Basic Needs Information Hub

When you or someone you know is experiencing mental health struggles, it can feel confusing to know how to get help. Luckily, there are a lot of free and easy-to-access options in New Jersey to speak with a crisis counselor, make an appointment with a licensed counselor or get other support.

Need Immediate Help? 

If you think someone is in immediate danger, including a suicide attempt or potential overdose, call 911.

You can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained crisis counselor are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Can help people experiencing mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance abuse crisis, or other kinds of emotional distress. 

ReachNJ, administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services. A hotline for individuals wo struggle with substance abuse, as well as their friends and family, to access immediate assistance from trained addiction counselors. Insurance status does not matter. Call 844-732-2465. 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741-741. Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.

Find Counseling & Other Services

Directory of Mental Health Services, from the New Jersey Department of Human Services.  Access a listing of local providers by county and program type.

New Jersey MentalHealthCares from the New Jersey Department of Human Services. A behavioral health information and referral service. Provides support and referral information for a variety of mental health concerns. Call 866-202-4357. M-F 8am-8pm; calls after hours will be returned in 1 business day.

NAMI NJ HelpLine. A free, statewide peer-support service available in multiple languages. Provides information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. Call 866-626-4664, M-F 9am-4pm. You can also email helpline@naminj.org.

2NDFLOOR. A free, anonymous support system for New Jersey’s youth aged 10-24. Download the app or call or text 888-222-2228 to chat with professional counselors 24/7. 

Uwill. The platform offers free 24/7 access to virtual mental health services including teletherapy, crisis connection, and wellness programming for New Jersey college students. Get connected using your NJ college email. Check if your school is participating under the List of Participating Institutions.

Find Support for Family or Friends

NJ Connect For Recovery, a free service of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. A free, confidential hotline for family and friends of individuals who struggle with substance abuse. Offers emotional support, education and access to treatment options. Call 855-652-3737. M-F 8am-10pm; Sat-Sun 5pm-10pm; holidays 3pm-10pm.

Info Guides & Other Resources

Mental Health & Addiction Hotline, Helpline & Treatment Directory, from the New Jersey Department of Human Services. A listing of information about and links to mental health and substance abuse-related hotlines, helplines, and other services that are available.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey. A guide to mental health services available through NAMI, including programs for individuals, families, and children. Particularly useful tool for people with friends or family members with mental illness. Call 1-866-626-4664 or info@naminj.org.

Online Screening Tool, from Mental Health America. A free, quick and easy way to see what mental health symptoms you might be experiencing. After taking the test, you’ll see information, resources, and tools to help you understand and improve your mental health. Note: this only offers a quick snapshot and is not a substitute for seeking out a mental health provider.

Warmline Directory. Warmlines can be a good place to turn for free and confidential non-crisis support, if you're not able to turn to a loved one. Find a warmline you can call to have a conversation with someone who can provide support during hard times.

Prevent Suicide NJ. Get online Suicide Prevent training, prevention resources and a directory of behavioral health providers.