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If cost is a hinderance to treatment, free addiction resources in New Jersey are worth knowing about. One of those resources is happening this month.
Union County is hosting a free online webinar on recovery, behavioral health and suicide prevention on Wednesday, September 16, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern.
There is no fee or insurance requirement. There’s also no need to be a Union County resident to watch. The session is called Pathways to Wellness, Navigating the Road to Recovery and Suicide Prevention.
Who Can Attend and What It Covers
The webinar is free and open to everyone. The Union County Board of County Commissioners presents it through the Department of Human Services Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse in collaboration with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
The program is scheduled in September which is National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Organizers say it will share information and resources on recovery, behavioral health and suicide prevention. The goal is to encourage more open conversation about all three issues.
Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek said recovery is possible, help is available and no one should feel alone in facing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council, said many people want to help a family member, friend or neighbor who is struggling but do not know what to do.
He added that easier access to trusted information helps reduce the stigma associated with addiction.
That gap is the practical reason to attend. A one-hour session will never replace addiction treatment but it can tell you which door to knock on first and it costs nothing.
How to Access Free Addiction Resources in New Jersey
Advance registration is required. You can register at ucnj.org/dhs-webinar. If you can’t register in time, the program will also stream on Facebook Live.
For questions about the webinar contact the Union County Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse at [email protected] or 908-527-4844.
Free and Low-Cost Rehabs in New Jersey
A webinar is only a starting point. If you need actual treatment and cannot pay privately, New Jersey has several no-cost entry points.
ReachNJ is the state’s central call-in line for residents looking for help with a substance use disorder. Staff answer calls 24 hours a day at 1-844-732-2465. Callers can connect with treatment options regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
NJ FamilyCare, the state’s Medicaid program, covers substance use disorder treatment including outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient programs and medication for opioid use disorder.
If you are uninsured, a county behavioral health office or a federally qualified health center can help you check eligibility and apply.
Many licensed New Jersey programs also use a sliding fee scale which sets what you pay based on income. It is a reasonable question to ask on your first call and asking it does not commit you to anything.
Finding Affordable Treatment
Here are some concrete next steps if cost is the barrier.
Call ReachNJ at 1-844-732-2465 to get connected to state-supported treatment options. Check whether you qualify for NJ FamilyCare coverage for rehab. Ask any program you contact whether it offers a sliding scale, a scholarship bed or state-funded slots. Contact SAMHSA’s national helpline at 1-800-662-4357, free and confidential, 24 hours a day. Register for the September 16 webinar at ucnj.org/dhs-webinar.
Rehabs.org has a listing of free and low-cost treatment options nationwide. The directory can be filtered by state, payment type accepted, level of care and population served. Call
800-914-7089
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to learn more about your treatment options.
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