You're not alone. Here's where help lives.
If you're in crisis right now, scroll no further — the lines below are free, confidential, and 24/7. Below that, NJ-specific resources, national lines, and a few self-guided tools we trust.
Reach a human, right now. Free, confidential, 24/7.
Ellie isn't a crisis service. If you or someone you love is in danger or thinking of suicide, please reach out to a crisis line. They're staffed around the clock by trained counselors.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 from anywhere in the U.S. for free, confidential support, 24/7. Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Press 2 for the LGBTQ+ youth line.
Call 988 Text 988Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor for any kind of crisis. Free, 24/7, anywhere in the U.S.
Text HOME to 741741Emergency — 911
If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, call 911. Many NJ counties also have mobile crisis response teams that can be dispatched through 988.
Call 911NJ-specific mental health resources.
Statewide non-profits and helplines you can reach today.
NAMI New Jersey
The state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free support groups, family-to-family education, and a helpline for navigating the NJ mental health system.
Helpline: 732-940-0991
Web: naminj.org (opens in a new tab)
NJ Statewide Hopeline
A 24/7 peer-support line operated by the State of NJ for emotional support during stressful times. Trained peer counselors who've been there.
Call: 1-855-654-6735
Web: njhopeline.com (opens in a new tab)
NJ Mental Health Cares
A free, confidential information and referral line that helps NJ residents navigate the state mental health system — including finding affordable care.
Call: 1-866-202-HELP (4357)
Web: njmentalhealthcares.org (opens in a new tab)
Mental Health Association in NJ
Statewide non-profit running peer support, family programs, advocacy, and the NJ Mental Health Cares helpline. A great front door to the system.
National resources we trust.
For specialized support beyond NJ.
NAMI HelpLine
Information, referrals, and support for people living with mental health conditions and their families. M–F, 10am–10pm ET.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 referral service for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential 24/7 support for veterans and their families. Dial 988, then press 1 — or text 838255.
Trans Lifeline
Peer support hotline run by trans people for trans people in crisis. Always confidential, anonymous, and safe.
The Trevor Project
24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people. Call, text, or chat with a counselor who gets it.
1-866-488-7386 · Text START to 678678
thetrevorproject.org (opens in a new tab)
RAINN (sexual assault)
National Sexual Assault Hotline — free, confidential, 24/7. Operated by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.
Apps and tools we actually recommend.
Therapy isn't the only thing that helps. These aren't substitutes — but they're solid companions, especially between sessions.
Calm
Meditation, sleep stories, and breathing exercises. Best in class for people who want a polished, easy-on-the-ears experience. Subscription-based with a free tier.
Headspace
Guided mindfulness and meditation from beginner to advanced. Especially good for people new to meditation. Some employers offer it free as a benefit — check your EAP.
Insight Timer
Massive free library of meditations and talks from many teachers and traditions. Wide-ranging, less corporate, donation-supported.
A note: apps are great supplements. They aren't a replacement for working with a real human, especially if you're navigating something heavy. If you're not sure whether you need more, tell us what's going on — we'll point you in the right direction even if Ellie isn't the right fit.
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