Compassionate Care Every Step of the Way
At Care Plus NJ, Inc., we support the health and wellbeing of children, adolescents, young adults, and their families across northern and central New Jersey.
Through thoughtfully tailored care and compassionate support, our focus is on strengthening families so they can achieve long-term wellness and stability.
Our Approach
Five care umbrellas, working as one connected system.
We serve from initial crises to ongoing care through evidence-based treatment. Each umbrella below opens to a full set of programs designed to meet families where they are — whether that’s the first weeks with a newborn or the years of transition into young adulthood.
Maternal & Family
Children's Crisis Support
Adolescent & Young Adult
Parenting & Behavior Management
School-Based Services
Maternal and Family
From individual counseling to couples and family therapy, we offer a full range of services to help every step of the way.
We support not just the individual, but their entire network of care — including specialized education for partners, family members,
caregivers, and more so they have the tools to succeed.
FSC
Family Support Center
Loving someone does not stop when they’re struggling with addiction. Our
expert team empowers families impacted by addiction through coaching and
education, guiding them toward healing while highlighting their crucial role
in recovery. We also provide support to help their loved one enter treatment
when they’re ready.
Questions or Referrals
Email aspadmissions@careplusnj.org or call 201-778-9093.
Healthy Families
Healthy Families
Welcoming a new baby is a monumental life change, and every family
deserves support. For pregnant women and families with infants under one
year old in Bergen and Hudson Counties (including those receiving TANF
benefits). Through supportive home visits and resource coordination, we
teach skills that promote healthy child development and positive parenting.
Bergen County · Nicole Colamorea
Hudson County · Vanessa Chicas
IECMH
Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health
Behavioral health is an important part of a child’s early development. This
program addresses emotional, behavioral, social, and developmental
challenges in children 12 and under across Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic
Counties. Through clinical interventions, caregiver support, and early
therapeutic engagement, our team helps families build resilience and
strengthen relationships.
Contact · Rachel Sagan
Email rachelp@careplusnj.org or call 201-233-3950.
KNP
Kinship Navigator Program
Supports caregivers — grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives — who
take on the responsibility of raising a family member’s child. Designed
exclusively for families not involved in NJ’s Division of Child Protection &
Permanency. We provide financial assistance for essentials, help navigate
community resources, and help secure Kinship Legal Guardianship.
How to Access
Caregivers can dial 211 for the statewide directory, email kinship@careplusnj.org,
or call 201-398-9110 ext. 5645.
MFC
Maternal & Family Center
Comprehensive behavioral health care — therapy, psychiatric evaluation,
medication management, and family-centered support throughout the
perinatal period (before, during, and after pregnancy, up to two years
postpartum). Our multidisciplinary team helps mothers, partners, and
families strengthen emotional wellness, coping skills, and daily functioning.
Information & Referrals
Call 201-986-5000 and ask for the Maternal & Family Center.
M-WRAP
Maternal Wraparound Program
Dedicated to supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals facing
substance use disorders. We offer specialized care that reduces relapse,
prevents overdose, and improves the lives of parents, their infants, and their
families.
Questions or Referrals
Email aspadmissions@careplusnj.org or call 201-778-9093.
Children's Crisis Support
When immediate help is needed, Care Plus NJ provides support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help children, youth, and families navigate behavioral health crises. This may include concerns such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors, self-harm, anxiety, depression, emotional or behavioral dysregulation, school refusal, family conflict, or other urgent mental health needs.
CMRSS · Children's Mobile
Children's Mobile Response & Stabilization Services
Children’s Mobile offers 24/7 services and rapid response to the needs
of children, youth, and families in crisis in Bergen County. The
program works to keep children safe and stable in their homes,
schools, and communities whenever possible — strengthening family
relationships, addressing immediate stress, and reducing the need for
out-of-home placement or psychiatric hospitalization.
Access via PerformCare* · 24/7
877-652-7624*PerformCare is the Contracted Systems Administrator that serves as
the single point of access to New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care,
supporting youth up to age 21 who may need behavioral health care,
intellectual/developmental disability services, or substance use
treatment.
Adolescent and Young Adult Support
The skills and strengths developed in childhood carry into adult life, helping individuals reach their full potential.
We strive to deliver programming and resources that help adolescents and young adults enter adulthood, take on new
responsibilities, and gain the skills they need to navigate our complicated world.
The CLIMB
Courage, Love, Insight, Motivation & Belief
The CLIMB Program combines behavioral health, substance use, and
addiction treatment for children, adults, and families to work toward
recovery and prevent relapse.
Questions or Referrals
Email aspadmissions@careplusnj.org or call 201-778-9093.
EPY
DCF Referral
Expectant and Parenting Youth
Tailored to young parents, this program provides housing support along with
case management and therapeutic services. It also builds essential life,
childcare, and problem-solving skills and connects youth to community
resources such as healthcare and education to promote child safety and
effective parenting strategies.
Learn More · Maggie Calabrese
margaretca@careplusnj.org · 201-797-2660 ext. 5478
Referrals must come from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
Gambling
Gambling Disorder Program
While it might seem like a harmless pastime, the consequences of
compulsive gambling can be devastating. We provide resources so
individuals can overcome these addictive behaviors and regain control of
their lives.
Questions or Referrals
Email aspadmissions@careplusnj.org or call 201-778-9093.
LifeSet
DCF Referral
LifeSet
A program of Youth Villages that provides young adults involved in NJ’s
Division of Child Protection & Permanency with the support and guidance
they need to successfully age into adulthood. We provide life skills training,
case management, 24/7 on-call support, and more.
Learn More · Jamie Lagana
jamiel@careplusnj.org · 201-797-2660 ext. 5635
Referrals must come from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
PACES
Pathways to Academic & Career Exploration to Success
Supports youth in foster care as they seek post-secondary education and
workforce readiness. Through case management and academic and career
coaching, we empower them to achieve their educational and employment
goals.
Questions or Referrals · Jamie Lagana
STRIVE
Strive for Independent Parenting
Youth entering adulthood from the child welfare system are often not
prepared for the responsibilities of life, leading to unstable living
environments or homelessness. STRIVE is a tailored life skills and
independent living program allowing youth ages 18–21 to live in safe, stable
community-based units while they work to improve their lives — receiving
supportive case management and clinical services along the way.
Information & Referrals · Ashley Mendoza
Parenting and Behavior Management
Creating a stable home takes the whole family. Along with our dedicated child services, we support parents and caregivers by
equipping them with practical strategies to strengthen family bonds, support their children, and handle challenging behaviors.
FPS · Families First
DCP&P Referral
Family Preservation Services
Provides intensive, 24/7 in-home support, family education, and crisis
intervention for children and families at risk of out-of-home placement or
returning home following placement. Services strengthen parenting and
coping skills, support safe reunification, and help prevent future placements.
General Inquiries
Call 201-797-2660.
Referrals must come from New Jersey’s Division of Child Protection & Permanency.
Intercept®
DCP&P Referral
Intercept
A Youth Villages program. This intensive, in-home program is designed to
address a wide range of complex child and family challenges for those at risk
of or currently in out-of-home placement. Our team targets emotional or
behavioral issues, abuse, and neglect through personalized care to reduce
foster care placement and promote family reunification — with 24/7 on-call
crisis care.
Learn More · Jamie Lagana
jamiel@careplusnj.org · 201-797-2660 ext. 5635
Referrals must come from New Jersey’s Division of Child Protection & Permanency.
IIC
PerformCare Authorization
Intensive In-Community Services
If a child receives Children’s Mobile services, they may be eligible for
continued support. This short-term service connects children with an in-
home clinician to provide dedicated, therapeutic care for navigating
behavioral health challenges or significant trauma.
Referral Pathway
Referrals must come from Children’s Mobile or a Care Management Organization,
and be authorized through PerformCare.
Triple P
Positive Parenting Program
Triple P gives parents the skills they need to raise confident, healthy children
and build stronger family relationships. By giving parents simple and
practical strategies they can adopt into their lives, we help them feel more
confident about managing day-to-day family life.
Information & Referrals · Giesel Ussery
Social Skills
Social Skills Group
An 8-session skill-building group for children and adolescents ages 7–16,
focused on social challenges and the skills needed to strengthen
relationships and improve communication with others. A Parent Support
Group runs twice during the 8-session cycle, offering additional family
support.
Information & Referrals · Rachel Weil
School-Based Services
Care Plus NJ partners with school districts throughout New Jersey to provide comprehensive behavioral health and supportive
services that promote the social, emotional, and academic success of students.
Through an integrated, multi-tiered system of support, we deliver prevention, early intervention, crisis response, and clinical
services designed to strengthen school communities and improve student well-being.
Our services are delivered through flexible program models and may include:
To learn more about our school-based service offerings:Visit our School-Based Services website or contact John Paul Simon at johnp@careplusnj.org or 265-8200 ext. 5208
Therapeutic Day School System
Care Plus NJ Subsidiary
Paradigm School System
An approved private day school that provides an emotionally supportive educational setting for students requiring behavioral, emotional, or learning support. Serving middle and high school students, Paradigm combines evidence-based academics with comprehensive therapeutic services and offers an extended school year program.
Referral Pathway
All referrals must come through your school district’s Child Study Team. Visit Paradigm’s website for more information.
Additional School Support
In addition to our on-site services in local school districts, Care Plus NJ is making strides in
innovative care through three unique models of care.
Partnership Model
School Based Access to Care
We partner with school districts to bring on-campus student support together with our full continuum of care. Students and families can access therapy, care coordination, crisis response, and family support with seamless connection to additional services when needed.
For District Partnerships
John Paul Simon · johnp@careplusnj.org · 201-265-8200 ext. 5208
Hub-and-Spoke Network
NJ Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S)
A partnership between Care Plus NJ and four other behavioral health organizations delivering vital prevention, social-emotional support, and clinical services to K–12 students, caregivers, and school staff across Bergen County — bringing essential resources directly into local schools and the broader community.
Contact
Visit the NJ4S Bergen website or email info@nj4sbergen.org.
Group Therapy & Support Groups
In addition to our outpatient services, Care Plus NJ offers a variety of group therapy – support groups and therapeutic group sessions – that enhance the mental and physical well-being of children, teens, and parents who are struggling with social, behavioral, and behavioral health challenges. Consider it a safe, stigma-free place to go to heal mind and body…and just feel better…together.
To sign up or learn more, please call our Admissions team at 201-986-5000. If you are new to Care Plus NJ services, you can request your intake appointment by completing our referral form.
Adolescent Grief Group
Grief manifests in so many ways such as anger, sadness or fear. This group is designed to promote healing and help adolescents & teens develop coping skills due to illness, death, or severe psychological distresstic loss of a family member, friend, or significant person in their life. Our grief counselors are available and can help address a wide range of needs through age-based support groups that break the isolation grief often brings.
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
ALLIES
Care Plus NJ presents ALLIES (Acceptance, Life, Leadership, Identity, Education and Support), a individual identity population group wellness and support group for grade 9-12.
Research indicates that individual identity population group youth who have peer-to-peer connectedness are more likely to have overall improved Behavioral Health standing and sense of well-being than individual identity population group youth who lack connectedness and social support. The ALLIES wellness and support group provides that and more.
Grades 9-12
Freedom From Anxiety
Freedom From Anxiety is an intervention group for youth struggling with anxiety symptoms. This group is an interactive treatment program that addresses anxiety in youth and teaches healthy coping strategies to manage their thoughts and feelings in a positive way.
The program integrates a behavioral approach (such as relaxation training and interactive activities) as well as a cognitive approach (including problem-solving). This group setting encourages healthy interpersonal relationships.
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Toolbox for Wellness
The Care Plus NJ Toolbox for Wellness group is a 10-week therapeutic group for adolescents in grades 9-12. This group is designed for youth experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression who are interested in developing coping skills to manage and process situations in a healthy way. Participants will gain peer support in an welcoming of participation environment and learn how our thoughts can impact both mood and behaviors. Through the use of the evidence-based treatment modality, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), participants will be better able to replace or reframe negative thoughts and fill their Behavioral Health toolbox with crucial tools to help manage their everyday lives.
Grades 9-12
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training Program
The DBT Skills Training Program provides education on the balance of acceptance and change while helping participants understand how behavioral patterns influence thoughts, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships. The program focuses on developing and practicing healthy coping strategies to manage distress, regulate emotions, and improve communication and relationships. The goal is to support positive behavior change by encouraging participants, and when appropriate, their support systems, to consistently practice these skills in daily life.
Adult & Adolescent DBT Skills Training
Ages 13 – 17
Ages 18 and older
Funding & Collaboration
Many of our child-serving programs operate through partnerships with state and federal entities.
We are proud to work alongside the agencies and partners that make this work possible — ensuring children and families
across New Jersey have access to the right care at the right time.