Welcome to our new website!

18 July 2025

Care Plus NJ’s Brigitte Johnson Named to NJBIZ’s 2025 Leading Women in Business List

Written by

Care Plus NJ

NJBIZ | Featured | Care Plus New Jersey

Paramus, N.J. (July 17, 2025) – Care Plus NJ, a leading nonprofit provider of integrated Behavioral Health, substance use disorder, and primary care services, is proud to announce that President and CEO, Brigitte Johnson, has been named one of NJBIZ’s 2025 Leading Women in Business. This prestigious award recognizes influential individual leaders who are shaping New Jersey’s economic future and inspiring the next generation through professional excellence and community impact. Johnson, along with other honorees, will be celebrated at the NJBIZ Leading Women in Business Awards ceremony on August 19, 2025 from 6p.m. – 9 p.m. at The Palace at Somerset Park.

Johnson has been recognized for her leadership in expanding Care Plus NJ’s impact across northern New Jersey. Under her leadership, Care Plus NJ serves nearly 14,000 people each year across more than 80 specialized programs for adults and children, supporting a wide range of Behavioral Health, addiction and social service needs. With a focus on ensuring everyone has equal access to quality healthcare, Care Plus NJ serves 11 counties and recently expanded its Open Access Behavioral Health Walk-In Centers in Bergen and Essex Counties. These centers provide immediate treatment for adults, children, and families experiencing worsening Behavioral Health or addiction-related symptoms.

Johnson has long been recognized for her leadership and public support activities across the healthcare field. She was recently named a Women in Business Influencer by ROI-NJ in both 2024 and 2025, celebrating her crucial role in expanding Behavioral Health and addiction treatment services to adults and children in northern New Jersey. She has received the Transformational Leadership Award from the New Jersey Association of Behavioral Health & Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) and has been named a Healthcare Hero by NJBIZ. following her exemplary visionary leadership and forward-thinking approach to care.

Brigitte Johnson also holds several board leadership roles at the national, state, and local levels. Nationally, she serves on the Board of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, where she also chairs the Nominating Committee. At the state and local levels, she serves on the Board of the New Jersey Behavioral Health Institute (NJMHI), the Executive Committee of ACCSES-NJ, and the Board of the Bergen County Workforce Investment Board. Most recently, Brigitte was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Behavioral Health Risk Retention Group.

She is a proud alumna of Howard University School of Law and earned her undergraduate degree cum laude from Virginia State University.

About Care Plus NJ

Care Plus NJ is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated Behavioral 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., Care Plus NJ sets the gold standard in delivering available, high-quality care regardless of diagnosis or insurance standing. 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 fairness and innovation, Care Plus NJ works to remove obstacles to care and improve the overall well-being of the communities it serves.

For more information, visit www.careplusnj.org.

Media Contact:
Nicole Doherty
R&J Strategic Communications
ndoherty@randjsc.com
(908) 797-8117

Donate today to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Support our Mission

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.

CLOSE

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.

CLOSE

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.

CLOSE

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.

CLOSE

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.

CLOSE