Reaching out for mental health care can be intimidating, especially when you aren’t sure what to expect. At Acenda, we aim to keep you informed and prepared from the moment you reach out for services.
To learn more about how to reach out, how to prepare before a call and what to expect from the process, Elizabeth Romero, Program Supervisor for Acenda’s Access Center, shared her insights.
Who do I contact for Acenda services?
Acenda offers more than 100 services focused on mental and behavioral health, addiction and recovery, support for mothers and families and more. If you are seeking integrated health services at Acenda — including counseling and therapy — you should contact the Access Center, our central intake hub, at 833-584-9165.
If you are unsure what programs Acenda offers, head to our library of service pages to check the information for specific programs. There, you will find information about eligibility, what to expect and how to connect with that program directly.
What happens when I contact the Access Center?
When you reach out to the Access Center, a representative will ask you a series of questions to better understand your needs, determine your eligibility, and connect you with appropriate services.
According to Romero, you may be asked about:
- the Acenda services you are interested in,
- the county you reside in,
- your availability for scheduling,
- verifying your insurance,
- and any preferences you may have regarding your provider and appointment type (such as virtual or in person visits).
Additionally, be sure to allow enough time for the conversation as intakes can take up to 30 minutes.
“Be as open and honest as you can; this will help the Access Center connect you with the right level of care and services,” Romero said.
How do I connect with a specific Acenda program?
Each service page on our website includes program details, eligibility information, what to expect and any specific steps for getting started so that you feel informed before getting started with care.
The Get Care page serves as a central hub for connecting with our team. From there, you can call us, submit a contact form, or request an appointment for eligible services, including Counseling and Recovery Services and Mental Health Urgent Care as well as a link to complete a referral for our Maternal Health programs.
Not sure which program is right for you? That's okay. Our team can help guide you to the appropriate service, answer your questions, and connect you with the right staff member or program. If the service you're looking for has a specialized intake process or direct contact option, we'll point you in the right direction.
Moving Forward
At Acenda, we recognize the bravery and strength it takes to ask for help, especially when it comes to your mental health.
If you feel that you could benefit from the services Acenda offers, don’t hesitate to take that first step and reach out today.
"For current clients seeking additional services, we use the information gathered to determine the most appropriate support," said Elizabeth Romero, Program Supervisor for Acenda’s Access Center. "Clients are then either transferred directly to the appropriate department or program, or we coordinate internally to ensure they are connected with the right team for further assistance.”
Many of Acenda's integrated health services can be accessed through the Access Center. However, because Acenda offers more than 100 programs and services, some programs have their own referral or enrollment process. The best place to start is the program's service page, which provides information about eligibility, program details, and how to connect with that specific service.
Prior to contacting the Access Center you should be ready to provide the following information:
- Basic personal information,
- Insurance information,
- The reason for your call,
- The county where you reside,
- Your availability for scheduling,
- Any preferences regarding your provider and appointment type (such as virtual or in person services).
Having this information ready will keep your call as efficient and helpful as possible.
The Access Center’s phone number is 833-584-9165.
The amount of time it takes to get an appointment is dependent on the program. If you would like to check ahead of reaching out to enroll, navigate to our Services page and select the program you are interested in.
Acenda’s Mental Health Urgent Care locations in Gloucester and Cape May counties provide same-day support and welcome walk-ins during operating hours. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Reach out to Acenda today through our Get Care page.
About the Authors
Elizabeth Romero, program supervisor at Acenda’s Access Center since 2024, assists callers and clients in identifying and connecting with the services best suited to them. She is passionate about helping others and knows firsthand how important it is to listen, understand, and respond with care.
Riley de Jong, the content & engagement strategist with Acenda’s Brand, Marketing & Engagement team, attended the University of California – Los Angeles for her undergraduate degree in Communication and minor in Entrepreneurship. She enjoys supporting her community, telling engaging stories, and connecting with others.
