Highlighting an escalating need for accessible mental health support across the Garden State, the suicide prevention nonprofit Solace House is expanding its New Jersey counseling team following a successful fundraising campaign.
The organization announced that funds raised at its recent Sunset Gala in North Bergen brought in more than $140,000. The proceeds will be used to add one to two new therapists to its New Jersey program, which has relied on a single part-time therapist to meet a surge in regional demand.
Meeting an urgent need
Securing timely mental health care can often take weeks, but Solace House aims to bridge that gap by providing free, confidential counseling without requiring insurance, referrals, or out-of-pocket payments. Its New Jersey services are currently delivered via telehealth.
“People in New Jersey are reaching out faster than we can see them,” Patrick McGowan, chairman of the Solace House board said. “Every therapist we add means more people get help when they need it, not weeks later.”
Since expanding its services to New Jersey in 2025, Solace House has delivered 485 free counseling sessions to 43 individuals across 12 counties. Beyond individual therapy, the organization offers crucial support for families and friends of people in distress, suicide bereavement counseling, and community-led mental health and suicide prevention workshops.
Nandini Mathur Collins, chief executive officer of Solace House, emphasized the critical importance of immediate accessibility.
“Mental health care matters most when people can access it as soon as they need it,” Collins said. “The response to our New Jersey program shows how great that need is. As more people reach out, we will need more therapists to serve them. Continued donations are essential to keeping that care free and available.”
Growing impact across state lines
Established in New York City in 2015 by Joan Freeman—founder of Ireland’s Pieta House and a former Irish senator—Solace House began as a one-year pilot in Long Island City. Today, its New York branch fields a team of five therapists and clinical interns handling nearly 3,000 sessions annually. Across both states, the nonprofit has provided more than 23,000 free counseling sessions.
While events like the North Bergen Sunset Gala, golf outings, and Solace Sunrise Walks help sustain operations, ongoing community donations remain vital to keeping services entirely free.
Need Support?
- Solace House (New Jersey): Call (201) 380-9002 or request a callback at solacehouseusa.org.
- Immediate Danger: Call 911.
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7).
