Therapists in Passaic, NJ and Nearby Locations

Overview in Passaic, New Jersey

Although the city of Passaic, New Jersey only has a population of 71,247 people, it is the tenth most densely populated city in the United States with over 22,000 people per square mile. The city has an especially large Hispanic population of 73.2%. Also, 67.9% of the total residents are fluent in Spanish. The southwest section of the city is home to the fastest-growing Orthodox community in New Jersey with several yeshivas, kosher food vendors, and other institutions. Residents enjoy and are employed at several businesses and shopping centers located on Main Avenue, Broadway, and Main Street. Passaic Park features beautiful Victorian-style architecture and the Third Ward Memorial Park.

Passaic is certainly a charming, unique city, but many of its residents are struggling to make ends meet. The median household income is $34,920 which is lower than both the state and national average, and approximately 33.1% of people living in the city are in poverty. These statistics, along with other city facts, indicate that the people of Passaic are struggling with mental health concerns and need help with their conditions. Unfortunately, 27% of individuals under the age of 65 living in the city do not have health insurance, which means they likely are not receiving the care they need. This overview will inform you on mental health issues specific to Passaic, New Jersey, and point you toward resources that will help connect you with a provider in your area.

Effects of Untreated Mental Health Concerns in Passaic

One of the city’s largest issues, along with the rest of Passaic County, is substance abuse. According to a report published by the Department of Human Services in New Jersey, Passaic City had a total of 487 individuals treated for drug or alcohol-related issues in 2016. Alcohol was the most abused substance in the city with Heroin following close behind. However, heroin was the substance the most people were treated for in the entire county with 1973 reported admissions. Substance abuse issues often stem from mental health disorders like depression and anxiety and are prevalent among homeless individuals and communities living in poverty.

Although New Jersey as a state has a low suicide rate compared to the rest of the United States, these rates continue to increase. In 2016, the state had a total of 689 suicide deaths. Individuals who do not receive treatment for their mental illnesses are at increased risk of suicide. The risk is especially high among teenagers and young adults since it is a leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34. The median age of people in Passaic is comparatively very young at 29 years old, which means most residents fall within this age group.

The residents of Passaic also have low high school and college graduation rates. 65.8% of residents have graduated from high school and only 15% hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Mental health issues can have a huge impact on a student’s motivation and ability to do well in school. As a result, higher dropout rates are associated with mental health issues. Also, low high school graduation rates are often found among communities where poverty is prevalent. Not graduating from high school or getting a college degree can greatly affect one’s ability to make a living in the future. There have been many other studies that have linked dropping out of high school with a lower life expectancy and a greater chance of incarceration.

Mental Health Resources in Passaic, New Jersey

Fortunately, there are resources available for people suffering from mental health concerns in Passaic, New Jersey. A few important ones to take note of are:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• NJ Veterans Helpline: 1-866-838-7654
• Youth Hotline 24 Hours: 1-888-222-2228
• Mental Health Association in Passaic County: 973-478-4444
• Joseph’s Hospital
• Mental Health Clinic of Passaic
• New Life Recovery Center