Mental Health & Suicide Prevention in Monmouth County, NJ
Building Resilience and Mental Wellness in Monmouth County Schools
Available to public and charter school students and their families.
Student well-being is central to our mission. NJ4S COMPASS – Monmouth delivers comprehensive Mental Health and Suicide Prevention services that support proactive, prevention-focused approaches to student wellness. As students face increasing emotional and social pressures, our programs provide a critical safety net — building students’ skills to recognize and communicate their needs while ensuring schools have access to clinical support for students experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional distress. Together, these efforts strengthen school communities and promote long-term mental wellness.
Tier 1: Universal Prevention Educational Workshops Pre-K – Grade 12
Wellness education delivered in schools or community settings via classroom presentations, workshops, webinars, small group assemblies, and professional development.
Note on Customization: The list below represents our core units. We work closely with school administrators to adapt each lesson to fit your specific school culture.
Sample Service Offerings:
Elementary School (K-5):
- Coping with Big Feelings: Interactive lessons to help young children name and manage emotions.
- Goal Setting: Helping students set and align personal goals to build self-awareness, confidence, and motivation.
- Kindness Matters: Fostering self-esteem through positive interactions and gratitude practices.
Middle & High School (6-12):
- Suicide Prevention & Accessing Care: Recognizing warning signs, asking direct questions, reaching out to trusted adults, and gathering resources.
- Building Mental Health Literacy: An introduction to understanding basic mental health, addressing misconceptions, and understanding how the brain and emotions are connected.
- Social Media & Mental Health: Critical discussions on how scrolling affects mood, sleep, and self-image.
Parents/Caregivers & School Staff:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Covers the lasting impact of childhood adversity and its role in future well-being.
- The Role of a Trusted Adult: A presentation that empowers adults to respond effectively when youth express concerns about themselves or others.
- Raising Resilient Youth: A session offering tools to address tough topics, identify warning signs, and connect youth to support.
Tier 2: Evidence-Based Targeted Prevention Interventions Middle & High School
Multi-session evidence-based programs delivered to students in small groups.
How to Access: Requires a Connex referral from a designated school representative. For assistance please contact NJ4S COMPASS – Monmouth at 732.961.4354 x2.
Sample Service Offerings:
Rainbows:
- Peer groups for students dealing with the loss of a loved one or family separation.
Girls Circle:
- A structured support group for girls and gender-expansive youth designed to increase positive connection, strengths, and competence.
The Council for Boys and Young Men:
- A strengths-based group approach to promote boys’ safe and healthy development through pre-teen and adolescent years, using cognitive-behavioral strategies to challenge anxious thoughts and build confidence.
Tier 3: Non-Crisis Brief Clinical Assessment and Intervention Middle & High School
Individualized and/or small-group clinical intervention for students.
Service Focus
Clinical Assessment:
- A licensed clinician conducts an intake assessment to determine the appropriate level of care.
Stabilization Counseling:
- Brief clinical intervention (up to 90 days) to provide youth with appropriate coping tools and strategies to manage healthy functioning.
System Navigation:
- Connecting youth with long-term treatment options to ensure continuity of care beyond initial interventions.
Get Started With COMPASS by Preferred Behavioral Health Group, an NJ4S Initiative
Bring comprehensive mental wellness support to your district.
Tier 2 & 3
Refer a Student — For Tier 2 & 3 support, please submit an application through Connex.
We're Here To Help
Preferred Behavioral Health Group provides multiple youth and adult services to address emotional, mental, and behavioral health issues. However, some situations require different services. If your child is experiencing life-threatening danger or the immediate risk of harming themselves, you must take them to the nearest emergency room or dial 911 for immediate assistance.