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Mental Health Treatment Resources for Lakewood Township, New Jersey

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A Local Starting Point for Healing

Lakewood Township is growing quickly—and with that move will come demands. Increasing expectations from the community, rising costs, and cultural stigma may play a role in making it hard for residents who feel challenged by mental health conditions like depression or anxiety to reach out for assistance.

If you are in search of treatment for mental health issues in the Lakewood community, you are already taking a hopeful first step for yourself or your loved one. Remember, mental health issues are medical, not moral issues, and with treatment, recovery is achievable.

In the following guide, you can find a variety of programs, services, and other community-based resources throughout Lakewood and Ocean County to help you or a loved one begin your path to sustained wellness!

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What Mental Health Treatment Looks Like in Lakewood Township

Residents of Lakewood and Ocean County can access multiple levels of mental health care, from crisis intervention to long-term outpatient services. Understanding these levels of care will help you match treatment services to your needs.

01

Outpatient Therapy

Regular outpatient treatment offers weekly or biweekly appointments with both therapists and psychiatrists for ongoing support and maintenance. Many providers in Ocean County offer evidence-based treatment and medication management close to home.

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02

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

IOP can be a bridge for those transitioning from PHP, and a flexible opportunity for those juggling recovery, job, and family. IOP sessions usually meet 3-5 days per week for several hours each. Many programs even have evening sessions to accommodate different schedules.

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03

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial Hospitalization entails attending a full day of treatment without overnight stays. Clients will receive individual therapy, psychiatry, and group therapy 5-6 days a week, and return home in the evening. PHP is a great choice for someone who needs support, structure, and treatment, while also remaining engaged in his or her own life and responsibilities.

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04

Crisis Stabilization

In the event of an imminent risk or severe distress, local emergency psychiatric services are available 24/7 through hospital-based behavioral health units that provide pre- and post-crisis assessment, stabilization, and inpatient admission when necessary.

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05

Inpatient & Residential Care

Inpatient care is a brief, intensive service for acute psychiatric crises that focuses on safety and stabilization of medications. Residential programs are longer-term, structured settings for providing care, usually lasting 30-90 days, that offer therapy, skills, and supports for prolonged recovery.

06

Telehealth Options

Virtual appointments expand access for those with transportation or scheduling challenges, with many programs now offering hybrid in-person and online care.

Finding the Right Rehab in Lakewood Township

Finding a suitable mental health rehabilitation facility in Lakewood Township is more than just a simple internet search. It is about identifying a facility that understands what you are going through and has the proper skill set to help you progress in a genuine, compassionate manner.

Clinical specialization matters.

All conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, etc.) need focused treatment with a basis in research and experience. If substance use and mental health are both factors, find a program that treats both concurrently. Dual diagnosis treatment works for a reason: it shows how closely these conditions are connected and that healing one must heal the other.

Cultural understanding isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care are considered some of the best options for eliciting positive change. Inquire as to how a program combines these approaches with medication management, wellness, and other adjunctive strategies to restore balance and confidence.

Finances shouldn’t keep you from treatment.

Before starting your treatment, ask any questions you have about what insurance covers, deductibles, co-pays, and limits on sessions per calendar year. Most centers in the area accept major insurance plans. Ocean County also has some publicly funded programs for people without insurance. It is helpful to be clear about costs upfront so there are no surprises later on.

Ask how families are supported

Because recovery is most effective when both parties understand what recovery means and how to continue the process. Again, many quality programs provide unrealistic guarantees or promises about outcomes. Be sure to choose a program that demonstrates honesty, is driven by empathy, and has the capacity and experience to help you heal.

From Treatment to Long-Term Recovery

Completing a mental health program is just the beginning. Real recovery takes time, consistency, and continued support.

Personalized Planning: Your care plan should evolve with you, reflecting your diagnosis, background, and personal goals. The best programs reassess often to make sure treatment stays aligned with your needs.

Transitional Living: Moving from structured treatment back into everyday life can feel like a big shift. Transitional living options—such as supportive housing or step-down care—help bridge that gap. These environments provide structure, accountability, and connection as you rebuild.

Aftercare & Ongoing Support: Healing continues long after formal treatment ends. Aftercare often includes individual therapy, group sessions, medication management, or community-based supports that reinforce progress. Staying connected to care helps protect your mental health and strengthens the foundation you’ve built for long-term stability.

Mental Health and Community Support in Lakewood Township

What to Do in a Crisis: Emergency Addiction Resources in Lakewood Township

  • 911— Call if someone is in immediate danger, attempting suicide, or experiencing a medical emergency alongside psychiatric symptoms.
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime
  • Ocean County Crisis Hotline: (732) 240-6100
  • NJ Mental Health Cares: 1-866-202-HELP (4357)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
  • Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus: (732) 363-1900
  • RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Center: (732) 914-1688
  • Jersey Shore University Medical Center: (732) 775-5500

Local Stats You Should Know

In New Jersey, 1,389,000 adults experience a mental illness and 366,000 live with a serious mental illness.[1]

 

From 2020-2022, 17.5% of adults in Ocean County were diagnosed with depression.[2]

 

There are 549 residents for every 1 mental-health care provider in Ocean County.[3]

 

About 22.1% of Lakewood Township residents reported frequent or ongoing poor mental health in 2022.[4]

According to the Mental Health America County & State Data Dashboard, mental-health needs vary widely across New Jersey. Ocean County ranks among the areas with higher indicators of mental-health risk and limited access to behavioral-health providers, reflecting significant gaps in local mental-health resources.[5]

Wellness-Focused Things to Do in Lakewood Township

Building a balanced, fulfilling life means staying connected to activities and spaces that nurture your mental health. And Lakewood Township offers plenty of opportunities to do just that:

  • Lake Carasaljo offers peaceful walking paths and scenic views—an ideal place for exercise, reflection, and quiet time outdoors. Spending time by the water can help reduce stress and restore a sense of calm.
  • Catching a Lakewood BlueClaws baseball game at FirstEnergy Park is a fun, family-friendly way to connect with the community in a sober and supportive environment.
  • The Ocean County Library Lakewood Branch provides free programs, computer access, and quiet spaces to read, learn, or simply take a mindful break.
  • Lakewood Pine Park features open fields, sports facilities, and wooded trails that encourage movement and connection with nature—key parts of maintaining emotional balance.
  • The Strand Theater, a historic local landmark, hosts live performances and cultural events that bring people together through creativity and shared experience.

How to Pay for Treatment

Getting mental health care shouldn’t feel out of reach. 

Federal law requires insurance providers to cover mental health care at the same level as physical health care. Most major insurance plans include coverage for therapy, psychiatry, and structured treatment programs, and benefits can typically be verified before admission.

For low-income residents, NJ FamilyCare offers comprehensive coverage for therapy, psychiatric services, medications, and intensive mental health programs. Applications are available at NJFamilyCare.org or by calling 1-800-701-0710. Medicare also covers a range of mental health services for adults aged 65 and older, as well as those with qualifying disabilities.

Residents without insurance can turn to the Ocean County Department of Human Services, which coordinates publicly funded programs for crisis intervention, outpatient therapy, and medication assistance.

No matter your financial situation, help is available—and taking the first step toward care is always possible.

Rehab FAQs for Lakewood Township

How long does mental health treatment last?

There is no fixed time frame for recovery; the duration of treatment varies based on your diagnosis, treatment goals, and progression. Generally, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) lasts roughly four to six weeks, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) typically lasts 6 to 12 weeks, and outpatient therapy lasts as long as it is beneficial for you. At New Life, treatment does not adhere to a timetable; programs will continue for as long as it benefits you.

Will my insurance cover treatment?

The majority of insurance plans do cover mental health services, but the specific benefits are different for each plan. Our staff will review insurance benefits with you prior to admission and provide an explanation of what benefits or services are covered by insurance, including any deductibles or copay amounts, so there are no surprises.

Can I work while in treatment?

Yes. Intensive Outpatient Programs are designed to provide individuals with the flexibility to navigate their recovery while keeping their daily obligations. Many programs offer evening schedules, for example, to easily accommodate those with work, school, or family obligations. If you need additional time off from work, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may protect your job while you focus on recovery for up to 12 weeks.

How do I know if I need intensive treatment?

Intensive treatment may be right for you if you’re having difficulty functioning in everyday life because of your symptoms, if your previous or traditional therapy has not been supportive, and/or you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or significant emotional dysregulation. Intensive treatment can also help with stabilizing medication and/or managing significant life disruptions linked to mental health. Reach out for a confidential assessment if you’re unsure—clarity starts with a single conversation.

Other Locations Nearby

Newark

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Jersey City

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Paterson

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Elizabeth

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Lakewood Township

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Edison Township

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Woodbridge Township

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Toms River Township

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Hamilton Township

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Trenton

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Clifton

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Cherry Hill

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Brick

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Bayonne

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East Orange

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Camden

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Union City

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Hoboken

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Passaic

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Franklin Township

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Take the Next Step

Healing doesn’t happen overnight—but it does start the moment you decide to reach out.

In Lakewood Township, mental health treatment is within reach, and lasting recovery is possible with the right support. At New Life Mental Health, every conversation starts with understanding. We listen, learn about your experience, and walk you through your options with honesty and care. Our team helps clarify what level of treatment fits best and takes the stress out of insurance verification, so you can focus on what matters—getting better.

We don’t offer quick fixes or empty guarantees. What we offer is a path forward built on evidence-based care, compassion, and commitment. When you’re ready, we’re here to help you begin again—with confidence, clarity, and the right support behind you.

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Sources

  1. New Jersey Department of Health. (2025, May). Mental Health in New Jersey – Fact Sheet. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/NewJersey-GRPA-Data-Sheet-8.5-x-11-wide.pdf
  2. New Jersey Department of Health. (2024). Adult history of diagnosed depression by county, 2020–2022. New Jersey State Health Assessment Data (NJSHAD). https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/view/Depression.County.html
  3. DiFurio, D. (2024, January 19). What access to mental health care looks like in Ocean County, New Jersey. Stacker. https://www.stacker.com/stories/new-jersey/ocean-county-nj/what-access-mental-health-care-looks-ocean-county-new-jersey
  4. New Jersey Department of Health. (2022). Lakewood Township: Health indicator summary report — Ocean County, New Jersey. Healthy Communities Program NJ (HCP-NJ). https://nj.gov/health/hcpnj/documents/county-reports/Summaryreportonly/OCEAN_LAKEWOOD%20TWP_Summaryreport.pdf
  5. Mental Health America. (n.d.). State and County Data, New Jersey. Mental Health America. https://www.mhanational.org/data-in-your-community/mha-state-county-data/