- “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk —A groundbreaking look at how trauma affects the body and mind, with practical approaches to healing.
- “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb — An honest, relatable exploration of therapy from both sides of the couch.
- “Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach — Learn to embrace yourself and your life with mindfulness and compassion.
- “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari —A fresh perspective on depression and anxiety that challenges conventional thinking.
- “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown — Practical guidance on letting go of perfectionism and embracing authenticity.
Mental Health Treatment Resources in New Jersey
Evidence-based programs, compassionate care, and comprehensive mental health support. We're changing what treatment looks like.
Recovery Tools & Resources
Finding the right mental health treatment resources shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, having the right tools can make all the difference in your recovery journey.
We’ve put together a personalized collection of resources designed to support you at every stage—from crisis intervention to long-term wellness. These aren’t just generic recommendations. They’re carefully selected tools that align with modern, evidence-based approaches to mental health care. Have a look and see what fits you best.
Top 5 Books for Mental Health Recovery
Recovery Apps Worth Downloading
- Headspace – Guided meditation and mindfulness exercises designed to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
- Calm – Sleep stories, breathing programs, and meditation sessions for anxiety management.
- MindDoc – A mental health companion app offering mood tracking, reflection prompts, and insights.
- Recovery Record – For those managing eating disorders, this app provides meal logging and therapeutic support.
- Insight Timer – Free meditation library with thousands of guided sessions from mental health professionals.
- Moodfit – A comprehensive mental health app that helps users track moods, build healthy habits, and practice self-care.
Emergency Info to Save in Your Phone
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, immediate access to the right resources can be life-saving. We encourage you to save these numbers now—before you need them.
Crisis Lines:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (24/7 support)
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- Crisis Text Line — Text “HELLO” to 741741
Emergency Services:
- 911 — For immediate life-threatening emergencies
- Closest Hospital & Emergency Room — Save your nearest facility’s address
- Hospital Locator — FindAHealthCenter.HRSA.gov
- Poison Control — 1-800-222-1222
Your Support Network:
- Your therapist or counselor’s contact information
- Trusted emergency contacts (family members, caregivers friends, sponsors)
- Your psychiatrist’s office and after-hours line
Finding Your Community Mental Health Resources
Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. Connection is one of the most powerful tools in mental health treatment, and research shows that social connectedness plays a major role in protecting mental health.[1]
The right community provides accountability, understanding, and hope. Whether you prefer in-person meetings or virtual connections, building a support network is essential to long-term wellness.
Peer Support Groups
Connect with others who understand your experience. From NAMI support groups to SMART Recovery meetings, peer-led communities offer validation and practical guidance.
Volunteering Opportunities
Giving back creates purpose and connection. Look for local mental health organizations, crisis hotlines, or community centers seeking volunteers.
Wellness-Based Meetups
Yoga classes, meditation circles, hiking groups, and creative workshops provide natural opportunities to meet others prioritizing mental health.
Online Recovery Forums
Reddit communities, specialized Facebook groups, and platforms like 7 Cups offer 24/7 connection when in-person support services aren’t available.
Arts & Creative Communities
Music therapy groups, writing workshops, and art classes provide healing through expression while fostering meaningful connections. Studies have shown art therapies to be beneficial for depression and anxiety.[2]
Understanding Treatment Options
Choosing the right level of care is critical to your success. Mental health services aren’t one-size-fits-all, and understanding your options helps you make informed decisions about your recovery.
01
Crisis Stabilization
For individuals experiencing acute mental health crises or co-occurring substance use, stabilization is the first step. While New Life Mental Health doesn’t provide inpatient crisis management directly, we partner with psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health centers to make sure you’re properly stabilized and safe before entering our programs.
02
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP provides structured treatment 3-5 days per week, allowing you the flexibility to keep up with work, school, or family responsibilities. With 3-4 hours of programming per session, IOP offers evidence-based therapies, group support, and psychiatric care without requiring a full-day commitment.
03
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our PHP offers the intensity of inpatient care with the flexibility to return home each evening. You’ll participate in therapeutic programming 5-6 days per week, typically 6-8 hours daily. This level is ideal for patients transitioning from residential care or those who need high-level, structured support, but are stable enough for some independence.
04
Outpatient Programs
Traditional outpatient care involves weekly or bi-weekly individual therapy sessions, medication management appointments, and periodic group therapy. This level works well for individuals with stable symptoms, strong support systems, or those stepping down from more intensive care.
Life After Treatment: Aftercare & Sober Living
Finishing your behavioral health program is not the finish line; it’s the start of the next chapter. The work you do after treatment often makes the difference between continued success and relapse, and we are committed to not leaving any of our patients behind.
Aftercare planning begins on your first day at New Life. We don’t wait until the end of your treatment to start planning next steps. We begin working on a detailed plan from day one, covering the challenges, triggers, and goals that are unique to you.
Why Aftercare Matters
The transition to independence from structured recovery is delicate: without effective aftercare, old habits can easily reemerge. Good aftercare provides the scaffolding as you master real-world independence.
Research shows that aftercare services for patients with severe mental disorders can reduce readmission rates and improve medication adherence.[3] This isn’t just about preventing relapse—it’s about creating the life you actually want to live.
Components of Strong Aftercare
Continued therapy (individual, group, or both), psychiatric medication management as appropriate, peer support involvement, sober living arrangements if needed, wellness activities such as exercise or meditation practices, and regular check-ins with your New Life care team.
We do not have a one-size-fits-all approach to aftercare. Your recovery is your recovery. What works for one person may not work for you, and we respect your individual needs.
How to Choose the Right Treatment Center
Not all mental health treatment centers are created equal. You deserve care that actually works—from a team that sees you as a person, not a patient number.
Match Services to Your Needs
Does the facility specialize in your specific diagnosis? If you're dealing with dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders), trauma, eating disorders, or other specialized concerns, you need a program with expertise in those areas. Integrated treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental disorders has been found to be consistently superior compared with separate treatment of each diagnosis. Ask about their clinical team's training and their evidence-based treatment modalities.
Verify Insurance Coverage
Mental health treatment is an investment, but it shouldn’t cause a financial crisis. Make sure your insurance is accepted and understand precisely what is covered. At New Life, we accept most major insurance plans and offer private pay options. We guarantee there are no hidden fees, and we will verify your benefits and coverage prior to your admission, so there are no surprises.
Consider Location & Environment
Some people heal better close to home, surrounded by familiar support systems. Others need distance from triggering environments. Knowing what you need can significantly contribute to your success. We offer a safe, home-like, modern environment that doesn't feel like a clinical setting, as healing often occurs more effectively outside of a traditional “treatment” mindset.
Check Accreditation & Licensing
Legitimate treatment centers should hold appropriate state licenses and be professionally accredited. Don’t be afraid to ask about credentials, staff qualifications, and success rates. At New Life, our clinical staff are some of the best in New Jersey, and we’re proud of our credentials.
Red Flags to Avoid
Beware of any facility that guarantees success, is secretive about its approach, has a slew of negative reviews that mention patient safety and staff turnover, pressures you into immediate admission without properly evaluating you, and does not have clear discharge and aftercare planning.
Always trust your gut. If something feels off, it most likely is. The right treatment center will feel like a partnership, not a hard sell.
Always trust your gut. If something feels off, it most likely is. The right treatment center will feel like a partnership, not a hard sell.
Explore Our New Jersey Treatment Guides
Finding mental health treatment resources is easier when you have information for your area. Our New Jersey treatment guides provide city-by-city resources, so you’re sure to find a local support resource no matter where you live.
Included in each guide are emergency contact information for the area, local support groups and peer meetings, outpatient resources and therapists, crisis intervention, and community programs focused on mental health and wellness.
Written for patients seeking treatment and family members researching options for someone they love, we’ve got you covered for mental health treatment resources in your hometown, or town over, or in a nearby state.
FIND A TREATMENT GUIDE NEAR YOU
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of mental health conditions does New Life treat?
New Life Mental Health treats a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD and trauma-related disorders, OCD, and co-occurring substance use disorders. Evidence-based programs integrate CBT, DBT, ACT, experiential therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches specific to your diagnosis and needs.
How long does mental health treatment typically last?
The duration of your treatment depends on your individual needs and the level of care you’re receiving. Typically, our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) lasts 4-6 weeks, and our Intensive Outpatient (IOP) is often 6-12 weeks. We don’t subscribe to cookie-cutter timelines; your treatment plan is tailored to you, and the timelines reflect that.
Does insurance cover mental health treatment at New Life?
Yes, New Life Mental Health works with most major insurance plans. For those who are not insured or prefer to keep their benefits private, we also offer self-pay options. We will determine your coverage before you are admitted and give you a list of your potential out-of-pocket costs beforehand, so there are no surprises and you can focus on your mental health.
What makes New Life Mental Health different from other treatment centers?
We’re changing what mental health treatment looks like forever. New Life fuses modern clinical excellence with a space that actually feels comfortable; you won’t find sterile hospital vibes here. Our facility is modern, warm, and built for healing. We’re focused on designing an experience that makes you want to show up and do the work, not just another group therapy session in a dingy basement or worn-out room. Plus, our clinical team includes some of New Jersey’s best mental health professionals, ensuring you receive care that is second-to-none.
Can I bring my phone during treatment?
Phone policies vary from one treatment program to another and even from one patient to another. We understand that you need to stay in touch, especially if you have work or family obligations that need attention. During the admissions process, we will talk about access to your phone and develop a plan that allows you to stay connected to your support network outside of treatment, while still prioritizing your recovery.
What happens if I need help after I finish the program?
We are not in the business of leaving our patients behind. Aftercare planning starts with the first phone call. When you finish your program at New Life, you will do so with the structure of a complete discharge plan, including ongoing recommendations for therapy, psychiatric follow-up when necessary, peer support connections, and check-ins with our team. We believe in setting you up for success, not just seeing you through a program.
Ready to start your journey?
Contact New Life Mental Health today to learn more about our programs and find the mental health treatment resources that will change your life.
Sources
- Wickramaratne, P. J., Yangchen, T., Lepow, L., Patra, B. G., Glicksberg, B., Talati, A., … Charney, A. (2022). Social connectedness as a determinant of mental health: A scoping review. PLOS ONE, 17(10), e0275004. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0275004
- Barnish, M. S., & Nelson-Horne, R. V. (2023). Group-based active artistic interventions for adults with primary anxiety and/or depression: A systematic review. BMJ Open, 13(6), e069310. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069310
- Wang, P.-S., Zhang, L.-H., Zhang, Y., & Chen, Y. (2015). Efficacy of aftercare services for people with severe mental disorders. Psychiatric Services, 66(9), 985–992. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201400111
- Horsfall, J., Cleary, M., Hunt, G. E., & Walter, G. (2009). Psychosocial treatments for people with co-occurring severe mental illnesses and substance use disorders (dual diagnosis): A review of empirical evidence. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 17(1), 24–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/10673220902724599
