Press Releases

Mental Health Services: Not Just Counseling Anymore

Pompton Plains, NJ (May 1, 2007) - Mental health services are not just about counseling and medicine anymore. Community-based organizations now offer a complete range of services designed to help people deal with issues large and small, as well as to maintain balance in their lives. NewBridge, a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and education programs and services, does just that.

As a result of tending to one's mental health, adults become better role models, pursue new goals, improve or even rebuild their families and friendships, and succeed as positive, productive individuals. Likewise, children who are educated in emotional and social issues are more likely to respect and empathize with others, make good decisions, deal effectively with conflict, and feel better about themselves.

"With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, this is an ideal time to highlight the services available in our community and the profound impact they have on the children and adults we serve," said L. Michelle Borden, Associate Executive Director, NewBridge. "NewBridge is more than counseling. We reach out to the communities and schools to teach children and adults about the latest pressing issues; we host dialogue nights and professional training, we teach tolerance, stress management and parenting, career and educational training, housing, and substance abuse prevention and treatment. Nearly everyone can at some time benefit from something we offer."

NewBridge served nearly 10,000 people last year-more than half of them children. And though NewBridge does provide treatment to people with more serious mental illnesses, many people seek out NewBridge for advice-how to talk to their teen, deal with work stress, and other everyday issues. In fact, Borden is optimistic that stigma will continue to fade as a generation accustomed to sharing feelings grows into adulthood.

"Our children are encouraged to talk about their feelings, and that is a really healthy societal trend," said Borden. "They understand that how they feel emotionally is as important as how they feel physically-it's not taboo to them."

To test your mental health IQ, visit www.newbridge.org. If you feel like you could benefit from speaking with a professional about issues large or small, NewBridge can help. Call toll-free (888) 746-9333.

About NewBridge Services
Founded in 1963, NewBridge Services, Inc. is a nonprofit community organization providing innovative programs and education services in five focus areas: mental health, substance abuse, housing, youth programs and senior assistance. Whether guiding people as they cope with stress, grief, or substance abuse, or providing advice to those with parenting, relationship or caregiving challenges, NewBridge helps people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-839-2520 or click here.