NJ Self-Help Group Clearinghouse

Saint Clare's Health System sponsors statewide and national programs - the New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse and the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse - that help people to find and form support groups.

The New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse provides contact information for over 6,750 local, member-run and professionally run self-help groups across the state, as well as over 1,100 national, international, model and online self-help support groups. Specific groups, covering hundreds of different types of illnesses, disabilities, addictions, bereavement situations, mental health, abuse, parenting, caregiver concerns and other stressful life situations, are available through its toll-free New Jersey helpline at 1-800-FOR-MASH (1-800-367-6274).

Volunteer mutual help groups are available for no-cost or low member dues. In mutual help groups, members come together to share their common experiences, strengths, hopes, and practical information. These groups are non-profit, voluntary, and mostly ongoing.

In addition to helping the public and professionals locate existing support groups, the New Jersey Clearinghouse connects interested individuals with others to start new self-help support groups. The Clearinghouse also publishes an annual Directory with information on local, state and national groups, and copies are available in the reference sections of local libraries. The Clearinghouse website currently provides information on only about 200 local NJ mental health groups, the schedule of training workshops, and more.

The American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse website offers a keyword-searchable database of over 1,100 national, international, model and online self-help support groups for most any illness or condition. It also lists local self-help clearinghouses worldwide, information on starting face-to-face and online groups, research studies, and a registry for persons interested in starting national or international self-help groups.

For more information, follow the link to view the New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse brochure, or contact:

New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
375 East McFarlan Street
Dover, NJ 07801-3628
In New Jersey: 1-800-FOR-MASH (1-800-367-6274)
Outside New Jersey: 973-989-1122
Fax: 973-989-1159