The New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) has launched a statewide veterans mental health initiative designed to connect former service members with counseling and comprehensive support before their challenges escalate into a crisis.
Built around the promise “Any NJ Veteran. Every NJ Veteran,” the program was introduced October 1, 2026, at the NJRC Veterans Center in Carteret. The partnership with The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals aims to make mental health services available at no cost, with veterans connected to care within days rather than waiting weeks or months. Vincent Solomeno, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs, attended the launch.
The initiative addresses a significant need among veterans. In 2023, 6,398 U.S. veterans died by suicide, an average of 17.5 each day. According to the figures cited by NJRC, 61% were not receiving VA health care during the year before their deaths. Meanwhile, more than 32,000 veterans experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2025. Mental health conditions and substance use disorders also affect a substantial share of justice-involved veterans.
Through the new partnership, veterans referred by NJRC will receive a comprehensive clinical evaluation and up to 12 individual counseling sessions per episode of care. Treatment can address post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, challenges associated with transitioning from military service and other mental health concerns.
The program is open to veterans regardless of their military branch, era of service or discharge status. There is no waitlist, and veterans who do not qualify for VA care because of their discharge status can still access services through the Cohen Clinic at Easterseals.
NJRC will also connect participants with a broader network of resources based on their individual needs. Services include addiction treatment, psychiatric care, medication management, medical services, housing assistance, benefits and public assistance, food, identification documents and employment support. Healthcare partners include Hackensack Meridian Health, Carrier Clinic, RWJBarnabas Health, Atlantic Health and University Behavioral Health, as well as the NJRC LeFrak Wellness Center.
A dedicated NJRC case manager will remain alongside each veteran throughout treatment, helping coordinate appointments and address practical barriers that can interfere with recovery. Veterans can begin the process by visiting an NJRC location anywhere in New Jersey and speaking with a case manager.
Former New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey, executive director of NJRC, said the goal is to ensure veterans receive assistance before homelessness, addiction, emergency room visits or involvement with the criminal justice system becomes part of their story.
By combining accessible counseling with housing, healthcare and employment resources, NJRC and its partners are working to make early intervention a central part of veteran support across the state.