · Helpline 24/7; text 503-894-9453 · Visit Website

10. Carrier Clinic (Belle Mead) — Paid

Nonprofit behavioral health system providing inpatient psychiatric care, addiction treatment, and outpatient counseling in central New Jersey. Located at 252 County Rd 601 in Belle Mead. Admissions available 24 hours a day; call 908-281-1000. Serves adults, adolescents, and older adults. Programs include psychiatric stabilization, dual diagnosis treatment, and partial hospitalization. Accepts most private insurance and NJ FamilyCare. Financial assistance may be available for those without coverage.

908-281-1000 · 252 County Rd 601, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 · Admissions 24/7

11. Bergen County Department of Health Services - Mental Health — Free

Bergen County mental health division providing crisis intervention, outpatient counseling referrals, and mental health resource navigation for county residents. Located at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack. Call 201-634-2750 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Services include psychiatric screening, crisis stabilization, and referrals to community mental health programs. Residents in crisis can be assessed for voluntary or involuntary psychiatric evaluation through county screening centers.

201-634-2750 · One Bergen County Plaza, 3rd Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Camden County Mental Health Administration — Free

Camden County Mental Health Administration coordinates mental health services, crisis intervention, and behavioral health resources for county residents. Located in Blackwood at 512 Lakeland Rd. Call 856-374-6376 Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm. Provides referrals to outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, and crisis stabilization programs. Can connect residents with NJ FamilyCare-covered behavioral health providers. Residents experiencing a mental health emergency should call 988 or visit a local emergency department.

856-374-6376 · 512 Lakeland Rd, Blackwood, NJ 08012 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

13. Mental Health Association in NJ (MHANJ) — Free

Statewide nonprofit providing peer support services, supportive housing programs, employment support, and advocacy for adults with mental health conditions across New Jersey. Located in Verona. Call 973-571-4100 or email info@mhanj.org Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Programs include peer wellness coaching, supported housing, transitional employment, and consumer advocacy. All peer services are delivered by individuals with lived mental health experience, making programs uniquely effective.

973-571-4100 · 88 Pompton Ave, Verona, NJ 07044 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

14. University Hospital Behavioral Health (Newark) — Paid

Newark-based academic medical center providing psychiatric emergency services, inpatient psychiatric care, and outpatient mental health treatment for Essex County and surrounding areas. Located at 150 Bergen St. Emergency psychiatric services available 24 hours a day; call 973-972-5555. Accepts NJ FamilyCare and most insurance. Offers comprehensive psychiatric assessments, stabilization, and referrals to outpatient or residential programs after discharge. Interpreter services available for non-English speakers.

973-972-5555 · 150 Bergen St, Newark, NJ 07103 · Emergency psychiatric services 24/7 · Visit Website

15. Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ — Paid

Provides affordable counseling, psychiatric evaluation and medication management, and support groups for individuals and families in Essex, Morris, and Sussex counties. Located in Livingston at 570 W Mount Pleasant Ave. Call 973-765-9050 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Sliding scale fees available. Services are open to all regardless of religion or background. Specialties include family counseling, grief support, and geriatric mental health. Referrals to community resources also provided.

973-765-9050 · 570 W Mount Pleasant Ave, Suite 100, Livingston, NJ 07039 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton - Counseling — Paid

Affordable mental health counseling services for individuals and families throughout Mercer, Burlington, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, open to all regardless of faith. Located at 383 W State St in Trenton. Call 609-394-5181 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Services include individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and crisis intervention. Sliding scale fees available. Accepts NJ FamilyCare and many private insurance plans. Spanish-language services available at select locations.

609-394-5181 · 383 W State St, Trenton, NJ 08618 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

17. CompleteCare Health Network - Behavioral Health (Bridgeton) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing integrated behavioral health services including counseling, psychiatric medication management, and substance use treatment in southern NJ. Located at 300 Fayette St in Bridgeton. Call 856-451-4700 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Services provided on a sliding fee scale based on income. Accepts NJ FamilyCare, Medicaid, and most insurance. No one is turned away for inability to pay. Walk-in and scheduled appointments available.

856-451-4700 · 300 Fayette St, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Mental Health — Common Questions

I'm in crisis right now — who do I call?
Dial or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24/7 nationwide. Veterans press 1. For non-crisis mental health support, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
How do I find a therapist I can afford?
Community Mental Health Centers (every state has them) charge on sliding-scale based on income. Medicaid covers therapy in all states. Private insurance must cover mental health at parity with medical care. Psychology Today's therapist finder lets you filter by insurance. Open Path Collective offers
0–$80 sessions.
Can therapy hurt my custody case?
Almost always no — judges view voluntarily-sought mental health treatment as responsible parenting. Therapists must keep sessions confidential (with narrow exceptions: child abuse disclosure, imminent self-harm). Court-ordered evaluations are different from voluntary therapy.
Is there support specifically for men?
Yes. Face It Foundation, HeadsUpGuys, Men's Sheds, and Man Therapy run men-focused programs. Many community mental health centers run men-only groups. Fatherhood programs often include peer support as part of their model.