New Jersey Mental Health Statistics

Mental health in New Jersey shows both strengths and ongoing challenges. According to the 2023 Behavioral Health Barometer, 27.7% of New Jersey adults reported anxiety or depression symptoms, a rate lower than the national average of 32.3%. Young adults and high school students are the most affected groups. Women showed higher rates of distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depressed students are twice as likely to drop out, highlighting the long-term impact of untreated mental health issues.

Another major concern is the link between mental illness and the criminal justice system. About 25% of individuals with severe mental disorders in New Jersey have been arrested at least once, showing gaps in psychiatric care. Still, the state performs better than most, meeting 72.7% of its mental health professional needs. This availability improves access to care and outcomes. Psychiatrist Dr. Michael Olla notes that although New Jersey has made progress, addressing youth and justice-related disparities remains vital.

What Is The Prevalence Of Mental Health Issues In New Jersey?

The prevalence of Mental health issues in New Jersey is listed below;

• Between February 1 and 13, 2023, 27.7% of New Jersey adults exhibited signs of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, in contrast to 32.3% of adults across the United States.
• In February 2021, 42.2% of adults residing in New Jersey expressed symptoms indicative of anxiety or depression.
• In 2021, a total of 1,112,000 adults in New Jersey were diagnosed with a mental health condition.
• An estimated 248,000 adults in New Jersey were living with a serious mental illness in the year 2021.
• In 2021, 14% of New Jersey adolescents aged 13-17 encountered mood disorders, 32% with anxiety disorders, and 19% dealt with behavior disorders. Among children aged 3-17, prevalent mental illness diagnoses included attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral/conduct issues, anxiety, and depression.
• The breakdown of mental and behavioral health diagnoses among children (17 years and under) in New Jersey emergency department visits in 2020.
• High school students experiencing depression are over twice as likely to discontinue their education compared to their counterparts who do not have depression.
• Approximately 25% of individuals with a severe mental illness have been apprehended by law enforcement at least once in their lifetime. This accounts for over 2 million incarcerations annually for people with severe mental illness.

How Did Covid-19 Affect Mental Health Rates?

COVID-19 affected mental health rates by increasing stress, anxiety, and depression across New Jersey. The pandemic disrupted daily life, created financial uncertainty, and led to social isolation, which worsened existing mental health conditions for many people. Adolescents and young adults were among the most affected, as school closures and limited social interaction disrupted their routines and emotional stability. Many experienced feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and disconnection, highlighting the need for stronger mental health support systems during public health crises. 

• According to a Stockton University survey, 37% of New Jersey inhabitants stated that their mental well-being was impacted by the pandemic. Among them, 30% stated that their mental health deteriorated, while 7% mentioned an improvement in their mental health during this period.
• For those aged between 18-24 years, self-reported rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts increased in 2021 relative to 2018/2019.
• During the pandemic, more than a third of New Jersey adults aged 18 to 29 experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression. Women were particularly affected, with 32.1% reporting these symptoms compared to 23.2% of men.
• Nearly 3 in every 10 essential workers reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. 
• Hispanic adults and non-Hispanic Black adults were more prone to report these symptoms, with rates of 36.1% and 29.4%, respectively, compared to 25.8% among non-Hispanic White adults.
• 19% of New Jersey residents mentioned consuming more alcohol or recreational drugs during the pandemic compared to before it. Among them, 40% stated that their increased consumption continued into 2023. Individuals aged 30-39 were the most prevalent age group reporting heightened usage of alcohol or recreational drugs during the pandemic.
• In 2020, self-reported rates of depression among pregnant women rose by 22%, while self-reported rates of postpartum depression in recently delivered women increased by 18%.

How Many People Receive Treatment For Mental Health Conditions in New Jersey

39.9% people receive treatment for mental health conditions in New Jersey, reported by SAMHSA. Mental Health programs are offered by the Department of Human Services, including the NJ Mental Health Cares helpline and the Directory of Mental Health Services. These initiatives help connect residents to the right care and support. However, access to affordable and timely treatment remains a challenge for many individuals across the state. 

• In New Jersey, 72.7% of the demand for mental health professionals is fulfilled, whereas the national rate of met demand stands at 27.7%.
• From September 2020 to April 2022, 7% to 11% of adult residents in New Jersey stated they required mental health treatment but did not receive it. 
• Within the New Jersey adult population experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, 21.7% indicated a requirement for counseling or therapy within the past four weeks, whereas the national average stood at 28.2% in May 2022.
• 70% percent of principals in elementary and middle schools stated that they lacked an adequate number of mental health professionals among their staff to address the needs of students.
• Among New Jersey residents receiving mental health treatment, 72% reported utilizing telehealth services. Within this group, 70% expressed that the quality of telehealth treatment was either comparable to (42%) or superior to (28%) in-person treatment. 18% perceived telehealth treatment quality as inferior to in-person alternatives.

County-Specific Statistics

The mental health statistics by NJ county are listed below according to NJ.gov;

Cumberland County

• In Cumberland County, police departments reached out to 911 for psychiatric aid more than 1228 times in 2022.
• In 2022, the county prison accommodated 342 individuals diagnosed with mental illness. Among juveniles entering the probation system, 13% reported experiencing suicidal ideation. Additionally, 377 children were directed to Children & Youth Services due to mental health concerns during the same year.
• The rate of mental health distress in Cumberland County in 2023 stands at 4.9 days out of the past 30, placing Cumberland at the bottom of the rankings in the state. 
• Cumberland County ranks third for the frequency of diagnosed depression, with 19.4% of the population affected, exceeding New Jersey’s rate of 14.8%.
• Each year, Municipal Courts handle around 444 defendants with cases related to their mental health disorders or substance use disorders, while the Superior Court deals with approximately 624 such cases annually.

Salem County

• 15.4% of adults experience frequent mental distress, slightly lower than the national average of 15.8% but higher than the state average of 12.7%.
• The rate of deaths of despair per 100,000 people is notably higher in Salem County at 69.3 compared to the national average of 47.5 and the state average of 41.2.
• Medicare beneficiaries with depression stand at 16.2%, which is lower than the national average of 18.0% but slightly higher than the state average of 16.3%.
• 80% of African-Americans in Salem County expressed dissatisfaction with the availability of mental health services for children, compared to 61% of White participants. Additionally, 75% of Hispanics/Latinos were dissatisfied, compared to 62% of non-Hispanic/Latinos.

• Salem County’s Mental Health Distress Rate stands at 14%, exceeding the New Jersey average of 12%, ranking it as the seventh most distressed county out of twenty-one. 
• Women in Salem County report a slightly higher rate of distress compared to men, with a difference of approximately 2%.

Camden County

• Residents of Camden County have the highest rates of mental health distress in the state, with 17.4% reporting 14 or more “not good” mental health days out of the past 30.
• Camden County exhibits one of the highest diagnosed depression rates in the state and stands at 19.5%, which is nearly 5 percentage points higher than the state average.
• There is one mental health care provider for every 277 residents in Camden County.
• The county has a much higher rate of deaths of despair per 100,000 people at 64.3 compared to the U.S. average of 47.5 and the state average of 41.2.
• Although men in Camden County report experiencing more mental health distress than women by a 3 percentage point differential, a higher percentage of women are diagnosed with depression compared to men in the county (28% vs 11%).
• Black residents of Camden County report higher rates of mental health distress at 24% compared to Hispanic or White residents, at 21% and 18% respectively. However, White residents report being diagnosed with depression almost a full 5 percentage points more than Black and Hispanic residents.

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Does New Jersey Have Statewide Mental Health Days?

No, New Jersey doesn’t have statewide “mental health days” yet. A bill (S2151) proposing five excused absences for students’ mental health reasons was introduced in March 2023. The bill hasn’t been signed into law yet.

Is Mental Health a Disability in NJ?

No, mental health is not a disability in New Jersey, but it can be considered one if it significantly limits major life activities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), individuals with serious mental health conditions are protected from discrimination. Those whose conditions prevent them from working may also qualify for temporary disability benefits or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

How Many People Have Depression in New Jersey?

Around 14.6% people have depression in New Jersey, according to 2022 data. Additionally, the prevalence of major depressive episodes (MDE) among youth is 12.57%, impacting 84,000 young individuals across the state.

How Is Substance Use Disorder Related To Mental Health Disorders In New Jersey?

Substance Use Disorder is related to Mental Health Disorders in New Jersey because mental health challenges contribute to or worsen substance misuse. In 2023, 27.7% of adults showed symptoms of anxiety or depression, putting many at risk for self-medication with drugs or alcohol. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these issues, especially among young adults and women. High school students with depression are twice as likely to drop out, increasing their vulnerability to substance use. Despite these concerns, New Jersey’s strong mental health workforce, meeting 72.7% of the state’s demand, supports better prevention and treatment of co-occurring disorders.

How Do the New Jersey Mental Health Facts Compare To New York and Pennsylvania?

The New Jersey mental health disorder rates are lower compared to New York and Pennsylvania by roughly 4% respectively.

What Treatment Is Available For Mental Health Conditions In New Jersey?

Treatment available for mental health conditions in New Jersey is tailored to meet a wide range of needs, from emergency interventions to long-term support. 

Treatments are listed below:

• Valley Spring Recovery Center: For those in need of mental health and addiction treatment in New Jersey, Valley Spring Recovery Center provides a supportive and healing environment with a strong focus on personalized care plans to address individual needs and ensure successful recovery journeys.
• Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS): This agency oversees New Jersey’s adult system of community-based behavioral health services. It offers a comprehensive array of services. New Jersey’s mental health and addiction services include a comprehensive range of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. The State provides early intervention, outpatient and intensive outpatient care, partial hospitalization, and residential treatment for both short- and long-term needs. Programs also offer medication-assisted treatment, case management, and evidence-based approaches like the Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), supported employment, education, and housing to ensure holistic recovery and long-term stability.
• RWJBarnabas Health: This network provides the most comprehensive mental health services in the state, serving children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Their services are evidence-based and include programs for alcohol and drug abuse recovery, psychiatric emergency screening services, and a wide range of mental and behavioral health services​​.
• Community Mental Health Services: These are provided through contracts with about 320 community-based not-for-profit organizations. Services include inpatient and outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, community residences, integrated case management, and programs for assertive community treatment (PACT)​​.
• Mental Health Housing: DMHAS contracts with and provides funding to residential and supportive housing providers in each county. This includes programs for Assistance in the Transition from Homelessness (PATH), supportive housing programs, and rental subsidy programs. They aimed at individuals suffering from serious mental illness or those at imminent risk of becoming homeless​​.

New Jersey hosts over 159 mental health treatment centers, according to Recovery.com—significantly fewer than the more than 450 addiction treatment facilities—highlighting a critical treatment gap when measured against the state’s population needs. Mental Health treatment centers address depression and co-occurring mental health conditions. These services are designed to address a wide range of mental health needs, from acute care to long-term recovery and support. They ensure that individuals have access to the right level of care when they need it.