About NewBridge Services
A Nonprofit Delivering Mental Health and Behavioral Services in Northern New Jersey
NewBridge Services operates under the highest standards of care and professional excellence, serving thousands of children, teenagers, adults and older adults across Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties throughout northern New Jersey. We are licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health to provide mental health and addiction services and certified by the state Department of Community Affairs to provide homes for people with mental illness and develop affordable housing.
Our interdisciplinary team includes adolescent specialists, addiction counselors, care managers, domestic violence professionals, nurses, nutritionists, play therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers, all supervised by our clinical management team. Healing happens best when individuals receive care tailored to their circumstances and delivered with compassion and respect.
At a glance, NewBridge:
- Treats mental illness, substance use and gambling addiction
- Supports individuals and families through conflict and grief
- Helps abused and neglected children and their families heal
- Connects older adults with needed services and provides wellness check-ins to help them remain in their homes
- Offers in-home counseling for homebound older adults and their caregivers
- Runs a successful alternative education and career program for young adults
- Supports adults with severe mental illness through case management and psychiatric rehabilitation
- Operates group homes and apartments for individuals with serious mental illness
- Provides crisis intervention in communities
As part of the Christian Health family since 2024, our mission remains the same: to bring balance to people's lives through counseling, housing and education. We go above and beyond standard care, providing advocacy to help our clients with daily tasks, legal matters, personal care needs and family support.
The History of NewBridge Services
The Early Years: Foundation and Growth (1963-1980s)
NewBridge was founded as the Pequannock Valley Mental Health Center in December 1963, coinciding with President John F. Kennedy's historic legislation for community-based mental health care. Five visionary leaders — Dr. Kurt Manrodt, municipal judge Herbert Irwin, the Rev. Donner B. Atwood, Mary Jane Kelly, and James Ryan — recognized the growing mental health challenges in their community and joined forces to create a solution.
The agency opened its doors on December 23, 1963, in the former Pompton Plains library, initially serving adults and children in Pequannock and five neighboring towns. By 1977, NewBridge had tripled in size, becoming one of the first mental health agencies in New Jersey to create a specialized youth services bureau. In 1980, when the state was still heavily reliant on boarding homes for former psychiatric hospital patients, NewBridge pioneered a state-funded, long-term community residence for older adults. This was among the first of its kind in New Jersey.
Innovation and Expansion (1980s-1990s)
The 1980s and 1990s marked a period of remarkable innovation and expansion for NewBridge. During these transformative decades, we pioneered groundbreaking programs and faced pivotal decisions that would shape our future. Key milestones included:
NewBridge helped me become more confident and rely on myself to get through daily life situations.
Looking Forward
In our seventh decade of service, NewBridge remains committed to innovation, compassion and community partnership. Our alliance with Christian Health has strengthened our foundation while preserving our distinct identity and mission-driven approach to mental health care.
We continue to evolve to meet emerging community needs, always guided by our founding principle that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health support. Through our comprehensive programs, dedicated team members and unwavering commitment to those we serve, NewBridge will continue bringing balance to people's lives for generations to come.Be sure to explore our services, learn how you can support our mission, and contact us if you have any questions about our nonprofit!
Be sure to explore our services, learn how you can support our mission, and contact us if you have any questions about our nonprofit!
