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Brigitte D. Johnson, JD

President / Chief Executive Officer

Brigitte is an accomplished attorney, specializing in healthcare governance, corporate compliance, and employment law. She has served in a leadership capacity at Care Plus NJ for the past twenty-five years, as a Vice President of Corporate Affairs, promoted in 2017 to the position of Executive Senior VP, and in January 2023, assumed the role of President/CEO at Care Plus NJ.

As President/CEO, she has the overall responsibility for the provision of mental health, addiction, and primary care services to over 14,000 adults and children annually, serving multiple Northern NJ Counties, and employing over 530 staff. She provides operational, and revenue management oversight, responsible for the organization’s strategic plan, and implementation of culture leadership. She has direct supervision and management of the C-Suite consisting of the CFO, CIO, Senior Vice-Presidents and Medical Leadership Team (Medical Director/Head of Child Psychiatry /Head of Forensic Psychiatry). She further provides corporate oversight to three non-profit subsidiary corporations, which she was instrumental in forming, including a business established to employ disabled/economically disadvantaged individuals and a New Jersey private school for students with emotional disabilities.

Brigitte has worked with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, on lobbying efforts at the State and federal levels to support permanent funding for Certified Community Behavioral Healthcare Clinics (CCBHC) demonstration states, as well as efforts for the expansion of the CCBHC model across the country, to recognize it as a national sustainable integrated model of care. She now works with her team and other NJ stakeholders on efforts to add CCBHCs to the NJ State Plan Amendment.

Brigitte sits on multiple boards and is currently an At-Large Board Member for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, where she also serves as Chair of the Nominating Committee.

Brigitte is a graduate of Howard University School of Law and received her undergraduate BA cum laude from Virginia State University.

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Belief

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.

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Motivation

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.

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Insight

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.

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Courage

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.

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Love

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.

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