What is trauma?
\nTrauma happens when someone experiences a frightening and dangerous event that affects their mental health. Many people in New Jersey face traumatic events like sexual assault and violent crime each year. In 2023, there were over 20,000 violent crimes reported to New Jersey police. According to the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, half of all women and one-third of all men in our state have experienced sexual violence during their lives. The good news is that help is available.
\nHow Trauma Affects People
\nAfter experiencing a traumatic event, your body and mind may react in different ways. These reactions are called trauma responses. Common trauma responses include:
\nEveryone responds to trauma differently. There is no “normal” way to respond to trauma.
\nHow Therapy Helps
\nTalking about traumatic experiences can be hard, but research has shown that therapy really helps. A therapist can help you:
\nNew Jersey offers many options for therapy. It’s important to find services that are specifically designed for trauma survivors.
\nWhat makes trauma-informed care different?
\nTrauma-informed care is an approach where providers consider how trauma affects people when trying to assist. Agencies that provide services with trauma-informed care make it a priority to:
\nThis approach helps people heal without feeling judged or blamed.
\nHow to Access Services in New Jersey
\nIf you have health insurance:
\nYou can call the number on the back of your insurance card or search your insurance website to find providers who accept your plan. Many people find this process overwhelming. If that’s the case for you, try one of the other options below.
\nFor any New Jersey resident:
\nNew Jersey’s NJMentalHealthCares hotline at 866-202-HELP (4357) is available to assist any New Jersey resident. Hotline staff find appropriate resources near you based on your needs, location, insurance status, and income. They also provide referrals for other needs such as legal, housing, employment, and substance abuse help. Many of the counseling centers they refer to offer sliding scale fees. This means the cost is based on what you can afford. If you have limited income, services may be completely free.
\nFor those under 21:
\nAny parent/guardian of a child under 21 or an adult between the ages of 18 and 21 can contact PerformCare at 877-652-7624 (available 24 hours a day). PerformCare will help anyone under 21 years old regardless of immigration or insurance status. PerformCare will schedule an assessment to determine what support is needed. If therapy is requested or recommended, the child is connected to in-home therapy. PerformCare also can provide support services to the entire family to help them heal.
\nTrauma recovery centers:
\nSeveral communities in New Jersey have specialized Trauma Recovery Centers (TRCs) offering free services:
\nThese centers focus on trauma survivors and provide therapists, case managers, legal advocates, housing assistance, and psychiatric services at no cost to help survivors in their recovery.
\nFor those who report to law enforcement:
\nIf you choose to report to authorities, you may qualify for services through the Victims of Crime and Compensation Office (VCCO). Victims of certain violent crimes in New Jersey can apply for support through VCCO if they have specific needs, such as counseling. VCCO may cover the cost of counseling with many private therapists. However, there are limits on how much financial assistance can be provided. See If You Have Been the Victim of a Crime, New Jersey’s Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) May Be Able to Help for more information.
\nCrisis Support
\nIf you begin experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or if your symptoms worsen between therapy sessions, seek immediate help by:
\nAdditional Resources
\nThe New Jersey Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services provides a directory of services organized by county. See Directory of Mental Health Services for more information.
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