Mental Health Resources

Need to talk to someone? Are you aware of the crisis hotlines?

  • Our community has been in crisis mode, but don’t wait to ask for help if you are facing an individual crisis that is too big to handle on your own. Call for help or just to talk and get information.
  • Intimate partner violence (domestic violence) and child abuse rates have increased during the lockdown. Get to a safe place and call 1-800-799-7233 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. This organization and the Bergen County Alternatives to Domestic Violence helps victims recognize the signs of abuse and also helps abusive partners get treatment to change their behaviors. 
  • “Whatever you’re going through, feeling, or thinking, we are here to listen and support you.” - Call NJ Hopeline at 1-855-654-6735 for peer support and suicide prevention hotline.
  • Also, Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor at the Crisis Text Line 

Mental Health Specific Resources

Essential thing about mental health is self-care

According to the Mayo Clinic’s article, the important thing to remember to manage stress and mental health during COVID-19 is self-care.

I want a therapist. How do I find one?

  • Finding a therapist is like internet dating, You’re searching for the ONE, but you need to be methodical about it.
  • If you can’t get a friend, family, or doctor to set you up (give you a reference) with the dream therapist, go to psychologytoday.com and type the town you want to start looking at in the “Find a Therapist” search bar.
  • Start applying filters to narrow your search, starting with your insurance 
  • Many people have a preference for gender right off the bat, and can help narrow the field.
  • Next, filter by the type of issue you might be dealing with, or if it is not issue-specific, but looking for someone to talk to figure out what you want to talk about, the most popular forms of evidence-based therapies are cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT). Most therapists will use a unique combination of modalities for talk therapy.
  • Start reading profiles and call up to 10 therapists to start. General consensus is that you might get a call back from 3 with this approach. Who calls you back and that first 10 minute intake call will give you a good first impression. Have at least a few questions you want to ask the potential therapist.
  • You might know if it’s a right fit after the first appointment. It may take several. The important thing is that you do not have to stay with the first one you found, and it is good to see what else is out there. 
  • Lastly, there is only so much you can tell from reading reviews on talkspace.com (text-based therapy) without actually trying it. If you have first-hand experience about it, and are open to share your experience, please e-mail Tenalfy Stigma-Free Committee

COVID “positive” (are there any silver linings?)

  • “Virtually” every type of support group and/or 12-step program went to phone or Zoom meetings during the lockdown. If you’ve ever been curious about checking out Alcoholics Anonymous, any group (behavior addiction or bereavement or divorce support), or other meetup based on your interests, start searching or form your own. 
  • Most therapist and other mental health appointments went to 100% telehealth (either phone or video conferencing) as a result. A number of major health insurance companies waived co-pays if you went in-network. This is changing, so please check with your insurance carrier to see if you can take advantage of this benefit.

For Those Who Have Loved Ones with Mental Illness - How Can I Help?

  • If you have a loved one who is living with a mental illness, your self-care is essential. Find resources so that you can put the oxygen mask on for yourself, get education, and help your loved one.
  • The National Alliance for Mental Illness or NAMI started by family members of those suffering from mental illness to support one another and advocate for the care of all affected by mental illness. NAMI’s free Family-to-Family program is a must for anyone who needs support in caring for a loved one with a serious mental illness.
  • Your Loved One needs to want help. You can’t force them if they are not ready, but you can go with them to NAMI Connection or Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), both support groups for people with mental health conditions. 

Brought to you by Tenafly Stigma Free Committee

Tenafly STIGMA FREE Committee Mission:

  • Advancing our society's perception of mental illness starts in our community. 
  • We will educate our community about mental illness, normalize emotional challenges, and provide mental health resources for those suffering.