The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline, provides public access to targeted mental health services in case of natural or man-made disaster or terrorist attack. The helpline is equipped to quickly develop resources to better assist New Jersey’s affected populations.
In response to the September 11 disaster, a toll free Helpline was established through the Mental Health Association in New Jersey as a resource for persons seeking mental health services and information regarding other resources. The helpline continues to be maintained and has been used to support the services of the Disaster and Terrorism Branch during times of declared disasters or incidents that significantly affect New Jersey’s communities.
The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline, has been activated as part of the state’s response to Superstorm Sandy.
Toll Free Helpline:
Call 877-294-HELP (4357), A TTY line is available for the deaf and hearing impaired at (877) 294-4356 Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Director of the Disaster and Terrorism Branch(DTB) is responsible for activating the state’s mental health disaster response plan in coordination with the NJDHS Emergency Social Services Coordinator and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, during a declared disaster. Each New Jersey County also maintains a county-specific all hazards mental health disaster plan. During times of disaster, the county’s plan can also be activated by the County Mental Health Administrator in coordination with the County Office of Emergency Management and in collaboration with the state partners.
The Disaster and Terrorism Branch provides informational materials about coping, partners with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey to offer assistance through the Disaster Mental Health Helpline. For more information please visit The Disaster and Terrorism Branch website at: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhs/disaster/
Toll Free Helpline:
Call 877-294-HELP (4357), A TTY line is available for the deaf and hearing impaired at (877) 294-4356 Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
NJ Disaster Response Crisis Counselor Certification is available. Working with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health Services and Addiction Services, and the New Jersey Certification Board, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) provides trauma-related training for New Jersey’s licensed mental health professionals to allow them to become Certified Disaster Response Crisis Counselors.
To register for Disaster Mental Health trainings and apply for your NJ DRCC Certification visit www.njdisasterresponsecrisiscounselor.org
