Adult Services System

The Atlantic County Mental Health Administrator serves as the liaison between the Mental Health Advisory Board and county government, the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services and other county, regional, state and federal mental health planning and policy groups involved with State funded mental health programs for adults. You may contact Kathy Quish, LCSW, Mental Health Administrator at (609) 645-7700, extension 4519.

COVID-19 Resources

During COVID, there are organizations available to help if you are feeling stressed, worried or just need to talk.

NJ Resources

NJ Mental Health Cares, operated by the Mental Health Association in NJ offers help to people dealing with anxiety and worry related to the COVID-19 outbreak. New Jersey residents can call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support or text ‘NJHOPE to 51684’ This help line offers multilingual services and is available 7 days per week 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. (Solicite apoyo emocional gratuito de personal capacitado. 1-866-202-4357)

The Mental Health Association in NJ is hosting many on line supports and learning opportunities related to mental health and COVID. A calendar of virtual groups and supports are available from NJ Hope and Healing

The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County are now offering a variety of on line groups and their I.C.E (peer support) meetings.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness NJ (NAMI)  has virtual supports, programs and resources for families and caregivers. NAMI created a detailed national directory (https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/COVID-19-Information-and-Resources/COVID-19-Resource-and-Information-Guide) in English and Spanish of the many service, helpful tips and supports related to COVID. NAMI links to our local NAMI in Atlantic County who are holding bi-monthly family meetings using Zoom.

NJ Suicide Prevention Hopeline 1-855-654-6735. Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist. Text us 24/7 at njhopeline@ubhc.rutgers.edu

Federal Resources

Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. This is a multilingual helpline operated 24/7 by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Individuals can text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746 or text Hablanos to 66746

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   1-800-273-TALK (8255)  or Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio 1-888-628-9454. Lifeline ofrece 24/7, gratuito servicios en español, no es necesario hablar ingles si usted necesita ayuda.

Children's System of Care

The Atlantic County CIACC Coordinator staffs the Atlantic County Children's Interagency Inter Agency Coordinating Council (CIACC). This Council serves as the county mechanism to advise the Department of Children and Families on the development and maintenance of a responsive, accessible and integrated Children’s System Of Care for children, adolescents and young adults with emotional and behavioral challenges, developmental disabilities and substance use services. (Video Tutorial about PerformCare) You may contact Kathyrn Granato, CIACC Coordinator at 609-645-7700 ext. 4507

CIACC is offering a free, Speakers Bureau on various topics offered by volunteer presenters from community agencies and CIACC partners. Contact CIACC Coordinator to request assistance in identifying a speaker.

Any member of the community may contact the CIACC Coordinator or Mental Health Administrator regarding:

• accessing mental health services for themselves, their children or others
• questions or concerns about the mental health system or services.
• information and referral to community based services/resources
• support services for consumers and families
• advocacy organizations

Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes 

The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County is offering classes on Youth Mental Health First Aid which aims to help parents, caregivers and professionals who work with youth age 12-18 to identify typical adolescent behavior as well as symptoms that require attention. Topics include: assisting a youth in crisis; identifying risk factors and warning signs for anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance abuse; and learning about and locating community resources.  National curriculum taught by certified trainers.  Through grant funding provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Red Cross, organizations and individuals qualify for no-cost scholarships.  Call Jaime Angelini (609) 652-3800 ext. 308.