For Immediate Release:
Paramus, N.J. (May 12, 2025) — CarePlus NJ, a leading nonprofit provider of integrated mental health, substance use disorder, and primary care services,] proudly announces that Lisa Centeno, Senior Vice President of Integration and Access to Care, has been awarded the Transformative Leadership for Co-Occuring Disorders Treatment Award by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health & Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA). Centeno received the award at the NJAMHAA 2025 Spring Conference on April 8th for her commitment to [advancing integrated care and eliminating barriers for individuals living with co-occurring disorders.
Centeno spearheaded the formation of CarePlus NJ’s C.L.I.M.B. (Courage, Love, Insight, Motivation, Belief) Program, an innovative and integrated approach to personalized substance use disorder treatment. The C.L.I.M.B. program takes a unique approach to addiction treatment by offering individuals ages 13 and older greater choice and autonomy in the services they receive and the schedule in which they participate. Clients are empowered with a treatment menu that allows them to explore topics and behaviors that support their recovery journey and mental wellness. Centeno designed the program to empower individuals with personalized care, flexible support, and improved access to meet people where they are on their recovery journey.
Building on that commitment to accessible, person-centered care, Centeno also led the expansion of CarePlus NJ’s Open Access Walk-In Mental Health Centers in Bergen and Essex Counties. These centers provide immediate access and comprehensive care for adults, children, and families experiencing worsening mental health and addiction-related symptoms, ensuring individuals and families can easily access the support they need. Services include rapid evaluations, psychiatric assessments, individual and family therapy, crisis intervention services, medication management, school and behavioral support, peer support and case management, and referrals to specialized services.
“Integrated care isn’t just a model, it’s a lifeline for individuals facing the complex challenges of substance use and mental health conditions,” said Centeno. “At CarePlus NJ, we’re breaking down barriers through programs like C.L.I.M.B. and expanding open-access centers to provide immediate, compassionate, and comprehensive care. I’m grateful to the CarePlus team for helping advance our mission of delivering high-quality affordable behavioral health and social support programs to individuals and families at every stage of life. Thank you to NJAMHAA for this recognition. I’m proud to stand alongside so many dedicated professionals committed to transforming behavioral healthcare in New Jersey and beyond.”
To learn more about CarePlus NJ, the C.L.I.M.B or the Open Access Walk-In Mental Health Centers, please visit https://careplusnj.org/
CarePlus NJ is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated mental health, substance use disorder, and primary care services for adults and children across northern New Jersey. As one of the first Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers in the U.S., CarePlus NJ sets the gold standard in delivering accessible, high-quality care regardless of diagnosis or insurance status. With over 80 specialized programs, the organization serves nearly 14,000 individuals annually, offering a full continuum of behavioral health and social support services that empower people to reach their full potential. Committed to equity and innovation, CarePlus NJ works to remove barriers to care and improve the overall well-being of the communities it serves.
For more information, visit CarePlusNJ.org.
Media Contact:
Heather Dickerson
R&J Strategic Communications
hdickerson@randjsc.com
201-874-3859
CarePlus NJ, INC. is dedicated to excellence in mental healthcare and has a commitment to life-long support needed by individuals and their families to ensure that they achieve their full potential and improve the quality of their lives.
