New Jersey
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
NAMI (National
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. Meets 2nd Thurs., 10:30am & 4th Thurs., 5:30pm, Mental Health
Association, 1127 North New Rd., Absecon. Call Christine Gromadzyn, MSN
609-272-1700 (day).
Family Support Organization
“Parents Support 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 & 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:30pm, Atlantic Cape Support
Organization, 1601 North Tilton Rd., Suite 1, Northfield. Call Andrea Burleigh
609-485-0575 ext. 105 (day). Website: http://www.famsupport.org
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) Professionally-run. Support, information
and advocacy for family members and caregivers of those with an adult relative
with a mental illness. Guest speakers. Meets 2nd Thurs., 10:30am &
4th Thurs., 5:30pm, Mental Health Association, 1147 North New Rd.,
Absecon. Call 609-272-1700 ext. 301 (day). Website: http://www.mhaac.info E-mail: cgromadzyn@mhanj.org
NAMI Atlantic County * Support and advocacy for families of persons
with chronic psychiatric disorders. Also 12-week "Family-to-Family"
family education series. Support group meets 1st Tues., 7pm, Pleasantville
Presbyterian Church,
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 En Espanol of
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,
AACT-NOW! of
B.I.L.Y. (Because I
Love You) * Mutual support to help parents with children, of any age,
who have behavioral challenges. Guest speakers. Meets 1st & 3rd Thurs.,
6:30-8:30pm, Sisterhood, Inc.,
Family Support
Organization of Burlington/Mercer * Professionally-run. Provides support and
advocacy to families and caregivers of children with complex emotional and
behavioral challenges. Educational lectures offered. Meets Tues., 7-9pm, Family
Support Organization of Burlington/Mercer counties,
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 Emmanuel Estacio 609-386-8653
(day).
·
·
NAMI
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 – Visions for Tomorrow
Workshop and Support Group Workshops and parent support group providing up-to-date information and
support to family members of children with mental health challenges. Guest
speakers and literature/workbook. Meetings vary, 6:30-8:30pm, Camden County
Family Support Organization, 23 West Park Ave., Suite 103-104, Merchantville.
Call Susan. A. Doherty-Funke 856-662-2600 (day). Website: http://www.nami.org E-mail: kbirmingham@camdenfso.org
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 Gale 856-854-2165.
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. Childcare provided. Call
856-662-2600 (day). Website: http://www.camdenfso.org
·
Merchantville Meets
Tues. & Thurs., 6:30-8:30pm, Family Support Organization of
·
Sicklerville Meets Mon., 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, 217 N. Main St., Suite 202, Cape May Courthouse. Call Jodi
Hynes 609-463-0014 ext. 33.
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. Meets 4th
Wed., 6:30-8:30pm, The Court House Church of Christ, 102 East Pacific Ave.,
Cape May Court House. Call Andrea Burleigh or Sondra Dublinsky 609-485-0575
(day). Website: http://www.famsupport.org
E-mail: sdublinsky@famsupport.org
or aburleigh@acfamsupport.org
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,
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. Meets Thurs.,
10am-noon or 2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues., 7-9pm,
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/or 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 * Group helps 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,
GLOUCESTER
NAMI Gloucester County *
Mutual support and education for families and friends of those diagnosed
with a mental illness. Advocacy, phone help, literature and professional
speakers. Dues $30. Meets 2nd Wed., 7pm, Newpoint Behavioral Health,
Family Support
Organization (BILINGUAL)
Professionally-run. Provides support and advocacy to parents and caregivers of
children with complex emotional and behavioral challenges. Meets 3rd Sat.,
10am-noon,
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 En Espanol of Hudson County * (SPANISH) 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 family
and friends of those diagnosed with a mental illness. Meets 2nd Tues., 6:30-9pm
(except Aug.), 3040 Kennedy Blvd. (entrance on
HUNTERDON
NAMI Hunterdon * Support and advocacy for those diagnosed with a mental
illness, families and friends. Dues $30 yr. Meets 2nd Wed., 7pm, Getting Together Center, Rte. 31, Flemington.
Call Walt Dudzinski 908-638-8034. Website: http://www.nami.org/sites/namihunterdon
Families of Persons with Mental Illness *
Family Support Group Provides support, information, and
education for families for children and adults with a mental illness. Meets 1st
& 3rd Mon., 7-8:30pm,
Family Support Group Professionally-run. Support for parents and caregivers raising a child with emotional and
behavioral challenges. Meeting days and times vary, Family Support
Organization,
MERCER
B.I.L.Y. (Because I
Love You) * Mutual support to help parents with children, of any age,
who have behavioral challenges. Guest speakers, literature, newsletter and
phone help. Meets 2nd & 4th Thurs., 6-8pm, Family Support Organization of
Burlington/Mercer County,
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, Amandalynn
Salzman ext. 206 (day) or Madinah Brown-Day
ext. 291 (day).
·
Lawrenceville Meets Mon., 5:30-7pm,
·
Lawrenceville Meets Tues., 5:30-7pm, NAMI Mercer,
Lawrence Commons, 3371 Brunswick Pike,
·
·
Trenton Meets Sat., 10-11:30am, Galilee
Church, Martin Luther King Blvd.
NAMI C.A.R.E.S. Kids * Support for caregivers of children
and adolescents with brain disorders. Rap sessions, guest speakers, educational
series, phone help, workshops, literature and newsletter. Families are welcome.
Meets 1st Wed., 7:30-9pm,
Parent Support Group Professionally-run. Support and information for parents of adolescents.
MIDDLESEX
CAMHOP-NJ (Chinese Mental Health Self-Help Group) (BILINGUAL)
* Professionally-run. Mutual support group for families and individuals of Chinese
origin with mental illnesses. Meets 3rd Tues., 7-8:45pm,
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,
NAMI En Espanol of
·
·
P.A.C.E.S. (Parent & 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. 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 twice a month, 6-7:30pm, Community Connections,
Monmouth Family and Friends Group Professionally-run. Mutual help and
support group for families and friends of adult psychiatrically disabled.
Discussions, learning and advocacy for improved services. Educational
workshops. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 1st & 3rd Tues.,
noon-1:30pm; or 2nd & 4th Tues., 7:30-9pm, Mental Health Association,
NAMI Greater Monmouth * Support and advocacy
for consumers and the families of those
diagnosed with a mental illness. Guest speakers, education, literature and
mutual sharing. Also offers 12-week Family-to-Family support group that
provides information on mental illness, treatment options and family
communications. Meets 3rd Tues., 7pm, Colts Neck Community Church, 25
Merchants Way, Colts Neck. Call 732-462-6448.
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).
•
Howell Meets Mon., 7-9pm, Church of the Master,
•
Keansburg Meets
Mon., 6:30pm, First United
•
•
MORRIS
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. Call Norma Nilsen 973-770-2700 (day). Website: http://www.fso-ms.org
- Mt Arlington Meets 2nd & 4th Wed., 10:30am-noon, Family Support
Organization of Morris &
- Succasunna Meets 1st Mon., 7-8:30pm,
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) *
Intensive Family Support Services
(IFSS) Education
and support for parents of adults with depression or bipolar illness. Meets 4th
Thurs., 7pm, Saint Clare’s Behavioral Health Center, 50 Morris Ave., Room
320, Denville. Call 973-625-7095 (day).
Kids Cope *
Professionally-run. Support for children (3-17) whose lives has been impacted
by a family member with a mental illness. Children are separated into different
age groups. Groups provide mutual sharing, art and games to encourage social
interaction. Groups are time-limited.
Meetings vary, 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. (except July/Aug.), 6:30-8:30pm,
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).
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.
·
·
Manahawkin Meets 3rd Thurs., 9:30-11am, Ocean Mental
Health Services,
·
Bayville Meets last Wed., 7-9pm, Ocean
Mental Health Services, 160 Route 9.
Intensive Family Support Services
(IFSS) Professionally-run. (TEENAGERS) Support for teenagers (ages 13-18)
who have a parent, caregiver or another close relative with chronic mental
health challenges. Meet 1st & 3rd Thurs., 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean County Family
Support Organization, Inc.,
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., & 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 1st & 3rd Wed., 10am-noon; also 2nd
& 4th Tues., 7-9pm, Ocean County Family Support Organization,
Family Circle Support Group Mutual support for families living
with a relative diagnosed with a mental illness. An opportunity to share their
experiences with others. Guest speakers. Meets 2nd & 4th Wed.,
7-8:30pm, Mental Health Association,
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 1st &
3rd Tues., 7-8:30pm, Family Support Organization of
NAMI En Espanol of Passaic County
(SPANISH) *
Mutual support
for Latino families of persons diagnosed with a mental illness. Meets 3rd
Tues., 6:30-8pm, 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,
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 & 3rd
Thurs., 6:30-7:30pm, Christ Episcopal Church,
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. Meets 1st and 3rd Wed., 7:30pm,
Mental Health Association in NJ,
NAMI En Espanol Union County * (SPANISH) Education, advocacy and
support for families of persons diagnosed with a mental illness. Meets 3rd
Mon.., 6:30pm,
NAMI Union County * Provides education, information, support
and advocacy for persons diagnosed with a mental illness, their families and
friends. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 4th Tues., 7:30-9:30pm,
Osceola Presbyterian Church,
Sibling Support Group *
Professionally-run. Support, information and education to adult siblings of
those diagnosed with a mental illness. 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. 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 education and support group 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,
WARREN
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 Darrell 908-689-1000 ext. 331 (day).
·
·
NAMI Warren County * Mutual support and advocacy for
families and friends of those diagnosed with a mental illness. Dues $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,