Whether you are looking for ongoing therapy, crisis support, or community resources, Monmouth County, New Jersey has options. Finding the right help can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already struggling. This guide is designed to make it easier by gathering key mental health resources in one place.
Crisis Resources: When You Need Help Now
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
For mental health crises that are not life-threatening emergencies, these resources are available 24/7:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources. Available 24/7.
Monmouth County Mental Health Crisis Line
Call 732-923-6999 for 24/7 crisis intervention services specific to Monmouth County residents.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text message. Free and confidential.
NJ Hopeline
Call 1-855-654-6735 for statewide crisis support, peer support, and connection to local resources.
Screening and Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP)
Monmouth Medical Center operates a psychiatric emergency screening program for adults and children experiencing mental health crises. Located at 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ.
Therapy and Counseling Services
Private Practice Therapists
Monmouth County has numerous licensed therapists in private practice offering individual, couples, family, and child therapy. To find a therapist: check the Psychology Today directory (psychologytoday.com, search by zip code), your insurance company’s provider directory, or ask for referrals from your primary care physician.
Lisa Ligammari Counseling Services & Associates
Our practice offers individual, couples, family, and child therapy with offices in Colts Neck and Manalapan, NJ. We also provide telehealth services statewide. Our team specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues.
Community Mental Health Centers
These centers offer mental health services regardless of ability to pay:
Monmouth Medical Center Outpatient Psychiatry: 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch. Offers psychiatric evaluation, therapy, and medication management.
Hackensack Meridian Health Behavioral Health: Multiple locations throughout Monmouth County. Comprehensive mental health services for adults, children, and families.
CPC Behavioral Healthcare: Locations in Freehold and Red Bank. Offers counseling, psychiatric services, and addiction treatment.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
FQHCs provide integrated healthcare including mental health services on a sliding fee scale:
Zufall Health: Multiple NJ locations including services in the Monmouth County area. Bilingual services available.
Support Groups
Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be a powerful part of healing:
NAMI Monmouth County
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Monmouth County chapter offers free support groups for individuals living with mental health conditions and their family members. Programs include:
- Family-to-Family: 8-week education course for families
- Peer-to-Peer: 8-week course for people living with mental illness
- Family Support Groups: Ongoing support for caregivers
- Connection Groups: Peer support for people living with mental illness
Visit namimonmouth.org or call 732-542-6422 for schedules and information.
Grief and Addiction Support
Grief Support
- Centering Healthcare Institute: Pregnancy and infant loss support groups
- Compassionate Friends: Support for parents who have lost a child. Monmouth County chapter meets monthly.
- Hospice-affiliated bereavement groups: Many hospice organizations offer free grief support groups open to the community.
Addiction Support
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Numerous meetings throughout Monmouth County. Visit aa.org for local meeting schedules.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Local meetings listed at na.org
- Al-Anon/Alateen: Support for family members of those with alcohol use disorder
- SMART Recovery: Science-based addiction recovery meetings
Services for Children and Adolescents
School-Based Services
Many Monmouth County schools have counselors, social workers, or psychologists on staff. Contact your child’s school for information about available supports.
Monmouth County Division of Children and Family Services
Offers Children’s System of Care (CSOC) coordination for children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Call 732-842-4540.
Specialized Child/Adolescent Programs
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Intensive day treatment programs for children and teens. Available through Hackensack Meridian Health and other providers.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Step-down from partial hospitalization, typically meeting several hours per day, several days per week.
Psychiatric Services and Telehealth Options
Psychiatric Services and Medication Management
For psychiatric evaluation and medication management: private practice psychiatrists (search Psychology Today or your insurance directory), Monmouth Medical Center Outpatient Psychiatry, CPC Behavioral Healthcare, or your primary care physician (many can prescribe psychiatric medications).
Telehealth Options
Since the pandemic, telehealth has become widely available. Many Monmouth County therapists offer video sessions, allowing you to access care from home. This can be especially helpful if you have transportation challenges, your schedule is tight, you live in an area with limited providers, or you prefer the convenience of home.
Lisa Ligammari Counseling Services & Associates offers telehealth therapy to clients anywhere in New Jersey.
Insurance, Affordability, and Getting Started
Insurance and Affordability
If cost is a concern: check your insurance benefits for mental health coverage, ask providers about sliding scale fees, community mental health centers offer reduced fees based on income, Federally Qualified Health Centers accept Medicaid and offer sliding scales, and some employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with free sessions.
How to Get Started
Taking the first step toward mental health care can feel daunting. Here is a simple path:
- Identify your need: Are you in crisis, or looking for ongoing support?
- Check your insurance: What providers are in-network?
- Make a list: Identify 2-3 providers to contact
- Reach out: Call or email to ask about availability, approach, and logistics
- Schedule: Book an initial appointment
- Show up: You do not have to have everything figured out; just show up
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need therapy?
If you are struggling with your emotions, relationships, work, or daily functioning, therapy can help. You do not need to be in crisis. If you are asking the question, it is worth exploring.
What if I cannot afford therapy?
Look into community mental health centers, sliding scale providers, or Federally Qualified Health Centers. Many therapists offer reduced fees for those in financial need.
How do I find a therapist who is a good fit?
Consider what you are looking for (specialization, approach, personality, logistics). Most therapists offer a brief consultation. Do not be afraid to try a few before committing.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, with some legal exceptions (imminent danger, child abuse, court orders). Your therapist will explain confidentiality before treatment begins.
Looking for a therapist in Monmouth County? Lisa Ligammari Counseling Services & Associates has offices in Colts Neck and Manalapan, with telehealth available statewide. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.