Solace House Raises Over $140K at Sunset Gala to Expand Free Suicide-Prevention Counseling in NJ

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — Solace House, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention through free, confidential mental health counseling, will use funds raised at its recent Sunset Gala to add one to two therapists to its New Jersey program, which is currently served by one part-time therapist.

“People in New Jersey are reaching out faster than we can see them. Every therapist we add means more people get help when they need it, not weeks later,” said Patrick McGowan, chairman of the Solace House board.

Since expanding services to New Jersey, Solace House has provided 485 free counseling sessions to 43 people across 12 counties. In addition to individual counseling, the organization supports families and friends of people in distress, offers suicide bereavement counseling, and leads community workshops on mental health and suicide prevention.

“Mental health care matters most when people can access it as soon as they need it,” said Nandini Mathur Collins, chief executive officer of Solace House. “The response to our New Jersey program shows how great that need is.”

Solace House was established in New York City in 2015, when Joan Freeman, founder of Ireland’s Pieta House and a former Irish senator, brought the program to Long Island City as a one-year pilot. Today, its New York program provides nearly 3,000 counseling sessions a year with a team of five therapists.

New Jersey services are offered through telehealth, at no cost and without requiring insurance or a referral. Anyone seeking support can visit solacehouse.org or call 1-866-SOLACE1 (1-866-765-2231).

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Photos courtesy of Solace House.

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