The helping hand you may need.

Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for New Jersey Residents

Looking for free mental health services in New Jersey? Wishing that there were substance use programs that could help you on the road to recovery? If you’re a New Jersey resident, we’re ready to lend ears, offer helping hands, and give you shoulders to lean on. There are tools and resources available to help you with everything from substance abuse to suicide prevention. And these programs are offered only to New Jersey residents, to help you navigate life’s toughest situations.

StopOverdosesNJ

In January 2023, Governor Murphy announced a nation-leading program to allow anyone 14 years or older to acquire naloxone anonymously and at no cost at participating pharmacies across New Jersey. This website provides information on using naloxone and for pharmacies to participate.

ReachNJ

ReachNJ is a central call-in line for New Jersey residents who are looking for help with a substance use disorder (SUD). Each call to ReachNJ is answered by a live person in the first 30 seconds. Trained staff will screen callers to identify their exact needs, are able to provide referrals to supportive services and a seamless connection to a local treatment provider. ReachNJ serves NJ residents of all ages regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Psychiatric advance directives are a legal instrument that may be used to document a competent person’s specific instructions or preferences regarding future mental health treatment. Psychiatric advance directives can be used to plan for the possibility that someone may lose capacity to give or withhold informed consent to treatment during acute episodes of psychiatric illness. The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services currently contracts with a vendor to manage and maintain a voluntary, secure internet-based registry for Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs) for New Jersey residents. There is a web-based registry, available 24/7.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 is the nationwide 3-digit dialing code for Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention. 988 connects people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Compassionate, accessible care and support will be available for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

A Stronger New Jersey

From the beginning of his administration, Governor Phil Murphy has been committed to creating a “stronger and fairer” New Jersey—a New Jersey where every individual and every family has equal access to opportunities to programs and resources that could help them thrive. With the help of Governor Murphy’s partners in Legislature, a number of cost-saving, life-changing programs have been expanded upon or created for you. Yes, you. This includes improved access to affordable healthcare and nutritional food, assistance with utility payments, and mental health services and substance use support programs. The challenge is that not everyone knows about these programs. Not everyone takes advantage of these life-changing initiatives. That’s why the Garden State Community Outreach program was created. So that everyone living in New Jersey, whether you live in Sussex County, Cape May County, or anywhere in between, is not only aware of these resources but also knows how to access them.

Mental Health and Substance Use Support

But how can these mental health resources help you? What kind of difference can they make in your life? Quite simply, we got you. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or feeling like you’re isolated from your world, we’re here for you, because we know how important it is that people find the help they need. That’s why we offer support online or in person. There’s everything from free mental health services to substance abuse resources. From supportive services that can guide you through a crisis to a program that allows anyone over the age of 14 to access naloxone to help prevent overdoses. We believe that no matter how you are suffering or where you are in your journey, you don’t have to go it alone. We’re committed to helping build a stronger, fairer New Jersey. Where every single resident has the opportunity to thrive.

SPREAD THE WORD

Living in the Garden State has many benefits, including mental health services and substance use programs to help residents through challenging times. Share them with friends, family, and neighbors to help them discover how these life-changing resources can make a big, huge, positive impact on their lives. We understand how challenging life can be. Sometimes, simply opening someone’s eyes to these New Jersey government aided programs can make a world of a difference.

INTERESTED IN OTHER PROGRAMS?

Garden State Community Outreach, created by Governor Murphy and the Legislature, connects New Jersey residents to additional cost-saving and life-changing programs. Use the program finder to help identify which programs you may be eligible for.