What if I need mental health help but can't afford therapy in New Jersey?

There are several options. First, check whether you qualify for NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid), which covers mental health services at little or no cost — apply at NJFamilyCare.org. Federally Qualified Health Centers across New Jersey offer counseling on a sliding-fee scale tied to your income. You can also call 2-1-1 to find county-funded community mental health centers, many of which serve clients regardless of ability to pay. Your county mental health board may also have additional local resources.

How do I find a mental health crisis center near me in New Jersey?

Call 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) any time — counselors can dispatch mobile crisis teams or direct you to the nearest crisis stabilization unit in New Jersey. You can also call 2-1-1 for non-emergency help locating walk-in crisis centers in your county. DMHAS funds a network of crisis services statewide; your county mental health board can tell you what's available locally.

Are there mental health resources specifically for New Jersey veterans?

Yes. Veterans can access mental health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which operates medical centers and outpatient clinics in New Jersey, including facilities in Lyons, East Orange, and multiple community-based outpatient locations. The Veterans Crisis Line is reached by calling 988 and pressing 1. The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NJDMAVA) also connects veterans to state-level support — visit their website or call 2-1-1 for a local referral.

Can children and teens in New Jersey access mental health services?

Yes. NJ FamilyCare covers mental health services for children, including therapy and psychiatric care. The New Jersey Children's System of Care (CSOC), managed by the Division of Children's System of Care (DCSC) within the Department of Children and Families, coordinates mental health, substance use, and crisis services for youth under 21. You can access CSOC services by calling the Contracted System Administrator (CSA) for your county — call 2-1-1 or visit nj.gov/dcf for county contact information.

Mental Health Resources in New Jersey

Last updated September 10, 2026

New Jersey residents facing mental health challenges have access to a range of publicly funded services, from crisis intervention to ongoing outpatient care. The state's mental health system is overseen by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), a division of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, which funds and regulates community mental health centers, crisis services, and peer support programs throughout all 21 counties.

If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which connects you to a trained counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For non-emergency help finding local mental health providers, support groups, or sliding-scale counseling, call 2-1-1 — New Jersey's free, confidential helpline — or visit 211nj.org to search a database of local resources.

Cost is a common barrier, but many New Jersey residents qualify for NJ FamilyCare (the state's Medicaid program), which covers mental health and substance use treatment at little or no cost. Even without insurance, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across the state offer mental health services on a sliding-fee scale based on your income. Your county's mental health board is also a key local entry point and can help connect you to the right level of care.

Key programs in New Jersey

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential crisis counseling by phone or text for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. Available in English and Spanish with additional language support.

How to access: Call or text 988 anytime, 24/7. You will be connected to a local crisis center. Chat is also available at 988lifeline.org. No insurance or ID required.

NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid)

State health coverage that includes mental health and substance use disorder treatment — such as therapy, psychiatric medication management, and inpatient psychiatric care — for eligible low-income residents.

How to access: Apply online at NJFamilyCare.org, call 1-800-701-0710, or visit your county's Board of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and residency. Applications are accepted year-round.

NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)

The state agency that funds and oversees community mental health centers, crisis stabilization services, residential programs, and peer recovery support across New Jersey. DMHAS-contracted providers serve people regardless of ability to pay.

How to access: Visit the DMHAS website (nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas) to find contracted providers and county mental health boards, or call 2-1-1 to be connected to a DMHAS-funded program in your county.

2-1-1 New Jersey

A free, confidential helpline and searchable online directory that connects New Jersey residents to local mental health providers, support groups, crisis services, housing assistance, and other social services.

How to access: Call 2-1-1 (or 1-800-331-7272) any time, 24/7, or search online at 211nj.org. Multilingual assistance is available. Operators can help you identify services based on your location, insurance status, and specific needs.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in New Jersey

Community health centers that provide integrated medical and behavioral health care, including individual therapy and psychiatric services, on a sliding-fee scale for patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

How to access: Find a New Jersey FQHC near you using the HRSA health center finder at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov or by calling 2-1-1. No one is turned away due to inability to pay.

Mental Health Resources resources for New Jersey

Airmid Counseling Services

SAMHSA-listed mental health treatment facility.

East Orange, New Jersey973-678-0550

Mental Health Resources in New Jersey

Key programs in New Jersey

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid)

NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)

2-1-1 New Jersey

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in New Jersey

Mental Health Resources resources for New Jersey

Airmid Counseling Services

American Habitare and Counseling Inc

Bridge Inc

Carewell Health

Center for Family Services

Clara Maass Medical Center — Behavioral Health

Community Psychiatric Institute

Family Service Bureau of Newark

Greater Essex Counseling Services — Drug and Alcohol OP and IOP Treatment

Integrity House

It Takes A Family

Just One Big Happy Family LLC

New Directions Behavioral Health Ctr

New Essecare of New Jersey

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center — Behavioral Health Services

North Jersey Community Research — Initiative

Rutgers UBHC Newark — Outpatient Services/Newark

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Find Support Today

NAMI HelpLine

Other resources in New Jersey

Mental Health Resources in other states