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Care Plus NJ strives for excellence in behavioral health, addiction recovery, and community-based services. Our goal is to offer affordable, available, and holistic-centered care that empowers individuals to reach their full potential and enhance their quality of life.
Care Plus NJ, Inc. was established as Mid-Bergen Community Mental Health Center to provide “high quality, low cost” mental health services.
Became a National Institute of Behavioral Health grantee to deliver high quality service to those with serious and persistent mental illness.
Developed the Psychiatric Emergency Screening Program for Bergen County, which provides 24/7 crisis intervention and screening services.
Began specialized programming for dually diagnosed individuals suffering from substance abuse and mental illness.
Merged with the Fair Lawn Behavioral Health Center to expand geographic reach and children’s services, under the umbrella of the newly named Care Plus NJ, Inc.
Services for children and youth grew significantly with the addition of the statewide Adoption House program and the designation as the Children’s Mobile Response and Stabilization System in Bergen County.
A new social enterprise, Care Plus NJ Workforce Solutions, was created to employ individuals with mental and physical functional limitations.
Care Plus NJ was one of 13 organizations selected nationally by the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of the first cohort to receive four-year funding for Integrated Primary and Behavioral Health Care Services.
Designated New Jersey’s first certified Behavioral Health Home to ensure primary, behavioral health, and social service needs were met for adults with Medicaid.
Played an integral role in the Bergen County accomplishments of ending Veteran homelessness and chronic homelessness, in conjunction with the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center.
The newly created entity, Care Plus NJ Bergen, was awarded operational management of the former Bergen Regional Medical Center, with partnership from Integrity House and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Designated as one of only seven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in New Jersey to provide integrated, holistic care through the CCBHC demonstration project launch.
Opened Paradigm School System, a New Jersey Department of Education-approved private school for students ages 12-21.
Care Plus NJ and NJ First Lady Tammy Murphy celebrate ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate opening of its Maternal and Family Center.
President, CEO, and Care Plus NJ Founder Joe Masciandaro retires from the organization after more than four decades of leadership. Brigitte Johnson, Esq., in-house counsel and Executive Senior Vice President, is selected to serve as our new CEO and President.
Belief refers to the confidence, faith, and conviction that individuals have in their ability to overcome addiction, make positive changes in their lives, and maintain long-term recovery. In substance use recovery learning self efficacy (self-belief), challenging negative beliefs, creating a positive mindset, and investing in new values gained from addressing one’s substance use disorder and Behavioral Health issues – improves oneself, relationships, and the future.
Every patient at Care Plus NJ has access to Behavioral Health professionals, including psychiatrists, and psychologists. In addition, each is assigned a case manager, drug and alcohol counselor, and peer recovery specialist who play a pivotal role in the treatment process.
As a Behavioral Health professional, they guide education, group therapy and support groups and other Behavioral Health services as indicated based on each persons needs.
Motivation refers to the internal drive, desire, and commitment of an individual to initiate and sustain positive changes in their behavior, lifestyle, and overall well-being. It is a crucial factor in the C.L.I.M.B. recovery process, as overcoming addiction often requires significant effort, perseverance, and a genuine commitment to change.
Motivated individuals in recovery set clear and realistic goals for themselves. Utilizing the stages of change model, Care Plus NJ walks patients through various stages of a substance use disorder, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse prevention. Understanding these stages helps individuals navigate their unique recovery journey.
Insight refers to a deep and clear understanding of oneself, one’s behaviors, and the factors contributing to substance abuse. It involves gaining awareness into the root causes of addiction, recognizing patterns of behavior, and developing a clearer understanding of the impact of substance use on various aspects of one’s life. Insight is a critical component of the recovery process as it provides a foundation for positive change and sustained recovery.
Insight involves exploring the underlying issues that may contribute to drug abuse, such as past severe psychological distresss, Behavioral Health issues, or unresolved emotional challenges. Addressing these root causes is essential for long-term recovery.
Courage in the context of recovering from drug addiction, refers to the ability to confront and overcome the challenges and fears associated with the recovery process in a person’s life. It involves facing one’s vulnerabilities, acknowledging the need for change, and taking positive steps toward a healthier and drug-free life.
Love plays a significant and multifaceted role in the process of recovery from drug and substance abuse. Having a network of supportive and understanding family members, friends, or partners is immensely valuable during the recovery journey. Community, fellowship and support groups emphasize the importance of connection with others who understand the challenges of addiction. Repairing relationships damaged by substance use often involves acts of love, forgiveness, and rebuilding trust.
In essence, love in the context of substance use recovery encompasses self-love, support from others, understanding, accountability, community, rebuilding relationships, and a renewed appreciation for life.
