AtlantiCare Teen & Youth Centers

Navigating mental health services doesn't have to be difficult. Access mental health services for your child by calling PerformCare at (877) 652-7624

Parents/Guardians can call PerformCare 24 hours/7 days a week if they are concerned about an emotional or behavioral problem with their child. PerformCare will provide recommendations to families based on the provided information. Services can include Mobile Response and stabilization services, in which a mental health crisis worker will come to your home, or agreed upon location, to assist in defusing situations. Performcare will assist you by coordinating in-home or outpatient mental health services for your child.

These services are available to families with and without insurance.

More information about PerformCare

If you are experiencing an emergency in which your child or someone else could be seriously injured, call 911.

Additional Local Resources for Youth & Adults

Outpatient mental health services at AtlantiCare

• Child & adolescent outpatient services
(609) 272-0909
• Adult outpatient services
(609) 646-9159

  mental health treatment including drug & alcohol counseling and services

AtlantiCare Behavioral Health

Hammonton Family Success Center

You do not need to reside in Hammonton

609-567-2900
310 bellevue ave, hammonton, nj 08037

• Family centered programming
• Assisting with employment issues
• Securing and maintaining housing
• Navigating healthcare needs & more.

Hammonton Family Success Center

Hope One (Atlantic County Sheriff's Community Services Unit)

Offers critical support for persons struggling with the disease of addiction, immediate referral to treatment & provide narcan kits and training to family members & friends of those at risk of overdose.

(609) 909-7200

Available 24 Hours a Day/ 7 Days a Week

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Dial 9-8-8 / 988lifeline.org
• Crisis Text Line - Text NJ to 741741 / crisistextline.org
• 2nd Floor - Call or Text (888) 222-2228 / 2ndfloor.org
• Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth) - Call (866) 488-7386 / Text 678678 / thetrevorproject.org
• National Runaway Safeline - (800) 786-2929 / 1800runaway.org

Teen & Youth Center Program Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new program consent form signed each year?

No, once a program consent is retuned and signed by a parent/guardian the consent is then good for the length of time your child is enrolled at BRHS or BRMS. If your child transitions from BRMS to BRHS he/she will require a new consent at that time.

If you sign up do you have to participate in all activities?

No, all of our services/activities are voluntary and you may participate in the activities you choose. In addition, a parent/guardian has the right to "opt" a child out of any service by indicating which service the child is not permitted to participate in on line 6 of the program consent form.

When can a student access school based?

A student can access school based anytime during our hours of operation. Recreational activity access is restricted to study halls, lunch periods and planned after school activities.

Is school based only for students who need counseling?

No, the Youth Center and the Teen Center services are open to every student in the building who have returned a program consent. Students are able to select which and how many services they would like to participate in.

How much does it cost?

All of our services, including trips, are provided free of charge.

How does a student access school based?

Students can be referred by an Administrator, Teacher, Parent, Friend or can enter the Youth Center (room 317 @ BRMS) / Teen Center (room B112 @ BRHS) and request to participate in the activity of their choice.

Is school based open in the summer?

Yes, we are here Monday through Friday, 7:30a.m.-3:30p.m. year round. Even on days during the school year when school is closed, we are open!

When do groups and recreation begin?

Groups are on a revolving schedule (see calendar) but typically begin in October and February. Recreation and individual services are ongoing throughout the year.

Will you help me get a job?

Absolutely! Our Teen Center team is ready with resources to help you be ready for employment. We can work with you on everything from job readiness skill building, to resume writing, to mock interviewing, to applying for that job.

Commonly Asked Questions About Mental Health & Therapy Services at BRSD

What is counseling?

Put simply, counseling is the process where a therapist and client work together and use the client's strengths to work through a problems) he/she is having. It is strictly confidential (as permitted by law) and the school will have no record of the student using our services.

Why are counseling services available to students?

Through counseling, students can receive help in addressing any psychological, social and/or school related problems they may be having. This in turn allows them to get the most out of the high school experience and therefore a better chance at succeeding in life.

What is confidentiality & what are its limits under the law?

Confidentiality is the term for communication that is shared between a therapist and a client that is kept private. NJ law requires that a therapist disclose information to the appropriate persons when: We believe that there is an immediate threat to your child's life or they pose an immediate threat to someone else's life. A Parent/Guardian & Client request that the therapist release specific information to a specific party or parties (you will be asked to sign a release form for each request). A court of law orders us to release records. We learn of abuse involving a minor or a frail/vulnerable adult. 

What kind of counseling services are available?

• Individual Counseling - Counseling for personal problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, etc.)
• Crisis Intervention and evaluation
• Friends Helping Friends - Students concerned about a peer/family member can get assistance in how to help.
• Referral - For those concerns better matched to an outside provider, we offer referrals to local agencies and private practitioners.

How much does it cost?

Counseling services, like all other services at BRHS Teen Center & BRMS Youth Center are free to all students in our respective schools.

Does my child need to have a serious psychological problem to come to the teen center/youth center for counseling?

No. Students have come for counseling to discuss a wide range of problems. Students are encouraged to come in to discuss any type of concern - depression, anxiety, relationship problems, lack of self-confidence, procrastination, sexual orientation concerns, dealing with the death of a loved one and cultural/ethnic issues, being just a few examples.

What happens if the therapist is not a good match for my child?

If desired, we will to the best of our ability, provide referrals to appropriate agencies and private practitioners in the local community, that best match your child's needs.

• 2NDFLOOR - 2NDFLOOR is a confidential and anonymous helpline for NJ's youth and young adults
• 2-1-1 Tweens & Teens  - Provides information and resources available in our state to assist student & youth adults.        
• Kids Health - KidsHealth is the #1 most-visited website for children's health and development. The website has information for teens and parents. Should be used as a resource only for medical care see a Doctor.    
• NAMI  - NAMI is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI provides informaiton on mental illnesses, medications, and support programs.     
• Sex, Etc - Provides adolescents information and advice on sex, love and relationships, pregnancy, birth control and condoms, STDs and more. Published by Answer at Rutgers University. 
• Teens: Drug Use and the Brain - Provides information and materials on substance use/abuse developed specifically for students and young adults. 
• Trevor Project - The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth. 
• Find Help - Search and connect to support. Find financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost assistance.

AtlantiCare Behavioral Health Access Center

• AtlantiCare Behavioral Health offers confidential behavioral health services at several locations throughout southeastern New Jersey.
• (609) 645-9159

Hammonton Family Success Center

• A community-based, family-centered neighborhood gathering place aimed at providing the community with resources and support. These include, but are not limited to, raising healthy families; securing and maintaining housing; assisting with employment issues; navigating healthcare needs and more.
• 310 Bellevue Ave., Hammonton NJ, 08037
• (609) 567-2900

Hope One Atlantic County

The “HOPE ONE” mobile response unit offers critical support for persons struggling with the disease of addiction. The Atlantic County Sheriff’s Community Services Unit operates the mobile unit with the help of multiple partners.  The “HOPE ONE” vehicle travels to locations throughout Atlantic County providing services to persons in need. Certified peer recovery specialists, who understand the needs of those suffering with addiction and who can triage individuals in crisis, staff the vehicle. Calendar of locations can be found on their website.

AtlantiCare Family Planning

• The promotion of family planning – and ensuring access to preferred contraceptive methods for women and couples – is essential to securing the well-being and autonomy of women, while supporting the health and development of communities. 
• 1401 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
• (609) 677-7211 or 1 (888) 569-1000

Covenant House

• Provides free services 24 hours a day for youth 18 - 21 years old. Services include: shelter, clothing, counseling, substance abuse intervention, and job training.
• 237 N South Carolina Ave, Atlantic City, 08401
• (609) 348-1421 or (800) 999-9999

Spanish Community Center

• The Center's Community Based Services Program is a network of interconnected departments that work together to provide services primarily with helping parents, children, and teens with support in applying for social service programs, counseling & therapy throughout South Jersey.
• 303 Sumner St, Landisville, NJ 08326
• (856) 697-2967

Famcare

• Provides affordable & confidential health care including: pregnancy testing, STD testing, and varied forms of birth control are available.
• Ste 101, 80 S Main Rd, Vineland, NJ 08360
• (856) 794-1235‎