Funding Will Support Phased Implementation of Five Regionalized Centers to Provide New Jerseyans with More Immediate, Community-Based Behavioral Health Crisis Care

August 19, 2026

(TRENTON) - New Jersey Human Services today announced $16.45 million in funding to support the implementation of Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers (CRSCs), strengthening New Jersey’s behavioral health crisis response system and expanding the continuum of care available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The investment includes $14.95 million in State funding and $1.5 million in federal Mental Health Block Grant funding from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

CRSCs are a critical component of a comprehensive crisis care system, providing individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis with an alternative to emergency departments or law enforcement when a hospital or other higher level of care is unnecessary. The centers are designed to offer immediate assessment, stabilization, treatment, and connection to ongoing behavioral health services in a welcoming, community-based setting.

“I applaud Commissioner Cha and the Department of Human Services for enabling crisis stabilization to ensure that individuals facing a mental health crisis will have another layer of help,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “The 988 system of care ensures that every New Jerseyan knows that when they reach out in a moment of need, someone will be there to answer—and facilitate the care and support that they deserve.”

“988 is more than a phone number,” Commissioner Stephen Cha said. “It is the front door to a behavioral health crisis system that must have somewhere to take people when they reach out for help or for people to walk-in without an appointment when they need help. This $16.45 million investment will help New Jersey build out that system and give people experiencing a crisis access to the right care, in the right setting, at the right time. We are committed to making sure that calling 988 leads to meaningful support and a path toward recovery.”

The State funding consists of $8.66 million in unused appropriations from State fiscal year 2026 and $6.3 million in appropriations carried forward from State fiscal year 2025. The remaining $1.5 million comes from the federal Mental Health Block Grant. The Department is also pursuing federal Medicaid funding and sustainable State funding to help continue the centers’ operations in future years.

“New Jersey’s 988 program has already connected thousands of people facing a crisis with the compassionate care and support they need, filling critical gaps in mental health care and saving lives,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “Establishing Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers will help expand the scope of the system, easing the burden on hospitals and law enforcement while providing a centralized, comprehensive resource for people who are struggling. Investments like this strengthen entire communities, and I thank Commissioner Cha and the Department of Human Services for their partnership in building a more coordinated and responsive behavioral health system for New Jersey.”

“When the state first launched the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we did so because we recognized that we were at a critical point in our response to the mental health crisis and that our investments needed to match the urgency of the need at hand,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “I’m proud knowing how loud the collective voice of the Legislature has been on the need to build and maintain a robust continuum of care around 988, and it’s humbling to see that now, years later, we are continuing to make good on that promise for the people and families of New Jersey. Mental health is too paramount to let someone face a moment of crisis without somewhere to turn, and through partnerships across sectors and every level of government we are doing the things that will bring the right services, in the right setting, right when they’re needed most.”

“The need for response to someone who’s experiencing a mental health crisis at that very moment is the most important decision, phone call, or outreach they'll ever make in their life,” said Senator Joe Vitale. “With the establishment of Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers, we can help ensure we are not only providing support over the phone through 988 but directing individuals to immediate care without exhausting local health care workers and resources. I am grateful that the administration was able to identify this funding, and I look forward to finding more permanent solutions to support the mental health of our residents in the future.”

“When someone reaches out for help during a mental health or substance use crisis, we need to make sure the right care is there to meet them,” said Assemblywoman Andrea Katz. “Investing in Crisis Receiving Stabilization Centers strengthens our 988 system by giving people a safe, welcoming place to receive immediate support without automatically turning to an emergency room or law enforcement. These centers will help New Jerseyans get appropriate care when they need it most and connect them with the resources that can support their recovery and long-term well-being.”

“This funding allows us to take another significant step toward strengthening New Jersey’s crisis response system that meets people where they are,” Deputy Commissioner for Health Services Valerie Mielke said. “Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers will provide people with immediate, specialized behavioral health care while helping reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and other interventions that may not be appropriate for someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. These centers are an essential part of the continuum that we are building through 988.”

The funding will support the phased implementation of CRSCs across New Jersey. The Department is developing a phase-in schedule for the centers. The centers will be located in Bergen, Camden, Essex, Monmouth and Morris counties.

Once operational, the centers will complement the existing components of New Jersey’s 988 continuum of care, which includes the 988 call, text, and chat services (“Someone to Contact”); mobile crisis response (“Someone to Respond”); and other community-based behavioral health services (“A Safe Place for Help”).

“People experiencing a behavioral health crisis deserve an immediate response that recognizes their needs and treats them with dignity,” Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services Assistant Commissioner David Helfand said. “Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers give us the opportunity to move toward a system where people can receive care in a setting specifically designed for crisis stabilization. This investment represents an important step forward for New Jersey and for the individuals and families who rely on our behavioral health system.”

New Jersey launched its 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022, providing a free and confidential way for people experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicide-related crisis - or anyone concerned about a loved one - to connect with trained crisis counselors. The expansion of CRSCs will strengthen the broader system that responds when someone reaches out to 988 and needs an in-person intervention.

The Department will provide additional information about the CRSC phase-in schedule and implementation as details are finalized.

Visit here for more information about New Jersey’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 offers live call services in English and in Spanish, and uses language line services to respond in over 250 other languages. 988 chat and texting is available in English and in Spanish. If you or a loved one is in crisis, you can text 988, and chat 988 at 988lifeline.org/chat. For New Jersey-specific information about 988, visit here.