Care Plus NJ

Care Plus NJ’s Lisa Centeno, Executive Senior Vice President, recently spoke with News 12 New Jersey about the importance of substance use prevention and education, especially as new and emerging substances become more accessible to young people.

Drawing from both her personal and professional experiences, Lisa shared what continues to drive her work helping individuals and families impacted by addiction, while also discussing growing concerns around kratom and the importance of starting conversations about substance use early.

Lisa has carried that commitment to prevention and recovery throughout her career, including spearheading the development of Care Plus NJ’s C.L.I.M.B. program, which provides individualized substance use disorder treatment and support for adolescents and adults ages 13 and older.

Watch the full News 12 New Jersey story to hear more from Lisa: https://newjersey.news12.com/essex-county-mother-turns-tragedy-into-mission-to-warn-teens-about-kratom-dangers

This Mental Illness Awareness Week, Care Plus NJ recognizes the importance of increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and making behavioral health support easier to access.

Our Open Access Behavioral Health Walk-In Centers offer same-day support with no appointment required.

For immediate crisis support, call or text 988.

To learn more about Care Plus NJ services, visit careplusnj.org or call 201-986-5000.

#988

Care Plus NJ was proud to attend and co-sponsor the 26th Annual Essex Legislative Breakfast, hosted by the Essex County Mental Health & Addiction Coalition and sponsored by the Mental Health Association.

The event brought together behavioral health professionals, community leaders, and policymakers for important conversations around mental health, substance use, access to care, and the needs of individuals and families across Essex County.

We appreciate the opportunity to connect with community partners and continue working together to strengthen behavioral health services and expand access to support.

Learn more about Care Plus NJ and our services at careplusnj.org or call 201-986-5000.

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, a reminder to check in with yourself and reach out when support is needed.

Care Plus NJ’s Open Access Behavioral Health Walk-In Centers provide same-day access to behavioral health support with no appointment required.

Rochelle Park: 365 W. Passaic Ave., Suite 115
Mon–Thu | 9 AM–3 PM

Bloomfield: 650 Bloomfield Ave., Suite 106
Mon–Thu | 9 AM–1 PM

Morris Plains: 520 Speedwell Ave., Suite 216
Wed–Thu | 9 AM–1 PM

Call 201-986-5000 or visit careplusnj.org to learn more.

Thank you to Senator Benjie E. Wimberly and Rochelle Park Police Department Captain DePreta and Lt. Bermudez for touring Care Plus NJ’s Crisis Receiving Stabilization Center.

As we prepare to launch the CRSC this winter, continued funding will help support the staffing, resources, and infrastructure needed to bring this new model of crisis care to our community.

We are grateful for the continued collaboration and support as we work to expand access to behavioral health crisis services in Bergen County.

We also invite local law enforcement agencies to tour the CRSC at one of our upcoming sessions through November. To learn more and schedule a visit, please reach out to ESVP Amie Del Sordo at [email protected] for available dates and times. We look forward to welcoming you!

Today marks the Fall Equinox and the start of a new season.

As the days begin to change, it can be a meaningful time to reflect, reset, and make space for the things that support your well-being.

At Care Plus NJ, we believe every season can bring an opportunity for healing, growth, and positive change. Through our Open Access Walk-In Center, individuals can connect with behavioral health support and take that first step toward care when they are ready.

Here’s to a season of balance, renewal, and new beginnings.

Learn more: www.careplusnj.org or call us at: 201.986.5000

Ready to take the next step toward your CADC/LCADC certification or recertification?

Care Plus NJ offers live, virtual CADC/LCADC training courses designed to provide the knowledge and practical skills needed for professionals working in addiction counseling.

Classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM via Zoom, with options to register for individual courses or complete a full domain.

Registration closes at 11:59 PM on the Thursday before your course begins.

View upcoming courses and register:
https://careplusnj.org/resources/training-sessions/

Questions: 201-778-9093 or [email protected]

We’re building the team for Care Plus NJ’s new Crisis Receiving Stabilization Center (CRSC) in Paramus!

This new 24/7 center will provide immediate, compassionate care for adults experiencing behavioral health or substance use emergencies, and we’re looking for dedicated professionals who want to be part of it from the beginning.

We’re currently hiring:
Therapists/Clinicians
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Part-time Psychiatrist
Behavioral Health Technicians
Certified Medical Assistants
Peer Support/Recovery Specialists

These roles offer the opportunity to work alongside professionals across clinical, medical and peer disciplines while helping establish a new resource for behavioral health crisis care in Bergen County.

If you’re passionate about helping people through moments of crisis and want to make a meaningful difference through your work, we want to hear from you.

Explore current openings and apply today: https://careplusnj.e3applicants.com/careers

We’re excited to share that Care Plus NJ President & CEO Brigitte Johnson has been named one of BINJE ’s BEST Health Care Leaders of 2026!

Brigitte was recognized for her leadership in strengthening Care Plus NJ’s continuum of behavioral health care, growing one of the nation’s first Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and expanding access to crisis, school-based and community services for individuals and families across New Jersey.

Under Brigitte’s leadership, Care Plus NJ has continued to expand comprehensive, coordinated care while serving as a strong advocate for a behavioral health system that is more accessible and responsive to the needs of New Jersey communities.

Please join us in congratulating Brigitte on this well-deserved recognition!

Read the full list of honorees here: https://binje.com/sectors/health-care/binjes-best-health-care-leaders-2026-organizations-associations/

On Yom Kippur, Care Plus NJ extends our warmest wishes to all who observe this sacred day.

May this time of reflection, forgiveness, and renewal bring peace and meaning to you and your loved ones.