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The Best Local Online Counseling in Newark, NJ
If there's one universal truth about humans, it's that at some point in our lives, we have to work through difficult circumstances. When that happens, we often need someone to talk to - someone we can trust who can give us an unbiased opinion or advice. Sometimes, that person is a family member or close friend. In some situations, however, only a qualified professional like a therapist will work. If that sounds familiar, don't be ashamed because you're most certainly not alone. According to recent statistics, in the U.S., approximately 55.8 million adults needed treatment or counseling for mental health reasons in 2022.
If you've been thinking about mental health treatment, you may be considering virtual therapy with an online counselor. Online therapy gives you the chance to connect with licensed therapists and mental health coaches without needing to set foot in a traditional therapy setting. Working with an online therapist can be every bit as effective as seeing an in-person therapist. From anxiety disorders to stress management, virtual therapy provides help for mental health concerns without the need to sit for long periods in a therapist's waiting room. If you're in search of counseling online in Newark, NJ, ZenZone Health is among the best choices available.
Online Counseling Services
- The Best Local Online Counseling in Newark, NJ
- ZenZone Health: Online Counseling When You Need It Most
- Booking an Online Therapy Session is Easy at ZenZone Health
- Exploring the Many Benefits of Online Counseling in Newark, NJ
- When is the Best Time to Seek Counseling Online in Newark, NJ?
- Nurturing Your Mental Health One Session at a Time
ZenZone Health: Online CounselingWhen You Need It Most
At ZenZone Health, our team of licensed therapists and mental health coaches are committed to delivering reliable and collaborative mental health care to those who need it most. With extensive experience in our field, we recognize the significance of customized, compassionate treatment for mental health. That's why we approach treatment in a comprehensive manner, taking into account each client's specific needs and wellness goals. Our virtual therapists use evidence-based methods to help clients develop resilience and build coping skills that they can use every day.
We know that reaching out for help when you have mental health challenges can be tough, which is why we always offer a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere for our clients. We emphatically believe that everyone should have access to quality mental health care and work hard to ensure that our services are easy to understand and affordable for all.
Our telehealth therapists in Newark, NJ, focus on a range of specialties, including:
- Depression Therapy
- Anxiety Therapy
- Stress Management
- First Break Psychosis
- Mood Disorders & Bipolar
- Panic Attacks & Panic Disorders
- Family Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Grief & Loss
- PTSD
- Substance Use Disorder
- Business Consulting
- Wellness Coaching
Booking an Online Therapy Session is Easy at ZenZone Health
Some online counseling websites make booking a session convoluted and confusing. We strive to make the process streamlined and simple. We're also committed to matching you with quality therapists. In fact, the president of ZenZone Health conducts a free 15-minute assessment for every one of our new patients. By relying on a trained, licensed professionals, instead of an algorithm, we can pair you with a counselor who has experience best suited to your needs.
Here's how to Request Information:
Schedule Your Initial Appointment
Fill out the appointment request form on our website or call our office today to discuss how to Request Information with counseling online.
Ongoing Therapy
Once we have completed your initial appointment, you're in the Zone. At this point, you continue to make progress in your virtual coaching or therapy sessions.
Package Savings Program
We want to maintain and build on the progress you're making at ZenZone Health, which is why we created our wellness program, which helps make sure you're in the Zone you want and deserve to be in. This program is dedicated finding the right package for you, to schedule continual sessions 1x per week, 2x per month, what ever is right for you and the price point suited for you.
Insurance
Navigating insurance for online counseling can be a headache, but we go out of our way to make it as easy as possible for you by working with many insurance companies and plans. In some instances, and depending on licensure, we can take your insurance. Please call or message us for more details.
FAQs About Online Counseling and Therapy from ZenZone Health
Therapy will be different for each person, depending on their issues and goals. Typically, sessions involve discussing current events, personal history, and progress from previous sessions. Therapy can be short-term or longer-term, and it's common to have regular weekly sessions. Active participation is important for results, and your therapist may suggest activities outside of sessions to support your progress. Therapy is for those ready to make positive changes, open to new perspectives, and willing to take responsibility for their lives.
Therapy can help with mental and emotional problems better than medication alone. Therapy does more than just treat symptoms; it also addresses the causes of distress and the behavior patterns that limit progress. An integrated approach to wellness is best for long-term growth and well-being. Your doctor can help you decide whether medication, therapy, or both are the right choice for you.
Everyone experiences difficult times in life, and while you may have effectively dealt with other challenges you've encountered, there's no shame in reaching out for extra assistance when you require it. Seeking therapy is actually a sign of self-awareness and strength, as it indicates that you recognize the need for support. By seeking therapy, you are demonstrating accountability for your current circumstances and showing a commitment to making a change. Therapy offers enduring advantages and guidance, equipping you with the necessary skills to avoid potential triggers, redirect harmful behaviors, and conquer any obstacles that come your way.
Now that you know more about what makes ZenZone Health different, let's dig deeper into the benefits of telehealth therapy sessions and who benefits the most from them.
Anxiety, Stress, and Depression: How ZenZone Telehealth Therapists in Newark, NJ Help
In today's fast-paced world, mental health disorders are increasingly common and impacting millions of lives worldwide. In the Southeast United States, the prevalence of these disorders has led to the development of specialized treatments and therapies. In this pursuit, ZenZone Health has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering exceptional services in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, and stress management.
A Personalized Approach to Mental Health
What sets ZenZone Health apart from other remote therapists is our personalized approach to therapy. We understand that every person who needs therapy has unique needs and goals. That's why we develop customized treatment plans that address those needs and goals in a structured, compassionate manner. By providing you with a custom treatment plan, we can help ensure that you get the highest quality, most effective interventions possible, leading to positive outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
Depression Therapy from ZenZone Health
Struggling with depression can feel like an ongoing battle, overshadowing everyday life. At ZenZone Health, our depression therapy brings a glimmer of hope to those facing this challenging condition. Our licensed therapists use proven techniques to create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their feelings and build effective coping strategies. By combining psychotherapy and counseling, patients are gently guided toward healing and self-discovery.
Stress and Anxiety Therapy at ZenZone Health
Chronic stress has become a widespread concern in today's modern society, impacting individuals of all age groups. ZenZone Health offers stress management programs that provide practical tools to effectively deal with life's pressures. Our experienced therapists empower clients with relaxation techniques and time management strategies to help achieve balance amidst the chaos.
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, making even simple tasks seem like huge challenges. At ZenZone Health, our anxiety therapy is customized to tackle the underlying issues that your brain won't let go of. Our therapists work closely with you, using cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices to help you handle anxious thoughts and behaviors. Through personalized sessions, you can learn to take back control and live a more peaceful and balanced life.
Trauma & PTSD Therapy at ZenZone Health
At ZenZone Health, we understand that the aftermath of trauma can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of your life. Our specialized PTSD and trauma therapy programs are designed to help you regain control and find peace. Using evidence-based techniques, our compassionate therapists work with you to process traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies. Whether through cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, or mindfulness practices, we provide a safe and supportive environment for healing. At ZenZone Health, we are dedicated to helping you move forward, reclaim your life, and achieve lasting well-being.
Exploring the Many Benefits of Online Counseling in Newark, NJ
Studies indicate that therapy is generally effective and offers numerous advantages. Therapy can help you recognize sources of distress, gain better self-understanding, and reach your goals. While traditional in-person counseling is an option for many, it's not for everyone. Here are some of the biggest benefits of online therapy:
Access to Support When Living in Remote Areas
Online therapy provides mental health support to individuals living in rural or remote areas who may not have access to traditional in-person therapy due to a lack of local mental health services. Seeking face-to-face therapy in such cases often involves long drives and significant time commitments, which can be challenging for those with busy schedules. However, with reliable internet access, telehealth therapy sessions offer a convenient and relatively quick way to access treatment that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.
Affordable and Convenient
While this wasn't always the case, modern counseling online is usually quite affordable and convenient. You can schedule therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home at times that suit you best. Plus, many states now mandate that insurance providers cover online therapy just like traditional therapy (you should contact your insurance company to see if telehealth counseling is covered). Add that to the fact that telehealth is generally affordable even without insurance coverage, and you can see why so many people check in with their counselors on a weekly and even daily basis.
Access to Counseling if You're Physically Disabled
When you're disabled physically, everyday tasks like getting dressed and running errands can be extremely frustrating. Unfortunately, disabled men and women often forego therapy because they can't make it to the therapist's office. Online therapy offers a way for people with disabilities or limited mobility to access mental health care. A therapist working from home may not have the facilities to cater to clients with different needs, but with online counseling, you can still access quality care.
Better Availability
Telehealth therapy sessions in Newark, NJ offer an easier way for people to connect with a counselor, especially for those who need help but might be deterred by various obstacles. Individuals struggling with mental health issues like social anxiety disorder, depression, mood disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder may find it difficult to motivate themselves to seek out a therapist, book appointments, and travel to their office for the initial and subsequent meetings.
If booking an appointment with a traditional therapist isn't in the cards, it could be time to try counseling online.
Therapy is More Approachable
The internet has made mental health treatment more accessible. People might find it easier to discuss physical health problems with friends and family than mental health concerns. However, online access can help overcome the stigma associated with mental health issues. Teletherapy can also be a valuable tool for learning more about mental health and strengthening your psychological well-being, even if you're not struggling with mental health issues.
A Note from ZenZone Health: If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 on your phone. You can contact this number 24/7, day or night.
When is the Best Time to Seek Counseling Online in Newark, NJ?
If you're reading this, chances are you or a loved one is struggling in life. You may be dealing with added stress at work, grieving after a traumatic life event, or working through a rocky relationship. Dealing with these issues alone can be challenging. But asking for help can be, too. That's especially true when you're dealing with mental health issues. Fortunately, a licensed therapist may be able to provide the support and tools you need to get back to a normal life. If you're wondering whether you need online counseling, keep these situations in mind.
Living with Substance Abuse Problems
Dealing with addictions, whether it's substance abuse or behavioral addictions like gambling, can feel incredibly daunting. Therapy is an essential part of the recovery process as it delves into the underlying causes of these issues. With help from remote therapists, you develop skills to help maintain sobriety and prevent relapses. For example, if you're struggling with alcohol addiction, an online therapist can help you identify triggers and teach you new, healthier ways to cope with those triggers instead of using alcohol.
Dealing with Relationship Issues
Relationship struggles can be a huge motivating factor for seeking therapy. These issues may involve friends, romantic partners, or family members. For instance, a couple may turn to couples counseling to address communication or trust issues. An online counselor can assist individuals in resolving these issues and developing improved communication skills, boundaries, and coping strategies.
Symptoms of a Mental Health Condition
Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, and PTSD can significantly disrupt daily life. Symptoms can manifest as constant feelings of worry or frequent headaches. Therapy, along with medication or lifestyle adjustments, can be an effective treatment for mental health. For example, a person with anxiety might learn relaxation techniques to manage stress levels with the help of a therapist. Similarly, someone experiencing depression may learn coping skills to maintain a more positive outlook on life.
New Challenges in Life
Dealing with common - albeit challenging - events in life, like losing a job, coping with grief, or undergoing major changes, can be very disruptive. If you find yourself losing interest in your usual activities, it could be a sign of a mental health condition like major depressive disorder. Therapy offers essential support and guidance for managing these issues, which can help individuals overcome their obstacles. For instance, a person grieving the loss of a loved one may benefit from online counseling as they navigate through their emotions. Similarly, someone who has relocated to a new city might find online therapy beneficial as they adapt to their new home, community, and workplace.
Trauma from Childhood
Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on people as they mature. Virtual therapy with a licensed professional can assist people in processing these experiences and recovering from them, which may help them comprehend and address any existing issues. For instance, individuals who experienced neglect as children can work through feelings of abandonment in therapy, potentially alleviating the anxiety they may be feeling in their romantic relationship.
Nurturing Your Mental Health One Session at a Time
In the pursuit of mental wellness, ZenZone Health stands as your steadfast ally, offering specialized therapies that cater to a range of mental health and lifestyle challenges. Through our expertise in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, and stress management, we aren't just providing treatments; we're offering a lifeline to those struggling with mental health disorders. When you trust ZenZone Health for online therapy in Newark, NJ, you're taking the first step toward rediscovering joy in your life, one session at a time. Contact us today to learn more about telehealth therapy and how our providers can help you overcome the hurdles holding you back.
Latest News in Newark, NJ
As kids fail, Newark school officials hit the road with taxpayer money – again | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorialhttps://www.nj.com/opinion/2024/10/as-kids-fail-newark-school-officials-hit-the-road-with-taxpayer-money-again-editorial.html
For school officials in Newark, it’s going to be a fun October! They’re off on big trips to conferences in Dallas, Atlantic City, and Las Vegas.At least 18 school board members and district staffers are headed to sunny Dallas, 14 are going to Atlantic City and 10 will be traveling to a conference at the Bellagio in Vegas, including the superintendent, according to expense reports approved by the school board. It’s costing a total of nearly $70,000 so far, and that’s just this month. Who knows what adventures th...
For school officials in Newark, it’s going to be a fun October! They’re off on big trips to conferences in Dallas, Atlantic City, and Las Vegas.
At least 18 school board members and district staffers are headed to sunny Dallas, 14 are going to Atlantic City and 10 will be traveling to a conference at the Bellagio in Vegas, including the superintendent, according to expense reports approved by the school board. It’s costing a total of nearly $70,000 so far, and that’s just this month. Who knows what adventures the rest of the year will bring?
This travel around the country has become a habit, one we’ve written about multiple times before. Last October, for instance, at least 19 school officials in Newark including the superintendent attended a conference at a luxury waterfront hotel in San Diego with a poolside bar that served $20 cocktails, tuna niçoise and Wagyu beef.
The year before that, the district sent staffers and board members to countless sunny places like Palm Springs, Orlando, Puerto Rico, Last Vegas, New Orleans and Hawaii for conferences – including at least ten people to both San Diego and Miami. It’s an annual tradition, apparently.
And once again, Newark’s superintendent, Roger León, and the president of the school board, Hasani Council, are refusing to explain why the district needs to send so many people on these trips, or how exactly this helps the academic performance of kids in Newark, most of whom are struggling.
Only 29% are proficient in reading and just 15% are doing math at grade level, according to the state tests last Spring, which is truly alarming – and represents only a 2% improvement in reading and math skills over the previous year.
School officials should be in crisis mode and focused on fighting learning loss, not planning costly excursions. For roughly the same price as this $70,000 spent on travel, you could provide dozens of kids with high dosage tutoring sessions three times a week for several months, for instance.
State regulation says travel to conferences should be “limited to the fewest number” of board members and employees, but the district tells us all the upcoming travel was approved by the Essex County superintendent, Joseph Zarra, who did not respond to our call to discuss it.
Newark’s school board approved these upcoming Dallas and Vegas trips in August, shortly before the school year began in chaos for families of kids with disabilities. Some missed the first week of classes entirely because district schools had no available seats for them, their parents told Chalkbeat – something a spokesperson told us Superintendent León cannot discuss, for student confidentiality reasons. Right.
He and the president of the school board, Council, are slated to go to Dallas, Atlantic City and Vegas and will be out of the district for half of October. In statements, they told us they don’t choose the locations of conferences, which provide “valuable insights,” León said, an opportunity for networking and “sharing best practices of our district,” as if other schools are eager to learn the secrets of Newark’s failing performance.
Council, the board president, is legally barred from complaining about León, even if he wanted to, since his father is an employee of the district. That’s a clear conflict of interest with his role overseeing the superintendent. What a perfect mess.
León previously told us that Newark is a “truly high performing district” that other districts are learning from: “By any objective measure, the progress that Newark’s schools are making is undeniably incredible.” Given the scores and failure to make significant improvements, that’s delusional.
For a moment, give him the benefit and assume there may be some value in these conferences – like the one in Dallas held by an advocacy group for urban schools, the Council of the Great City Schools, of which León and Council serve in leadership positions. Even then, why send 18 people? The average superintendent goes to only two to four conferences a year, and board members go to maybe one or two, according to Betsy Ginsburg, head of the Garden State Coalition of Schools, which represents about 100 New Jersey districts of varying sizes. Newark makes a habit of it, with a crowd.
The few who go report back to the others, Ginsburg says. That’s just common sense, and what many districts will do for the school boards convention this month in Atlantic City – because those who don’t go can just do their trainings online. “Most of them are busy and don’t have that much time for conferences,” she said.
On top of that, other districts are losing state funding and forced to lay off teachers, she notes. “A third of the districts probably could barely afford to send people to Atlantic City, let alone anywhere else,” she said. “Imagine if you were contemplating sending even one board member to an out-of-town conference at the same when you’re laying off teachers. That’s bad educationally, bad optically; that’s just bad.”
Right. And it’s the same when kids are failing in Newark.
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As the head of the Newark Teachers Union, John Abeigon, said after all the previous travel came to light, “The city’s education system is obviously, according to the state tests, in crisis. We’re in recovery mode…And it’s a slap in the face for teachers who have to plan months in advance to document and rationalize, in a five-page application, a trip to the Turtle Back Zoo.” Advice that apparently fell on deaf ears.
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Letter: Public Charter Schools Change Lives
Nathan Duguidhttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/newark/sections/education/articles/letter-public-charter-schools-change-lives
As a Newark public charter high school graduate and current Rutgers student, I know the value a great education can bring. It’s why I help mentor current high school students in my home city through Rutgers’ Center for Precollege Programs. And it’s why I want to someday teach here.Charter schools are free, public and open to all. Public charter schools like Great Oaks Legacy Charter School, which educates over 1,000 students in Newark, are providing an excellent education to students in New Jersey’s most unders...
As a Newark public charter high school graduate and current Rutgers student, I know the value a great education can bring. It’s why I help mentor current high school students in my home city through Rutgers’ Center for Precollege Programs. And it’s why I want to someday teach here.
Charter schools are free, public and open to all. Public charter schools like Great Oaks Legacy Charter School, which educates over 1,000 students in Newark, are providing an excellent education to students in New Jersey’s most underserved communities. Last year in Newark, Black and Brown students enrolled in public charter schools beat the statewide average in literacy—a notable achievement, considering the nationwide struggle with literacy since the pandemic.
It is important that elected leaders support quality education options like Great Oaks.That is why I remain an advocate for my school and other public charter schools in New Jersey, even after I’ve graduated. It’s also why I am an advocate for civic participation among students, especially 16- and 17-year-olds who were just given the right to vote in school board elections in Newark this year.
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At Great Oaks I led our school’s Advocacy Club and was President of Student Government, working with my peers to promote voter registration efforts and advocate to city officials for needs in our community.
I testified before state Senate lawmakers on the need to fairly fund public charter school facilities and performed at a prominent national education conference in Boston with a song I wrote to honor and inspire our educators.
My charter school experience propelled me into opportunities I never thought possible. Every child in the state and across the country deserves these opportunities, and as an advocate and future educator I will continue striving for this goal.
My experience at Great Oaks has helped shape the person I am today. Great Oaks has given me the tools and the platform to pursue my dreams and make a difference in my community.
A great school can truly change your life.
Nathan DuguidNewark, NJ
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed herein are the writer's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the writer. Click here for TAPinto's Letters to the Editor policy.
Do you have an opinion on something happening in your town or about a story you read on TAPinto? Submit a letter to the editor here.
UNCF New Jersey National Walk for Education
Shannique Taylorhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/calendar/event/20241012/aedd220a-279d-493f-8564-2445aa8352a6/uncf-new-jersey-national-walk-for-education
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Newark|Local EventSat, Oct 12, 2024 at 9:00 AMBrookdale Park, Bloomfield, NJ, 07003The National UNCF Walk for Education is a nationwide initiative to raise the critical funds UNCF needs to fulfill our mission of support to our member HBCUs and to help students pursue their educational e...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Newark|Local Event
- Sat, Oct 12, 2024 at 9:00 AM
- Brookdale Park, Bloomfield, NJ, 07003
The National UNCF Walk for Education is a nationwide initiative to raise the critical funds UNCF needs to fulfill our mission of support to our member HBCUs and to help students pursue their educational endeavors and prepare for active participation in society.
This is a family- friendly event. Children 11 & under are Free
To register, please visit: www.uncf.org/NewJerseyWalk
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Nurses at Newark’s University Hospital approve contract, dodging strike
Dana DiFilippohttps://newjerseymonitor.com/briefs/nurses-at-newarks-university-hospital-approve-contract-dodging-strike/
Nurses at University Hospital in Newark voted overwhelmingly Friday to ratify a new three-year contract, averting a strike that threatened to cripple care at New Jersey’s only public hospital.The primary sticking point had been the union’s demand for 5:1 patient-to-worker ratios. Burned-out nurses said they had too many patients to safely handle, while univer...
Nurses at University Hospital in Newark voted overwhelmingly Friday to ratify a new three-year contract, averting a strike that threatened to cripple care at New Jersey’s only public hospital.
The primary sticking point had been the union’s demand for 5:1 patient-to-worker ratios. Burned-out nurses said they had too many patients to safely handle, while university officials insisted their staffing complied with state regulations and they’d hired more than 170 nurses in the past year to reduce vacancies.
The new contract includes 6:1 patient-to-nurse ratios for medical and surgical units, with a commitment to 5:1 by July 2026, according to the union. There will be a 5:1 ratio in pediatrics and 2:1 in intensive care units, the union says. There will also be a staffing committee with registered nurses and management to review compliance and a new wage scale individualized for each job title in a unit, “emphasizing the importance of the work the nurses do,” the union says.
Similar demands for “safe staffing” and higher wages prompted 1,700 nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick to walk off the job last year for four months.
Debbie White, president of Health Professionals and Allied Employees, which represents the Newark nurses, urged state lawmakers to pass a bill that would mandate certain patient-to-staff ratios in New Jersey hospitals.
“Our safe staffing wins benefit patients because we know that limiting the number of patients a nurse can care for at any given time increases the quality of care. Every patient deserves a nurse at the bedside who is not overwhelmed, distracted and stressed,” White said in a statement. “And our fight goes beyond the bargaining table and into the Trenton State House, to urge NJ policymakers to pass these same standards into law.”
In Newark, Friday’s ratification vote by members of Health Professionals and Allied Employees Local 5089 came 11 days after the nurses’ contract expired. University and union officials had met about a dozen times since July to resolve their differences.
The union also negotiated staffing ratios in three other contracts this year with Palisades Medical Center, Englewood Health, and Cooper University Medical.
Nurses say reducing the number of patients assigned to them ensures better patient outcomes and fewer workplace injuries.
Newark students battle with full buses, city traffic to get to school on time, parents say
Jessie Gómezhttps://www.chalkbeat.org/newark/2024/10/11/students-battle-with-full-buses-city-traffic-to-get-to-school-on-time/
Sign up for Chalkbeat Newark’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system.Earlier this school year, Newark Board of Education co-vice president Allison James-Frison said she saw crowded New Jersey Transit buses passing Newark students waiting at bus stops long after they were supposed to be in class.Her own daughter was tardy three times in September because the buses were full a...
Sign up for Chalkbeat Newark’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system.
Earlier this school year, Newark Board of Education co-vice president Allison James-Frison said she saw crowded New Jersey Transit buses passing Newark students waiting at bus stops long after they were supposed to be in class.
Her own daughter was tardy three times in September because the buses were full and drove past her in the morning, she recently told the school board.
James-Frison is not alone. Maggie Freeman, another Newark parent, said she drove her son and his friends to school one morning because NJ Transit buses were late and full.
Newark Public Schools partners with NJ Transit to provide single-use bus tickets and monthly passes to more than 14,000 of Newark’s nearly 40,000 students, according to statistics from the 2022-23 school year. Students are eligible for bus tickets based on a number of factors, such as distance from school and a student’s needs.
In recent months, NJ Transit has been criticized by riders over delays to their bus and train services. But some parents wonder if traffic and transit challenges have been exacerbated this year by a new universal schedule that requires all of the district’s students to be at school by 8:15 a.m.
While it’s unclear if absences or tardy students have increased, the district has noticed the overcrowding and is in conversation with NJ Transit about the issues – the latest in ongoing transportation woes that have plagued the district since the pandemic and as student enrollment has grown.
During the September school board meeting, James-Frison said she wasn’t sure if the fact that “everyone is going to school at the same time” is affecting student commutes but she believes the district “will see an increase in tardiness.”
“When I’m riding through the community, there are a bunch of students that are still waiting at 9:00, 9:30, waiting to get on the bus, because the buses are passing them by. They have the sign on saying it’s full,” James-Frison added.
Newark Public Schools reports monthly attendance data during its school board meetings but it does not report on student tardiness. Attendance data for September 2024 has not been released.
But district transportation inspectors have noticed crowded buses passing students in the mornings. They are in conversation with NJ Transit to fix the problems and will continue to report their findings to the agency, according to district communications director Paul Brubaker.
NJ Transit did not respond to questions about its conversations with the district following complaints.
The public busing complaints come as Newark Public Schools faces rising demand due to increased enrollment and soaring costs. The district also has a history of struggling with bus transportation, a problem heightened by a shortage of school bus drivers that peaked during the pandemic. In previous years, parents of students with disabilities have also had to absorb transportation costs by relying on NJ Transit and Lyft after being left without district-provided transportation at the start of the school year.
Newark’s transportation challenges are similar to problems across other New Jersey districts that have been forced to consolidate bus stops and charge parents for bus services.
Under New Jersey law, the district is required to provide transportation to and from school for elementary school students who live more than two miles from their public school or high school students who live more than two and a half miles from their school.
Overall, the district is spending $60 million on student transportation for the 2024-25 school year, according to Brubaker. The cost includes monthly bus passes and tickets, as well as transportation for athletic teams to sporting events, for students going on field trips, and for students with disabilities. Additionally, the district provides $7 million to charter schools to cover transportation costs for those students as part of the district’s $401 million payment to charter schools, according to this school year’s budget.
The state gave Newark $8.5 million to cover transportation costs this school year, with the rest being paid through the district’s local and general fund, according to Brubaker.
For her part, Freeman emailed NJ Transit requesting more buses on the 99 bus line, a popular route for Newark students to get to city schools, after she had to drive her son, Javon, and his friends to their schools when an overcrowded bus passed them by.
“They were standing there. If I did not take them to school, they would have been late. And they weren’t the only ones,” Freeman added.
In response to Freeman’s email, NJ Transit said they added two additional buses to the 99 route in the mornings and one additional bus in the afternoon peak, according to a copy of the email reviewed by Chalkbeat Newark.
A longtime resident, Freeman believes local traffic and road closures are causing more congestion across the city, making more difficult commutes for students across neighborhoods.
“The district can help advocate for more buses on New Jersey Transit but then it’s like the state has to get involved to help with easing the traffic issues. It’s so many different entities that have to be involved with the plan for moving people in the city,” Freeman said.
Jessie Gómez is a reporter for Chalkbeat Newark, covering public education in the city. Contact Jessie at jgomez@chalkbeat.org.