Mental Health Awareness

988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022. The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
Free 24/7 support at your fingertips. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained crisis counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform.

National Drug Helpline – 1-844-289-0879
The National Drug Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 drug and alcohol hotline that can help you start your journey towards a better future. The helpline is open to everyone. You can call the hotline to get information for yourself or a friend or family member.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – 1-800-931-2237
Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public.

Trevor Project TrevorLifeline – 1-866-488-7386 / Text START to 678-678
The Trevor Project provides LGBTQ youth with 24/7 crisis counseling via phone, text, and chat. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.

#BeThe1To (N)– Resources to be the one to help save a life. We all can take action to prevent suicide.

Achiezer (J) – Works hand in hand with the community’s existing organizations in assisting families contending with issues such as illness, death, family discord, mental health disorders and financial crises. Achiezer unites professionals, rabbis, lay leaders and volunteers, helping families navigate through these challenging times.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (L) – The New Jersey Chapter is fueled by the mission to save lives by providing education and support. We focus on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.

Amudim (LJ) – Confidential resource center that provides assistance and direct referrals for individuals and families impacted by sexual abuse, neglect, addiction, mental health concerns, and other crisis-related matters.

The Balanced Mind (N) – A project of Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

BaMidbar (J) – Addresses mental health and wellness in the Jewish community through a three-pronged approach for Jewish youth and young adults; focus on mental health prevention, education, and treatment.

BeWell (J) – The mental health and wellness initiative of Jewish Federations of North America, a resource designed to educate, prepare, and support the local Jewish community through consultancy, trainings, and grant funding. Our goal is to normalize the conversation around mental health and equip the Jewish community to support all aspects of well-being: mind, body, and spirit.

Best Colleges Suicide Prevention Guide (N) – Research indicates that more and more college students are thinking about suicide. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and get help.

The Blue Dove Foundation (J) – ​Provide educational and informational resources, direct financial support and loans for those seeking treatment, and collaborative programs with schools, synagogues, and community centers.

Born This Way Foundation (N) – Supports the mental health of young people and works with them to build a kinder and braver world. Through high-impact programming, youth-led conversations, and strategic, cross-sectoral partnerships, the Foundation aims to make kindness cool, validate the emotions of young people, and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.

Chabad – Mental Health Resources (J) – A collection of tips, personal reflections, and professional guidance, and Torah perspective to provide you with inspiration and tools in your quest for mental wellness.

Child Mind Institute (N) – Dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need.

Children with PTSD (N)

Elijah’s Journey (J)– A Facebook community centered on bringing awareness and support to depression and suicide.

Families for Depression Awareness(N) – Helps families recognize and cope with depressive disorders to get people well and prevent suicides.

Family Support Organization (N) – Family Support Organizations (FSO’s) are family-run, county-based organizations that provide direct family-to-family peer support, education, advocacy and other services to family members of children with emotional and behavioral problems. To access services, you may call these organizations directly or call 1-877- 652-7624. 

Federation for Families for Children’s Mental Health(N) – A national family-run organization that assists children/adolescents with mental health needs and offers training programs for family members.

Here Now (J) – A teen-led online and in-person initiative promoting mental health, well-being, and resilience through innovative content and creativity.

Jed Foundation (N) – Provides essential information about common emotional health issues and shows teens and young adults how they can support one another, overcome challenges, and make a successful transition to adulthood.

JFS of Central NJ (LJ) – Offers evidenced based behavioral health services provided by licensed clinicians. Dedicated and compassionate clinicians work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. We offer virtual and in-person therapy.

JFS MetroWest (LJ)– Offers individual and family counseling services help children, teens, adults, couples, older adults and families develop strategies to cope with their mental health and emotional well-being. Support Group for Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness

JProactive (N) – Project Proactive aims to break mental health (and related) stigmas while proactively alleviating barriers to health and wellness through awareness, advocacy, and education.

LINKS (N) – Confidential Hotline: 718-337-3700; Toll Free 888-883-2323. Supports children and teens who have lost one or both parents by connecting them with peers and mentors who have been through the same experience.

Mental Health Help (N) – Provides national talk lines, crisis lines, and resources for young people looking for help for their mental health.

Mental Health in the Jewish Community Facebook Group (J) – This group is meant to be a safe and confidential space to discuss issues, offer support, ask questions, and share resources related to mental health in the Jewish community.

A Mitzvah to Eat (J) – Supports those who need to connect to fast days, mitzvot, or holidays differently to protect their health, save their lives, or reduce their suffering. They empower individuals and communities with learning, prayers, and resources to bring holiness to acts of self-preservation.

MOM 2 MOM (L) – A 24-hour, 7-day-a-week helpline coordinated by Rutgers-University Behavioral HealthCare. The helpline features peer support, telephone assessments, a network of referral services, and support groups. 1-877-914-6662 (1-877-914-MOM2)

NAMI Basics & NAMI Basics on Demand(N) – NAMI Basics is a NAMI signature education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. The course is taught by trained teachers who are the parent or other caregivers of individuals who developed the symptoms of mental illness prior to the age of 13 years. All instruction and course materials are free to class participants.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing (N) – Search for organizations that are committed to providing mental health services to anyone in the community who needs it regardless of ability to pay.

National Eating Disorders Association (N) 1-800-931-2237, Text NEDA 741741. Contact the NEDA Helpline for support, resources, and treatment options for yourself or a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder. Helpline volunteers are trained to help you find the support and information you need.

Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (N) – The network of Jewish Human Service Agencies advances the Jewish human service sector through advocacy, best practices, innovation, and partnerships. For non-emergency services, find a local Jewish human service agency.

OKclarity (N) – A peer-to-peer mental health support community for the Jewish world. The community forum and professional directory connects members with social and professional supports, empowering users to move towards greater emotional, physical, and holistic health.

Orthodox Union – Mental Health Resources (J) – Placing a focus on our mental health and the mental health of family and friends.

Parent Conversation Starters (see attached) (J) – How will you help your teen be their most successful self on their summer travel experience? One way is to have conversations with them guided by the questions on this page.

The Parent Support Network (N) – Provides parents and caregivers who are concerned about their children’s mental health with an opportunity to find and support each other in a confidential and safe space.

Reconstructing Judaism – Mental Health Resources (J) – Articles, videos, and blogs related to mental health and well-being

Refa’enu (LJ) – Dedicated to increasing awareness in the Jewish community about depression, bipolar disorder, as well as other behavioral health issues, and their management.

Refuat Hanefesh (J) – Dedicated to decreasing the stigma surrounding mental illness through conversation and education, while providing a safe place for those affected to seek support and advice.

Ruach (J) – A Jewish project that provides nondenominational and inclusive emotional and spiritual (virtual) support that is accessible wherever you are physically, emotionally, financially, or spiritually.

Seize the Awkward (N) – Be the friend who listens. Starting a conversation about mental health does not need to be uncomfortable, and it can make all the difference. Check out these resources to learn how to support a friend – or get help for yourself.

Shiv’s Third Eye (L) – Works to drive out the myths and stigma and bring in the awareness, education, support, and hope for adolescent mental health.

Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) (L) – Provides information, training, technical assistance, and support to families of children with behavioral, emotional, and mental health challenges. 1-800-654-SPAN (7726)

Touching the Heart (J) – A text-messaging program provides messages of support and well-being for high school seniors through graduate school, as well as young professionals and parents.

Understood.org (N) – Providing resources and support so people who learn and think differently can thrive — in school, at work, and throughout life.

Union for Reform Judaism – Mental Health Resources (J) – Hotline and crisis resources in the United States and Canada compiled by the Union for Reform Judaism.

United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism – Mental Health Resources (J) – A Mental Wellbeing Assessment to enable congregational leaders to assess how they are addressing their own community’s needs.

Warrior Families Mental Health Support Network (N) – A resource to support families during their behavioral, emotional and mental health challenges.

Youth.gov (N) – Provides resources, information, different agencies, articles, and videos relating to substance use disorders and young people’s mental health and wellness.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (LJ) – Certification course for adults engaging with young people, providing mental health awareness, and suicide prevention training.

Youth Mental Health Project (L) – The Youth Mental Health Project™ envisions a world where people are just as aware of their mental well-being as they are of physical well-being so we have created this pledge and helpful, printable take aways.

Eshel (J) – Focuses on creating community and acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Jews and their families in Orthodox communities.

JFS of Central NJ (LJ) – Offers evidenced based behavioral health services provided by licensed clinicians. Dedicated and compassionate clinicians work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults; offer virtual and in-person therapy.

JFS MetroWest (LJ) – Offers individual and family counseling services to help children, teens, adults, couples, older adults, and families develop strategies to cope with their mental health and emotional well-being. Support Group for Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness

JQ Helpline (J) – Call or text 855-JQI-HLPS (855-574-4577). The Jewish Queer International Helpline provides inclusive support and resources for LGBTQ+ Jews, their families, and allies. Be sure to check out the JQ Helpline Community Resource Manual.

JQY (J) – Jewish Queer Youth supports and empowers LGBTQ+ Jewish youth with a special focus on teens and young adults from Orthodox, Chassidic, and Sephardi/Mizrahi communities.

Keshet (J) – Hotline: 724-374-3501. Works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life. The group creates spaces in which all queer Jewish youths feel seen and valued in addition to other work outside of teens.

Trans Lifeline Hotline (N) – 1-877-565-8860. Connects trans people to the community support and resources we need to survive and thrive.

The Trevor Project (N) – 866-488-7386. The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) people under 25.

JFS of Central NJ (LJ) – Offers evidenced based behavioral health services provided by licensed clinicians. Dedicated and compassionate clinicians work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. We offer virtual and in-person therapy.

JFS MetroWest (LJ) – Offers individual and family counseling services help children, teens, adults, couples, older adults and families develop strategies to cope with their mental health and emotional well-being. Support Group for Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness

MASK (N) – Mothers and Fathers Aligned Saving Kids (MASK) has a mission to ensure that all parents/caregivers in the Jewish community receive the resources necessary to help raise emotionally healthy families.

National Domestic Violence Hotline (N) – 800-799-SAFE (7233). A free, 24-hour confidential service for survivors, victims, and those affected by domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and relationship abuse.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (N) – Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including in online spaces. Building Safe Online Spaces Together is possible when we practice digital consent, intervene when we see harmful content and behaviors, and promote online communities that value respect, inclusion, and safety.

Project SARAH Next Step (LJ) – Program for high school students that focuses on the importance of mental health and healthy relationships.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) (N) – 800-656-HOPE(4673). The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. The RAINN app gives survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones access to support, self-care tools, and information to help manage the short- and long-term effects of sexual violence.

Rachel Coalition – In Her Shoes (LJ) – An experiential and interactive workshop which allows individuals to experience what a victim of domestic violence has to do once she decides to reach out for help.

Shalom TaskForce (J) – Works to combat and prevent domestic violence and foster healthy and safe relationships and families within the Jewish community.

ZA’AKAH (J) – Dedicated to advocating for survivors of child sexual abuse in the Orthodox Jewish community by raising awareness in the community, organizing, and participating in educational events for parents and teachers on how to identify and correctly handle suspicions and disclosures of child sexual abuse, and by advocating for legislative reforms designed to prevent sexual abuse in the future and secure justice for survivors.

Birthright Israel Recovery Trip (J) – A free trip for Jewish people in recovery, aiming to reconnect young people in recovery or impacted by an addiction with their Jewish heritage and reclaim their role as active members in the Jewish community.

Communities Confronting Substance Abuse (LJ) – A not-for-profit organization founded with the goal of creating stigma-free Jewish communities through awareness, education, and prevention programming regarding substance use and addiction. CCSA Support Group for loved ones of those suffering from substance misuse or addiction is held virtually.

JFS of Central NJ (LJ) – Offers evidenced based behavioral health services provided by licensed clinicians. Dedicated and compassionate clinicians work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults through virtual and in-person therapy.

JFS MetroWest (LJ) – Offers individual and family counseling services help children, teens, adults, couples, older adults and families develop strategies to cope with their mental health and emotional well-being. Support Group for Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness

Jewish Addiction Awareness Network (JAAN) (J) – Works with clergy, community organizations and leaders, families, and individuals across the U.S. focusing on addiction education, awareness, advocacy, stigma reduction, the intersection of Judaism and recovery, and supporting those in crisis.

The Living Room (J) – A program and community for young adults, aged 18-35, who are part of a recovery program for substance abuse.

Natural High (N) – Combines storytelling with scientific research to create resources for teens, parents, and educators to help young people find their true passions, and promote activities that uplift, motivate, and inspire them to live their healthiest, drug-free life.

National Drug Helpline (N) – 1-844-289-0879. A free, confidential, 24/7 drug and alcohol hotline that can help you start your journey towards a better future. The helpline is open to everyone. Get information for yourself or a friend or family member.

NIDA for Teens (N) – Provides interesting and easy-to-understand scientific facts for teens. All the research is for teens and about teens, and is a valuable source of information for anyone looking to learn more about substance use and addiction.

OK2Talk NAMI (N) – 800-273-TALK (8255). A safe, moderated online community where teens and young adults struggling with mental health conditions can find a safe place to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle, or hope.

Our Jewish Recovery (J) – Support Jews in recovery, and their loved ones, to help us all find experience, strength, and hope. Welcome Jews dealing with any and all addictions, Jewish educators looking to understand addiction and bring recovery to their communities, and Jewish and non-Jewish allies who wish to share the journey of recovery with them.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (N) – Provide information on mental health services and treatment centers through an on-line service locator. Search by location, whether or not they provide services for youth, payment options, languages spoken, etc.

T’shuvah Center (J) – An intentional spiritual recovery community for addicts of all kinds. All are welcome. View the schedule for a mix of virtual and in-person (NYC) opportunities.