Are you struggling with a mental health issue? If so, you’re not alone. Over 1 million adult residents in New Jersey have some type of mental health condition. Unfortunately, nearly 28% never receive any type of mental health treatment. Adults aren’t the only victims of mental health. (NAMI)
The impact on youth is also severe—about 141,000 adolescents (12–17) in NJ experience a major depressive episode annually, and 36 % of those adolescents receive no care at all. (NAMI)
Around 16.4% of adults in New Jersey suffer from some form of mental illness. Around 27.8% of NJ adults report anxiety and/or depression. Sadly, every 11 hours a New Jersian takes his or her own life. Furthermore, since 2015, the number of drug overdose deaths in New Jersey per capita has been higher than the national average. Studies show 72,000 New Jersey children between the ages 12 and 17 face depression. In New Jersey, suicide rates are twice as high as the state’s homicide rates. Reaching out for help is one of the best ways to prevent suicides.
Why This Matters
These sobering data points reflect a mental health landscape where:
- Many struggle in silence
- Youth are experiencing rising distress
Treatment gaps remain large
But there is help that is confidential, free, and available to every NJ resident, no matter your insurance or income.
Fortunately, there’s help. No shortage of providers (or shortage of funds) should ever prevent you from getting the help you deserve. The following resources are free of charge, confidential, and available to all New Jersey residents. Help yourself or someone you love today.
New Jersey Helpline
The New Jersey Hopeline offers 24/7 support services for those struggling with suicidal thoughts or symptoms. You can reach the New Jersey helpline by phone at (855) 654-6735, by text message at 741741 or by online chat through the Department of Health website. Professionals are on call 24/7 to offer mental health support, assessments, interventions and referral services.
The National Mental Health Hotline
If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed or in distress, professionals at the National Mental Health Hotline can help. You can call the hotline at (866) 903-3787 any time of the day and night. Trained workers can assess your situation and provide referral services if necessary. If you or your loved one is having suicidal thoughts, you should contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
New Jersey Department of Health Screenings
The New Jersey Department of Health provides mental health screenings and assessments for interventions and psychiatric emergencies, as well as for information and referral purposes. You can contact the Department of Health office closest to your location.
New Jersey Department of Health Screenings
The New Jersey Department of Health provides mental health screenings and assessments for interventions and psychiatric emergencies, as well as for information and referral purposes. You can contact the Department of Health office closest to your location.
New Jersey Hopeline
Access online chat via the NJ Department of Health site
Trained counselors provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals.
Call (855) 654‑6735
Other Hotline Services
NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Health is a national organization dedicated to supporting those struggling with mental health conditions. You can reach the NAMI helpline at (800) 950-NAMI (6264) Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
NJ MentalHealthCares
The NJ MentalHealthCares hotline offers mental health information and referral services. You can contact this hotline at (866) 202-HELP (4357) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Vet to Vet
The Vet to Vet hotline is specifically for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their family members. You can contact the hotline 24/7 at (866) VETS-NJ4 (838-7654).
Quick Questions
Yes! All listed hotlines and services are free and confidential.
No. These services follow strict privacy protocols and only share your information with your permission or in rare cases of immediate safety risk.
You can call again or try a different line. Different services may feel more comfortable or culturally aligned with your needs.
You’re not alone. Help is here—right now.
Whether you’re calling for yourself or for someone else, these services provide real care in the face of real need. If crisis feels too heavy today, you can still reach out. You deserve help—start with one call, one text, or one chat.
Need help finding more services or therapy options near you? MentalHealthHotline is here to assist—completely free and confidential.