The Ocean County Mental Health Board is a public advisory body composed of seven to twelve members. The Board plays an important role in guiding and strengthening mental health services throughout Ocean County.
Established in 1957 under the New Jersey Community Mental Health Services Act, the Board’s purpose, structure, and responsibilities are defined by state law.
The Board makes recommendations regarding mental health funding and programming based on the Ocean County Mental Health Plan. These recommendations are submitted to the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services for consideration. In addition, the Board monitors local mental health programs to ensure they are effective and responsive to community needs, and it provides ongoing guidance to both county and state government.
Mission & Goals
The mission of the Ocean County Mental Health Board is to protect, support, and empower people living with mental illness.
The Mental Health Board works to:
- Improve mental health services and ensure people can get help when they need it
- Make services more responsive to the needs and concerns of those who use them
- Follow all laws that guide the Board and its subcommittees
- Provide information to the Board of Commissioners regarding regulations, initiatives, planning, and initiatives that affect County residents
- Plan for the current and future mental health needs of the County
- Use resources wisely to serve the community better
- Work with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services on changes to the mental health system
Accessing Mental Health Services
To access mental health services in New Jersey, call NJ MentalHealthCares at (866) 202-HELP (4357) for non-emergency, free, and confidential support.
Ocean CREST Early Intervention and Support Services (EISS) offers rapid access to short-term, recovery-oriented crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults with a mental health crisis. Call 732-240-3760
Call 911 immediately for suicidal crises or danger. Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) in Ocean County provides 24/7 crisis intervention, mental health assessments, and stabilization for individuals in acute distress. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, which will contact the PESS team at 732-886-4474.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 free, confidential mental health hotline that connects individuals in need of support with counselors. Call or text 9-8-8 or use the online Chat. 988 can dispatch Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT) to provide, free, confidential, in-person, non-life-threatening mental health and substance use crisis support for adults.
The Mental Health Resource Directory provides families and providers with information about publicly funded programs and supports located in Ocean County. Click here to view or download the directory.
To access services for children and youth, contact PerformCare’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-652-7624 or visit www.performcarenj.org
Activities and Events
- "What a Difference a Friend Makes" calendar art contest
- Creative Expressions contest
- "Celebrating Wellness" Mental Health Awareness Month event
- "Scare Away Stigma" Trunk or Treat
Get Involved
The Mental Health Board meetings are open to the public. Board meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:00pm. There are no meetings held in August and December. Individuals and family members with lived experience are strongly encouraged to participate. Your feedback, perspectives, and involvement are valued and essential to advancing the Board’s mission and goals. Please contact Human Services to be added to the e-mailing list for meeting notices and other important announcements.
Open funding opportunities through the Ocean County Mental Health Board are posted on the County’s OpenGov Bid Portal.
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