NJ4S Compass Ocean County

09/01/2026

September 1st marks the beginning of Su***de Prevention Awareness Month.

Nearly half of 10- to 17-year-olds who died by su***de had no prior clinical contact or known risk on record.

There is no easy, obvious way to spot when a student is struggling. Waiting for visible warning signs or a crisis to emerge simply isn't enough. Silence isn't safety.

Real prevention means creating safe, low-barrier spaces where young people feel comfortable having hard conversations before a crisis hits.

That’s why NJ4S Compass brings support directly to Ocean County students. We offer multiple tiers of programming, including 1-on-1 counseling with a
clinician, right in their school, completely free of charge.

Removing the barriers to mental health care helps students get the support they need today, building a foundation of wellness they can carry into adulthood.

This month and every month let's make sure no student has to struggle in silence. 💙

🔗 Tap the link in our bio to learn more about bringing NJ4S Compass resources and counseling services to your school community.

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08/30/2026

Heading into a new school year can feel like a lot, especially if you're holding onto grief while trying to turn the page to a new grade. On National Grief Awareness Day, we want every Ocean County student to know one important thing: you don’t have to carry it alone. 💙🧭

NJ4S Compass is here to support you every step of the way:
🧭Free 1-on-1 Counseling: Work with a licensed clinician right at school for easy, direct care.
🧭Tier 2 Small Group Support: Evidence-based sessions designed for students navigating grief together in a safe space.

Know a student, family, or classmate who could use an extra layer of support as school starts? Share this post or tag them below. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and our team is ready to walk alongside you. 👥✨

Visit the link in our bio for more info or reach out to your school counselor to connect with our team today!

08/27/2026

School year prep is in full swing, and our clinical toolbox just got a major upgrade! 🎨✨

Our NJ4S Compass Ocean County team recently spent time with Lauren Casas, Director of PCCF at Preferred Behavioral Health Group for an inspiring training on using mandalas in clinical practice. As we gear up to support students across Ocean County this fall, opportunities to collaborate, share expertise, and bring creative therapeutic techniques into our work with teens remind us why we do what we do.

Huge thank you to Lauren for expanding our skill set and reminding us of the power of art and creativity in mental health. We can’t wait to bring these fresh, expressive tools to our teens this school year! 🌀💬💡

08/24/2026

Ocean County youth, this is your platform. How you feel about student mental health matters, and we want to hear directly from YOU!

Join our free Youth Subcommittee Virtual Meeting tomorrow afternoon to link up with other local teens, share your real experiences, and help shape wellness in our community. No pressure, no boring lectures—just real conversations about what matters to you.

🗓 When: Tomorrow 8/25 1-2PM 📍 Where: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon signup) 🎟 Cost: 100% Free

Your voice has power—use it to make a real difference for local students. Tap the link in our bio to reserve your spot! 📲✨

08/20/2026

The most underrated back-to-school essential isn’t on a supply list—it’s sleep. 😴⚡️

When kids are running on empty, everything hits harder:

More meltdowns

Less focus

Higher anxiety

The Playbook: Start shifting bedtime 15 minutes earlier every few nights this week. By day one, the routine is already running on autopilot—no morning chaos required.

08/20/2026

This summer, our team spent quality time with incredible students at Toms River Regional School District during our Tier 2: Botvin LifeSkills Training!

From discovering creative coping tools to manage big emotions, to diving into the Anger Iceberg to explore how our internal worlds shape behavior, these students showed up with so much heart, honesty, and courage. 🧠✨

Swipe through to see their handwritten notes, drawings, and heartfelt reflections on how they grew, what they learned, and how they’re building emotional strength! 🎨📝

A huge shoutout to our compassionate Prevention Consultant Team for creating a safe, supportive space for local youth to thrive. 💙

What’s your favorite go-to tool for managing stress or big emotions? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

08/18/2026

☀️ NJ4S Compass Summer Retreat 2026 🌿✨

Today, our NJ4S Compass team took a well-deserved pause to recharge, reflect, and celebrate all the hard work that’s gone into this past year!

From relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings to sharing lots of laughs (and enjoying some mini-massages!), it was such a wonderful day connecting with our work family.

A huge, heartfelt thank you to Dave, Liza, and our leadership team for putting together such a special event. 💚 Thank you for guiding us through a challenging year, advocating so fiercely for our staff, and continuously believing in the mission of Preferred Behavioral Health Group NJ4S Compass Ocean County & NJ4S Compass - Monmouth

This year brought its share of hurdles and busy seasons, but our team’s dedication to supporting local children, teens, and families never wavered. The impact made across our community every single day is something we are so proud of! 🌟

We are deeply grateful for leadership that supports us and a team that genuinely cares for one another.

Here’s to enjoying the rest of the summer and continuing to serve our community together! 🙌

Comment below: Drop a ♥️ or ☀️ to show some love to our amazing team!

08/13/2026

It’s giving supportive community, effortless empathy, and accessible wellness. ✨ Youth mental health isn’t a trend—it’s the foundation. At NJ4S Compass Ocean County, we’re proud to bring free, impactful mental health education and support directly into our local schools.

Because giving students the tools to thrive? Always in style. 💫

🔗 Learn more about our free school-based programs and resources: linktr.ee/nj4s_compass_oceancounty

08/13/2026

A great opportunity to prepare for the transition to school!

Led by two experienced local Special Education professionals, open play is designed to support neurodivergent children as they navigate social interactions during open playtime. Children ages 5-12!

Led by two experienced local Special Education professionals, open play is designed to support neurodivergent children as they navigate social interactions during open playtime.
Siblings are invited!
Please register: https://theoceancountylibrary.libnet.info/event/14283755

08/11/2026

Back-to-school season brings so much excitement—big milestones, new supplies, and fresh start energy! But for many children (and parents!), it can also bring big worries. 🎒✨

Whether it’s first-day jitters, morning tears, or sudden stomachaches right before heading out the door, separation anxiety is a completely natural response as kids adapt to new routines, teachers, and environments.

At NJ4S Compass, our mission is to ensure our students, parents, and school communities have the practical, actionable tools they need to thrive—not just academically, but emotionally, too. 💙

We’ve put together a quick guide featuring strategies grounded in child development to help ease drop-off distress, foster resilience, and bring a sense of calm back to your morning routine.

👉 Scroll through the graphics below to read the full guide.

📌 Save this post to revisit during those busy September mornings, and share or tag a parent, caregiver, or educator who could use a little extra encouragement and support this school year!