New Jersey Self-Help
Group
Clearinghouse
FAMILIES,
PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
OF
PERSONS WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS
To do a group search, simply scroll
down to your county. If there are no appropriate groups, check the surrounding
counties. (Click here for a map of New
Jersey.) If you know of a group that
should be included in the listing, or if you encounter incorrect information,
please contact us at 1-800-367-6274 or 973-989-1122; email Wendy.
If you are interested in starting a group,
contact the Clearinghouse. We can help!
STATEWIDE
DBSA (Depression &
Bipolar Support
New Jersey
Parents’ Caucus (BILINGUAL) Statewide
coalition of families of children with special emotional and behavioral needs.
Works to ensure youth’s needs are met through parent support groups,
parent empowerment training, advocacy efforts and direct services at local
offices. Helps parents to start local groups. Training and materials also in
Spanish. Write:
ATLANTIC
Family Support Group Professionally-run. Mutual support
for parents and families of persons diagnosed with both a mental illness and
chemical addiction. Sharing of emotional and practical coping skills. Guest
speakers. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 2nd Thurs., 10:30am and 4th
Thurs., 5:30pm, Mental Health Association, 1127 North New Rd., Absecon. Call
Christine Gromadzyn, MSN 609-272-1700 (day).
Family Support Organization
“Parents Supporting Parents” Provides education and social support to
parents/caregivers who have children with emotional and/or behavioral
challenges. Rap sessions, guest speakers, buddy system, speakers’ bureau,
phone help and literature. Meets 1st and 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:30pm, Atlantic Cape
Support Organization, 1601 North Tilton Rd., Unit 1, Northfield. Call Laura
Marcy 609-485-0575 (day). Website: http://www.famsupport.org
E-mail: lmarcy@acfamsupport.org
NAMI Atlantic County * Support and advocacy for families
of persons with chronic psychiatric disorders. Also 12-week
"Family-to-Family" family education series. Meets 2nd Mon., 7pm,
Absecon United
B.I.L.Y. (Because I
Love You) * Mutual support to help parents with children, of any age,
who have behavioral challenges. Meets Mon., 7pm, B.I.L.Y. of
Family Support Organization of
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) *
Professionally-run. Support, information and advocacy for family members and
caregivers of those with an adult relative diagnosed with a mental illness.
Building is handicapped accessible. Meets Thurs., 7-9pm, Care Plus, 610 Valley
Health Plaza,
NAMI Family Organization of Bergen County * Professionally-run. Provides support,
information and education to families of those diagnosed with a mental illness.
Membership $30/single, $35/couple. Meets 1st. Wed., 7-9pm, Care Plus
Mental Health Center, Inc., 610 Valley Health Plaza,
Intensive Family Support
Services (IFSS) * Support, information and advocacy
for family members and caregivers of those with an adult relative with a mental illness. Call Charlene McNichol
609-386-8653 (day).
·
·
NAMI FACE of
CAMDEN
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support and education for women and
men who are caring for their grandchildren struggling with emotional,
behavioral and mental challenges. Guest speakers, literature, social, advocacy,
and buddy system. Meets 4th Mon., 6:30-8:30pm,
NAMI of Camden County * Mutual support for
families, siblings and adult children of those diagnosed with a mental illness
Discussion, advocacy, phone help, guest speakers. Meets 2nd and 4th Tues., 7pm,
Steininger Behavioral Care Center, 19 East Ormond Ave., Cherry Hill. Call
Barbara 856-783-2518 (day) or Harriet 856-424-0030.
New Beginnings Support Group – A Chapter of the Depression and
Bipolar Support
Parents Empowering Parents Provides support and advocacy for parents and caregivers of children with
complex emotional and behavioral challenges. Discussions, guest speakers,
workshops, networking, literature and phone help. Building is handicapped
accessible. Childcare provided. Meets Tues., 6:30-8:30pm,
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) * Support, information and advocacy
for family members and caregivers of those with an adult relative with a mental
illness. Rap sessions and guest speakers. Meets 2nd Thurs., 6-7:30pm, Cape
Counseling Services, 1129 Route 9 South, 2nd Floor, Cape May Courthouse. Call Jodi Hynes or Sally
Barlow 609-463-0014.
Families First Problem Solving Group
Professionally-run. Support for those coping with an adult family member who
suffers from a mental illness. Rap sessions. Meets 2nd Thurs., 6-7:30pm,
Family Support Organization
“Parents Supporting Parents” Support, education and advocacy for
parents/caregivers of children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Rap
sessions, guest speakers, buddy system, newsletter and phone support. Building
is handicapped accessible. Meets 4th Thurs., 6:30-8:30pm, The Court House
Church of Christ, 102 East Pacific Ave.,
Heart to Heart Spousal Group Professionally-run. Mutual support for members to share ideas on communicating positively
with their spouse or significant other who has a mental illness. Rap sessions.
Meets 3rd Mon., 9:30-11am, Cape Counseling, 1129 Route 9 South,
Intensive Family Support Services
(IFSS) * Professionally-run.
Information, support and advocacy for family members and caregivers of an adult
with a major mental illness. Guest speakers and phone help. Building is
handicapped accessible. Meets Thurs., 10am-noon; 2nd and 4th Tues., 7-9pm; 5th
Tues., 6-9pm,
NAMI Cumberland County * Support for families and friends of those diagnosed with
a mental illness. Mutual sharing, education, advocacy, literature, phone
help, guest speakers. Dues $23/yr. Meets 3rd Mon., 7-9pm, Chestnut Assembly of
God,
Family Resource Center *
Professionally-run. Support for family members and/significant others of
persons chronic mental illness or emotional disturbance. Support groups for
parents of adults with mental illness. Various groups meet at MHA of Essex
County,
NAMI Essex County * Support and advocacy for families of those diagnosed with a mental
illness by sharing ideas and experiences in a caring atmosphere. Guest
speakers, phone help and newsletter. Dues $30/yr. Meets 4th Mon., 7pm,
HUDSON
F.S.O. “I Need You, You Need
Me” Parent Group Professionally-run. Support for parents raising a child
with emotional and/or behavioral challenges. Educational series, advocacy,
guest speakers, phone help, literature and buddy system. Building is handicapped
accessible. Meets 2nd Sat., 10am-noon, Family Support Organization of Hudson
County,
NAMI NJ En Espanol of Hudson County * (SPANISH) Professionally-run. Advocacy and support
for family and friends of those diagnosed with a mental illness and for mental
health consumers who attend. Also open to persons with mental
illnesses. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 1st Wed. (except Aug.), 6:30-8pm,
Catholic Charities Service Office,
NAMI Hudson County * Advocacy and support for mental health consumers and
family and friends of those living with a mental illness. Families and
consumers only meet together as one group at the start and the end of the
meetings. In between, each has their own separate group session. Meets 2nd Tues.,
6:30-8:30pm (except Aug.),
HUNTERDON
Families of Persons with Mental Illness *
Intensive Family Support Services
(IFFS) Professionally-run. Support, education, caring and
advocacy for family members of those with a mental illness. Sharing of
experiences. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 1st Wed., 1-3pm, Perkins
Restaurant,
NAMI Hunterdon Support, information and systems advocacy for
anyone affected by mental illness (individuals, families, friends). Spring and
Fall classes for families: Family-Family (12 week course for families of adults
with mental illness; NAMI Basics (6 week course for families of
youth/adolescents with mental illness). General meeting 2nd Wed., 7pm and
families meeting 3rd Thurs., 7pm,
MERCER
Family Support Organization
Women’s Group Open
discussion for mothers, caregivers and family members of children with
emotional, behavioral and/or mental health challenges. Rap sessions. Meets
Thurs., 6-7:30pm, YWCA,
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) * Professionally-run. Support for
family members and caregivers of any adult with a mental illness. Guest
speakers, phone help and literature. Call
609-396-6788 Amy Layng ext. 236.
·
Lawrenceville Meets Mon., 5:30-7pm,
·
Lawrenceville Meets 2nd and 4th Tues., 5:30-7pm,
NAMI Mercer,
Parent Support Group Professionally-run. Support and information for parents of adolescents.
MIDDLESEX
B.I.L.Y. (Because I
Love You) * Mutual support to help parents with children, of any age,
who have behavioral challenges. Meetings vary, Family Support Organization of
Middlesex County,
CAMHOP-NJ (Chinese Mental Health Self-Help Group) (BILINGUAL)
* Mutual support group
for families and individuals of Chinese origin with mental illnesses. Meets 1st
Thurs., 7-8:20pm, University Behavioral Healthcare,
NAMI Middlesex County * Professionally-run. Support for families of
those diagnosed with a mental illness, to promote improved quality of life for
chronic psychiatric patients. Dues $25/person, $35/family per year.
Education and advocacy program meets 1st Mon., 7pm,
·
New Brunswick
(SPANISH) Meets last Thurs.,
6:30-8pm (except Aug.), First Baptist Church of New Brunswick, 226 Hale St.
E-mail: mceisner@optonline.net
·
P.A.C.E.S. (Parent And Caregivers Emotional Support) Professionally-run. Mutual support to help parents and caregivers with children of any age,
who have behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. Educational series,
advocacy and coping skills. Meets Mon., 6:30-8:30pm, Family Support
Organization of
SAMHAJ Support for South Asians Mutual support for South Asian
(Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan) families affected by mental
illness. Educational series, guest speakers and literature. Translator
available. Meets 1st Thurs., 7-9pm, 1562 Route 130,
MONMOUTH
Family Support Group * Support group for family members of patients (ages 18+) with
a psychiatric diagnosis. Meets 2nd and 4th Mon., 6-7:30pm, Community
Connections,
Monmouth Family and Friends Group Professionally-run. Mutual help and
support group for families and friends of adults who have a mental illness.
Discussions, learning and advocacy for improved services. Educational
workshops. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 1st and 3rd Tues.,
noon-1:30pm; or 2nd and 4th Tues., 7:30-9pm, Mental Health Association, 119
Avenue at the Commons,
NAMI
Family-to-Family Support for family members and caregivers of someone
with a mental illness.
- Freehold
Meets 1st Mon., 7-8:30pm, CentraState Medical Center, 901 West Main St.,
Health Awareness Center, Room 1 and 2. Call 732-462-6448 or 732-4NAMI-4U.
- Red Bank Meets
1st Mon., 7-8:30pm,
NAMI Greater Monmouth * Support and advocacy for both consumers and the
families of those living with a mental illness. Meeting starts with 30-minute
talk that includes both families and consumers. Then breaks into separate
groups: a family meeting, which may break off into a “families of
youngsters” session; and a CARE consumers group, which may break off into
a “teen / young adult” session. Also periodically offers Family-to-Family
educational sessions on mental illness, treatment options and family
communications. Optional dues $3 meeting or $30 annual. Meets 1st and 3rd
Tues., 7-9pm,
Parent Support Group * Mutual support for parents with
children experiencing emotional and behavioral problems. Childcare and limited
transportation. Rap sessions, guest speakers, literature, phone help, and
newsletter. Call 732-571-3272 (day).
·
·
SAMHAJ Support for South Asians Mutual support for South Asian
(Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan) families affected by mental
illness. Educational series, guest speakers and literature. Translator
available. Meets 1st Tues., 7-9pm, Girl Scouts of the
MORRIS
CAMHOP-NJ (Chinese Mental Health Self-Help Group) (BILINGUAL)
Professionally-run. Mutual support group for families and individuals of
Chinese origin with mental illnesses. Building is handicapped accessible. Rap
sessions, guest speakers, literature, phone help and buddy system. Meets 4th
Sat., 2-3:30pm,
Families
and Friends of Persons with Depression or Bipolar Support for families and friends of persons with depression or bipolar
disorder. Suggested $2 donation. Meets 2nd and 4th Tues., 7:30-9pm,
Family
Support Group * Professionally-run.
Support and education for families of individuals with substance abuse and/or
mental health issues. Literature. Meets Thurs., 6pm, Morristown Memorial
Hospital, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute,
Family Support Organization * Professionally-run. Support group for parents and caregivers raising a child with emotional and behavioral challenges. Childcare and refreshments provided. Meets 2nd and 4th Wed., 10:30am-noon and 1st Mon., 7-8:30pm, Family Support Organization of Morris and Sussex Office, 200 Valley Rd., Suite 405, Mt. Arlington. Call Kimberle 973-940-3194 (day). Website: http://www.fso-ms.org
Intensive Family Support Services
(IFSS) *
·
Denville Meets 2nd
Wed., 7pm, Saint Clare's
·
Denville Meets 4th Thurs., 7pm, Saint
Clare’s
NAMI Morris County * Support and advocacy for families
of persons with chronic psychiatric disorders. Educational series. Meets 3rd
Mon., 7:30pm, St. Clare’s Behavioral Health Center, 50 Morris Ave., Room
320, Denville. Call Eileen Griffith 908-879-5687.
NAMI Concerned Families of Greystone * Professionally-run. Advocacy and support for
family and friends of those diagnosed with a mental illness. Provides
literature, advocacy, guest speakers, and mutual sharing. Dues $5/yr. Meets 4th
Tues., 6:30-8:30pm (except July/Aug.),
New Bridge Family Support * Professionally-run. Support and education for families of
individuals diagnosed with a mental illness. Meets Thurs., 7-8pm, New Bridge,
640 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains. Call 973-839-2520 (day). E-mail: louis724ferraro@netscape.net
OCEAN
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) Professionally-run. Support and education for family
members or caretakers of individuals with a mental illness. Call Maureen
Giacobbe 732-606-9573 ext. 1013.
·
Bayville Meets last Wed., 7-9pm, Ocean
Mental Health Services, 160 Route 9.
·
·
Manahawkin Meets 3rd Thurs., 9:30-11am, Ocean
Mental Health Services,
NAMI Ocean County * Professionally-run. Support, education, socialization, advocacy,
coping and support for families and friends of those diagnosed with a mental
illness. Dues $23/yr. (can be waived). Meets 2nd Wed., 6:30pm, (speaker) and
8-9pm (group), Ocean County
Complex, Hooper Ave., and Madison Ave.,
2nd Level Cafeteria, Toms River. Call Mary 732-886-7461 (day).
Parents Empowering Parents Support, education and advocacy for
parents/caregivers of children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Rap
sessions and guest speakers. Meets 2nd and 4th Tues., 7-9pm,
Behavioral Support
Group Professionally-run. Support for parents
raising a child with behavioral challenges. Literature and phone help. Meets
last Tues., 7pm,
Family Support Organization of
Family Support Organization of
Passaic County (SPANISH) Support for parents and caregivers raising
a child with emotional and behavioral challenges. Building is handicapped
accessible. Meets Tues., 7-8:30pm, Family Support Organization of
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) *
Professionally-run. Support, information and advocacy for family members and
caregivers of those with an adult relative diagnosed with a mental illness. Meets
2nd and 4th Wed., 7-9pm, Mental Health Association of
NAMI NJ En Espanol of Passaic County (SPANISH)
* Professionally-run.
Mutual support for Latino families of persons diagnosed with a mental
illness. Meets 3rd Tues., 6:30-8pm (except Aug.), St. Anthony of
NAMI-Families in Quest Professionally-run. Mutual support
for families and friends of those diagnosed with a mental illness. Mutual
support, advocacy and exchange of information. Meets 1st Tues., 7:30pm, Mental
Health Association,
NJ Parents’ Caucus Support
Group Mutual support
and help provided for and by parents or caregivers of children with special
emotional/behavioral needs. Rap sessions, guest speakers, literature and phone
help. Meets 3rd Mon., noon-2pm and 6-8pm, Paterson YMCA,
NAMI Salem County * Mutual sharing,
understanding, discussion of problems and education for families of those
diagnosed with a mental illness (all welcome). ($10 dues/yr - not mandatory).
Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 1st Wed., 7pm, Union Presbyterian
Church, Carneys Point. Call
AACT-NOW! of
Fathering Support
Group *
Professionally-run. Support for fathers of children (ages 5-18) with mental
health and behavioral issues in the Hunterdon,
NAMI Somerset County * Education, advocacy and mutual
support for families of persons diagnosed with a mental illness. Dues $25/yr.
Meets 1st Thurs. (business meeting), 7pm and 7:30pm (coping meeting),
(Group forming) Parents of Children with ODD There is interest in starting a group for parents of
children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Somerset County. If you
are interested in more information call the Clearinghouse at 1-800-367-6274.
Family Support
Organization Professionally-run.
Provides
support and advocacy to families and caregivers of children with complex
emotional and behavioral challenges. Education lectures offered. Meets 1st
Thurs., 6:30-7:30pm and 2nd Thurs., 10:30am-noon, Family Support Organization,
NAMI Sussex County * Support for families dealing with a loved one's mental illness. Dues
$25/yr. Meets 1st Mon., 7pm,
UNION
Family Support Group * Professionally-run. Provides support, information and education to
families of persons with a mental illness. Building is handicapped accessible.
Meets 1st and 3rd Wed., 7:30pm, Mental Health Association in NJ,
NAMI NJ En Espanol Union County * (SPANISH) Professionally-run.
Education, advocacy and support for families of persons diagnosed with a mental
illness and for mental health consumers who attend. Meets 4th Thurs., 6:30pm
(except Aug.),
NAMI Union County * Support, education, information and advocacy for persons diagnosed
with a mental illness, their families and friends. Building is handicapped
accessible. Meets 4th Mon., 7:30-9:30pm, Osceola Presbyterian Church,
NJ Parents’ Caucus Support
Group (BILINGUAL Mutual support and
help provided for and by parents or caregivers of children with special
emotional-behavioral needs. Guest speakers, phone help and speakers’
bureau. Childcare provided. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 2nd Mon.,
noon-2pm and 7-9pm,
Sibling Support Group * Professionally-run. Support, information and education to
adult siblings of those diagnosed with a mental illness. Building is
handicapped accessible. Meets 2nd Wed., 7:30-9pm, Mental Health Association in
NJ,
Spouse and Partner Support Group * Support, information and education for spouses of those
diagnosed with a mental illness. Building is handicapped accessible.
Meets 4th Wed., 7:30-9pm, Mental Health Association in NJ, 363 Monroe Ave.,
Kenilworth. Call Joyce Benz 908-272-5309. 106(day). E-mail: jbenz@mhanj.org
TARA-NJ (Borderline Personality
Disorder) *
Confidential support and education for families of those with Borderline
Personality Disorder (BPD), who learn and share what treatments and
communication techniques are helpful, e.g., how they can apply Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (DBT) coping skills. Meets monthly, 6:30-8:45pm, First Baptist
Church of Westfield,
Family Support Group Professionally-run. Support for parents and caregivers raising a child with emotional and behavioral
challenges. Building is handicapped accessible. Meetings vary, Family Support
Organization,
Intensive Family Support Services
(IFSS) * Professionally-run. Provides support, mutual sharing and
education for families and friends of adults with a mental illness. Guest
speakers. Call Jen 908-689-1000 ext. 331 (day) or Annette 908-689-1000 ext. 330
(day).
·
·
NAMI Warren County * Mutual support and advocacy for
families and friends of those diagnosed with a mental illness. Membership
$25/yr. (can be waived). Meets 1st
Thurs., 7:30-9pm,
End of Families Of Mentally Ill Category
If you find an error,
change or addition, please e-mail Wendy
Rodenbaugh
Also see MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS, MENTAL HEALTH GENERAL, DEPRESSION, EATING
DISORDERS, OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER,
MENTALLY ILL CHEMICALLY ADDICTED,