Crisis Text Line

Mental Health · New Jersey · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: Text-based — national

Hours: 24/7

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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.

More Mental Health in New Jersey

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (NJ) — Call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support. New Jersey operates four Lifeline crisis centers and can dispatch Mobile Crisis
  • NAMI New Jersey — Statewide mental health advocacy organization offering free peer support groups, Family-to-Family education classes, NAMI Basics for parents
  • NAMI Essex County — Local NAMI affiliate serving Newark and Essex County with free peer-led support groups, Family-to-Family education classes, and mental healt
  • SAMHSA National Helpline — Free, confidential 24/7 helpline for mental health and substance use disorder treatment referrals in English and Spanish. No insurance requi
  • NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services — State agency overseeing New Jersey's public mental health and addiction treatment system. Funds community-based services, operates psychiatr
  • NJ Mental Health Cares — Statewide helpline connecting NJ residents to mental health resources, counseling referrals, and support services. Free and confidential for

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.