Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and completely alone when you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health is totally normal. You know you need help, but the path forward can seem confusing and impossible to navigate.
Where do you even start? Who can you possibly call? The good news is, you’re not alone in this, and there is a robust network of support and a community of people who understand, right here in South Jersey.
We put this comprehensive guide together to be your go-to starting point. Think of it as a roadmap. It’s a list of trusted, proven resources — from 24/7 crisis hotlines that can help in your darkest moments to local support groups that offer a friendly face—to help you find your way in Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington counties.
Here at My Friend’s House, we help people tackle the complex challenges of addiction and mental health issues together. Understanding your options is the very first step toward feeling empowered and taking back control. We are proud to be a part of this incredible community, and we’re here to help you navigate your journey to recovery.
Need Help Right Now? Here’s Who to Call.
When you’re in a crisis, getting help fast is what matters most. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out.
First things first: If you’re facing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 right away.
National Crisis Hotlines
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: This is more than just a suicide hotline. You can call or text 988 anytime you’re experiencing any kind of emotional distress or a substance abuse crisis. When you call, a trained crisis counselor will listen without judgment, offer support, and connect you to resources. It’s free, completely confidential, and someone is always there to answer.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Think of this as a central hub for information. When you call, a specialist will provide confidential referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. They won’t provide counseling directly, but they are experts at connecting you with the people who can. The number is 1-800-662-4357.
Local County Crisis Centers
For urgent psychiatric emergencies where someone may be a danger to themselves or others, each county has a designated screening center. These centers provide assessment, crisis stabilization, and referrals for ongoing care.
- Camden County Crisis Center: Jefferson Health Cherry Hill, (856) 428-4357
- Gloucester County Crisis Center: Inspira Health Center Woodbury, (856) 845-9111
- Burlington County Crisis Center: Legacy Treatment Services in Mount Holly, (609) 267-9339
Finding Professional Help That’s Right for You
Taking the step to find a therapist or a treatment program is a huge act of courage. It’s an investment in yourself and your future, and you deserve to find a provider that makes you feel safe, understood, and hopeful.
A Little About Us: My Friend’s House
Treating the Whole Picture: Our Approach to Co-Occurring Disorders
So often, addiction and mental health challenges are deeply intertwined. Someone might drink to quiet their anxiety, or substance use might lead to feelings of depression. Trying to treat one without addressing the other is like trying to fix only one-half of a problem. That’s why we specialize in treating these “co-occurring disorders” at the same time. It just makes sense, because healing requires looking at the whole person.
Our services are designed to provide comprehensive, compassionate care:
- Co-Occurring Disorder Counseling: This is the heart of what we do. Our expert counselors help you understand the connection between your mental health and substance use, developing strategies to manage both effectively.
- One-on-One Therapy: This is your dedicated space to talk through challenges, set goals, and work on your personal recovery journey with a therapist who is 100% focused on you.
- Family Counseling: Addiction and mental health issues don’t just affect one person; they impact the whole family. Our family sessions help improve communication, rebuild trust, and create a supportive home environment for lasting recovery.
We’re proud to serve our neighbors in Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington counties.
Let’s Talk!: Ready to take that first step? Give us a call at (856) 669-6900 or check out our website to set up a friendly, no-pressure chat.
Finding Other Great Therapists
- Online Search Tools: A great website like Psychology Today has a comprehensive directory of therapists. You can search for providers in South Jersey and use filters to narrow down your options by insurance, specialty (like “addiction” or “trauma”), and type of therapy.
- Your Insurance Company: A simple but effective tip is to call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. You can ask them for a list of in-network behavioral health providers near you.
You Don’t Have to Go It Alone: Finding Your People
Sometimes, the best support comes from people who just get it because they’ve been there themselves. Connecting with others who’ve walked a similar path can be a powerful source of hope and encouragement.
Local Support Groups
- For Substance Use:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – South Jersey: AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. You can find a list of local meetings on their website. You can also find online meetings here that make it easy to attend a group session right from your living room.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – South Jersey: NA is a nonprofit fellowship for people for whom drugs had become a major problem. It’s a program of complete abstinence from all drugs, and you can find local meetings through their website.
- For Mental Health:
- NAMI New Jersey: The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a fantastic resource. They offer free, peer-led support groups for people with mental health conditions and separate groups for families and caregivers, too.
- For Families:
- Al-Anon is for people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking. It’s a place to learn that you are not alone and to find effective ways to cope with the challenges of a loved one’s alcoholism.
- Nar-Anon Family Groups: Similar to Al-Anon, Nar-Anon provides support for family and friends of those who are addicted to drugs. It’s a place to find understanding and strategies for your own well-being.
Figuring Out the Costs: Insurance & Financial Help
Let’s be real, worrying about how to pay for treatment is a huge stressor for most families, but it shouldn’t be a barrier to getting help. The good news is, there are options available.
Insurance Info
We want to make care as easy to access as possible. We are proud to accept Medicaid, Medicare, and a wide variety of other major insurance plans. Don’t let financial questions stop you from reaching out—we can help you understand your benefits.
Even if you don’t have benefits, call us — there are options for those with current medical insurance.
State and County Help
- The New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is the state agency that oversees the public behavioral health system. Their website is a great place to start looking for information on state-funded programs.
- You can also try searching online for your county’s “Office of Mental Health and Addiction Services” to find local programs and resources.
You’ve Got This!
The most important thing to remember is that help is out there, and getting better is possible. Recovery is not a straight line, but it’s always within reach.
The journey to feeling better starts with one small, brave step. Whether that’s calling a hotline, checking out a support group, or getting in touch with our team at My Friend’s House, we hope you’ll take that step today. There’s so much hope, healing, and support waiting for you right here in our South Jersey community.
Ready to chat? Our friendly team at My Friend’s House is here to listen without judgment. Give us a call at (856) 669-6900 or find out more on our website.
