Princeton HealthCare System

About Princeton HealthCare System

Princeton HealthCare System, located in North Brunswick, New Jersey is a non-profit alcohol and drug rehab that offers treatment for a variety of substance abuse addictions including alcoholism, co-occurring mental health disorders, and opiate addiction. They offer flexible outpatient addiction therapy allowing patients to live at home while receiving regular treatment. Additional levels of care offered include intensive outpatient, relapse prevention, and 12-step therapy.

Specialty rehab programs at Princeton HealthCare System include tailored care focusing on women's specific needs and experiences, gender-specific addiction treatment addressing unique challenges faced by men, and age-appropriate treatment for teens addressing adolescent-specific issues.

For recreation, patients can use the yoga studio to work on active mindfulness and improve flexibility and express themselves creatively with art activities.

Princeton HealthCare System has received accreditations from The Joint Commission.

Latest Reviews

alley way

1 month ago on Google

Where do I start. I was in a really bad state and so my therapist recommended me Princeton House. I was admitted to the young adult group. At first, I really liked it, I really liked some of the groups, especially the cbt groups. I ended up having a mental breakdown in one of the groups and didn't attend the rest of them for a bit. My therapist noticed and came to talk to me, and I tried to explain to her what happened and I started sobbing and she refused to listen to me. All she said was that I should go from partial hospitalization to IOP or maybe I should leave and go to the woman's programs upstairs. I kept saying "no i want to stay here I just need to talk about this one thing" and she just...didn't want to listen! It felt like she didn't want to deal with me! The psychiatrist there was also for some reason really focused on my sexuality and kept saying that the reason for my depression is because of my sexuality??? Even though I kept saying no?? Again, I was in a very vulnerable state and it felt like the therapists and group leaders there only wanted easy patients. I really wish mental health treatment in NJ was better, places like this do not really care. I went here for help and instead my mental heath deteriorated and I ended up being admitted to a mental hospital. The only good thing about this place is the nurse there is really nice, shes a real one.

Response from the owner3 weeks ago

Good Morning, Thank you for sharing your concerns about your experience. Feedback, such as yours, is important to us and we would like to learn more. If you would like us to contact you, please share your information at the link and include Google Review and details about your experience in the comments section. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/patient-experience/penn-medicine-patient-and-guest-relations-contact-form

simone lyle

3 months ago on Google

This is my second time in North Brunswick Princeton House IOP program. The first was downstairs in the Co-ed program and once in the Women's Program.I made a lot of like minded connections in the Woman's program and refreshed some useful skills, but my most recent experience was more negativity traumatic than anything.I made sure that I provided my short term disability paperwork to my "therapist " Kami Tagu the day of my intake, because I knew it took a while to get processed. 2 weeks later, after she came back from vacation, they were still not done,and I was put on probation with my job. Kami took limited responsibility for work that was given to her and suggested I speak to the clinical director, who never got back to me with a reason or apology. That was the beginning experience.Throughout my treatment, Kami felt cold and unfeeling, more concerned about showing up every scheduled day, so they can bill the insurance, than how you were really doing.Finally, when it was time for me to be discharged, I suggested to ease back into work with a accommodation. Kami and Dr Gutterman decided that since they no longer needed to worry about me(or actually cared about me), they would shorten that suggested time of a month, to week, because they seem to care less about my transition and more that I was no longer there responsibility. Other times and other programs, I've never had an issue. But this showed the lack of true care and concern from Dr Gutterman and Kami.I truly left the program more traumatized and angry and felt like it was such a frustrating process from Kami, Dr Gutterman and the clinician director.I praise the patients and mostly other therapist for contributing to some kind of balance.I know I'm one of many patients, but we are human beings and deserve respect too and I constantly didn't get it from Kami, Dr Gutterman and the clinician director.I hope some kind of reprimand takes place, because you feel helpless enough as a patient, but to be re-tramatized by the person who is supposed to be helping, is not good.

Response from the owner2 months ago

Good Morning Simone, We take the feedback of all who come to us for care seriously. If you are willing, share your contact information and details about your experience so that we can better understand your concerns. Please include Google Review in the comment section and a member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible. Thank you. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/patient-experience/penn-medicine-patient-and-guest-relations-contact-form

Marte Kalnick

4 months ago on Google

Some therapist caring and experienced.Others Disorganized, uncaring, and don t know what they re doing! Please do your homework before deciding to pick PH, NB for your mental health needs

Response from the owner3 months ago

Good Morning Marte, Thank you for leaving a review. We take your concerns seriously and would like to learn more about your experience. If you would like someone to contact you directly, please share your information at the link below. Include Google Review and details from your original review in the comment section. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/patient-experience/penn-medicine-patient-and-guest-relations-contact-form

Gallery

The facilities at Princeton HealthCare System in North Brunswick, NJ 1

Location

Accepted Insurance

Princeton HealthCare System works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Aetna

AmeriHealth

Beech Street

Consumer Health Network

Centivo

Clover Health

Fidelis Care

First Managed Care Option

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield

Humana

Imagine Health

Integrated Health Plan

InterGroup

Longevity

Magnacare

Oscar Insurance

Oxford Health Plans

Prime Health Services

Qualcare

Trinity Health Network

UnitedHealth Group

WellCare

Other Forms of Payment

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Sliding scale payments are based on a client's income and family size. The goal is to make treatment affordable to everyone. By taking these factors into account, addiction recovery care providers help ensure that your treatment does not become a financial burden to you or your family, eliminating one barrier to care.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for those 65 and older. It also serves people under 65 with chronic and disabling health challenges. To use Medicare for addiction treatment you need to find a program that accepts Medicare and is in network with your plan. Out of pocket costs and preauthorization requirements vary, so always check with your provider.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

Intensive Outpatient

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.

Outpatient

Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

Aftercare Support

Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

12-Step

12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).

Treatments

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

Drug rehab in New Jersey is the process of addressing the complex issues involved with addiction. Challenges are identified and addressed through individual and group counseling. Participants learn how to manage these issues without the use of substances.

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Programs

Teen Program

Teen programs are designed to address the unique pressures teens face, pressures that can drive them to experiment with dangerous, addictive substances. They need programs that meet them exactly where they are and give them tools for long-term recovery. Therapy can help teenagers understand and work through underlying issues so they can reclaim the life ahead of them.

Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

Seniors Program

Nearly one million adults age 65 and older live with a substance use disorder. Treatment providers who specialize in senior care understand the social, psychological, and physical effects of aging and how they relate to recovery. They can help clients address particular challenges and risks they may face as they get older such as overdosing and medication interactions and dependencies.

Program For Men

Men face specific challenges and concerns when seeking addiction treatment. Gender-specific recovery programs help them tackle these issues head-on in an environment that's focused, targeted, and distraction-free. It also gives them the opportunity to connect with and learn from other men who have been through a similar journey and can offer support for the next step.

Program For Women

Rehabs for women provide a safe, nurturing space for female clients to heal. These treatment programs consider the specific obstacles that women can face during recovery and place a special emphasis on mental, social, physical, and reproductive health. They explore how each woman's experience has shaped the trajectory of their substance use, addressing issues such as sexual abuse and past trauma.

Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

LGBTQ Program

Recovery is most successful when clients feel accepted and validated by their peers and treatment providers. Facilities that offer LGBTQ-inclusive programming are committed to creating a safe space where everyone can grow and recover without fear of judgment or discrimination. They will have dedicated policies in place to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters free expression.

Military Program

Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Clinical Services

Creativity is inherently healing, and can help those in recovery express thoughts or feelings they might not otherwise be able to. Creative arts therapy can include music, poetry/writing, painting, sculpting, dance, theater, sandplay, and more. Unlike traditional art, the final product matters far less than the experience of creation and expression itself.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in New Jersey typically follows a set structure of treatment. The therapist helps clients identify their life challenges and their thoughts surrounding those challenges. The client then learns to identify unhealthy thought patterns and reshape those into healthy patterns of thinking and behavior.

Motivational interviewing helps clients find their motivation to change. It can be an effective method to work with clients who are angry or hostile or feel insecure about their ability to make changes in their lives. It is often used during addiction treatment or to manage physical health conditions.

Most experts in couples therapy are trained in several modes of treatment. This allows your therapist to draw from various techniques to personalize your therapy for your needs. This may include cognitive, emotional, and behavioral methods, which are all designed to help you strengthen your relationship.

Amenities

Private Setting
Yoga Studio
Art Activities

Accreditations

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes

Contact Information

(732) 729-3600

Website

1460 Livingston Ave.
Building 100
North Brunswick, NJ 08902

Get Help Now - 732-708-2148

Who Answers?

Reviews of Princeton HealthCare System

2.3/5 (18 reviews)

Google Reviews

2.3 (18 reviews)

1 month ago

Response from the owner1 month ago

3 months ago

4 months ago

Response from the owner4 months ago

Valerie Shore

5 months ago

Response from the owner5 months ago

Hi Valerie, Thank you for leaving a star rating. We would like to learn more about your experience. If you would like someone to contact you directly, please share your information at the link below. Include Google Review and details from your original review in the comment section. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/patient-experience/penn-medicine-patient-and-guest-relations-contact-form

Parents, I know you re here because you want to help your child. Please read on.This place absolutely did more harm than good for my son. His behavior went from just ok to horrendous after he started the program, and when he failed to meet their behavioral expectations, they quit on him. They seem to want kids with severe emotional issues to behave as if they don t. I ve heard the exact same thing from other parents whose kids went here, but I didn t listen.My son was bullied and harassed by other kids in the program they drew mean pictures of him, made fun of his teeth, called him ugly, cursed at him (granted he cursed back), and hid his personal property just to mess with him and the program manager, Lauren, never showed any interest whatsoever in addressing these things. When he raised these issues, she gaslighted him, and her response to everything started with well I ve observed YOU I should ve pulled him out on his second day, when he was begging me to take him home, but I wanted him to give this place a chance. Things only got worse from there.If you go into this thinking we ve got nothing to lose, you re wrong. When you take a kid with low self-esteem and suicidal ideation, a kid who has a deep-seated belief that something is wrong with him, tell him this program is supposed to help him, and then kick him out of the program, what do you think that does to his self-image?I wish I could say thanks for nothing but this was worse than nothing, it did real damage and now it s up to me to fix it. They ve left us worse off than they found us, by a long shot.I ll end on a positive note by acknowledging Jenna, the art therapist, and a counselor named Drew. Drew (who is no longer working there) helped calm my son down when he was very upset one day. Jenna was the one counselor I spoke with who seemed to have real empathy and the ability to form a sincere connection with a child in turmoil. I know she will go far in this field and make a real difference in people s lives.

Hi Valerie, We take your concerns seriously. If you would like us to reach out to you directly, please provide your information at the link below. Be sure to include Google Review and information about your experience in the comment section. Thank you. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/patient-experience/penn-medicine-patient-and-guest-relations-contact-form .

Madison Gentile

6 months ago

I was a patient here on the DBT track in the adolescent program. To say the therapists and psychiatrists here were inconsiderate and not compassionate at all is an understatement. I mean it came to a point where the psychiatrist didn t even remember my name, and the staff overall just treated us as though we were every other patient. My therapist & psychiatrist in particular, Sarah Dudley and Dr. Castillo discharged me due to having a mental crisis IN A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY! At first, this facility felt like a safe space where I could openly & honestly talk about my feelings. However, overtime, things started to unravel, the therapists showed their true colors, & the environment started to become toxic. The therapists would get upset when we didn t want to share our feelings in a group of people that we barley knew, they would scream at children for playing with cards, and would not enforce the rules in the correct way. At one point, my mother was cornered by staff where they were pressuring her to send me to a hospital although she did not consent. They didn t care about my well being, but instead cared more about going home & making their $20 dollars an hour. Numerous therapists have stated to me, and I quote, I don t make enough money for this . there were also kids smoking in the bathroom, making it a very triggering environment for those who struggle with addiction. they also had a dual diagnosis program dedicated for those who struggle with mental health and addiction where kids could be passing around vapes smoking during the groups, and nobody would say anything about it. if you want your child to feel cared about and want your child to be in a safe environment where they could talk about their feelings openly and honestly, to their therapist do not send your kid here. I remember as if it happened yesterday when my therapist would say that I engaged in self harm for attention and where she would make me contradict every single little thing I said after I felt safe enough to talk to her about it. To say this was triggering is an understatement and lord only knows how many other kids she has done this too. Also, their program has a very strict eight week deadline and once you reach that eight weeks, whether you re ready to leave or not, they will force you out of the program if they see you struggling and even the slightest, they will send you the hospital and then discharge you from your program without even caring if you have aftercare or not. But yeah, if you take anything away from this review, it is that the staff are inconsiderate & if you want to feel cared about, don t come here. Thank you.

Response from the owner6 months ago

Good Morning Madison, We take your concerns seriously. If you would like us to reach out to you directly, please provide your information at the link below. Be sure to include Google Review and information about your experience in the comment section. Thank you. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/patient-experience/penn-medicine-patient-and-guest-relations-contact-form .

M. Elizabeth

I specifically chose this program because it was a Women's only Women's trauma program. There are men's and co-ed programs downstairs. Although the staff here is wonderful, I find it absolutely appalling that any person who "identifies as a woman," is now allowed to attend a Woman's Trauma program. On my last day in in program the women were outnumbered by men! Almost all women who have been traumatized have been traumatized by men. To allow men into our trauma recovery program is a violation of our physical and emotional safety. Women's only spaces are important. Women need women-only-spaces to recover from men. It is unethical to advertise a women's only trauma program and then allow men in.In addition, while several therapists were fantastic, Rosemarie perpetually brought up pseudoscientific nonsense, like telling patients to stare into the sun for 5-10 minutes a day to obtain vitamin D. I have to wonder if she s married to an ophthalmologist and this is some sort of scam they have going. (I kid.) In addition, she shamed an entire group of women for talking about Mirena IUDs as birth control, declaring that they caused abortions (they don t). In one absurd interaction, she made a patient apologize to the group for claiming she didn t like bread, as this was, in her eyes an uncalled-for judgment that required a formal public apology. Where did they find this lunatic? At least the front desk staff, nurse and therapists are tremendous, so there s that.

Christine metcalf

7 months ago

I almost sent my 10 year old there. They are the most unprofessional place i have come in contact with to date. The intake staff provide misinformation from the start.

Response from the owner7 months ago

Good morning Christine, Thank you for leaving a review. We take your concerns seriously and would like to learn more about your experience. If you would like someone to contact you directly, please share your information at the link below. Include Google Review and details from your original review in the comment section. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/patient-experience/penn-medicine-patient-and-guest-relations-contact-form

kimi aye

2 years ago

Rachel Ricardo

Been there twice and gonna go again (one on the teen site and the womens dbt program). I had some issues with one particular therapist (for like group lessons in the womens dbt), but not everyone is gonna be great. I learned a lot about myself (i found out I m autistic, have adhd, and ocd) and am more equipped to understand and navigate through my emotions, thoughts, uncomfortable situations, etc Even though doing group can feel like a hassle, I recommend it here.

Cameron Masschaele

been here twice, might go again, only now leaving a review bc i think 2.6 stars is unfairly low. i have a low opinion of psychiatric institutions generally but this one definitely didn t stand out as bad

AyeKay Fortyseven

Intensive outpatient is a joke, you sit in a zoom meeting and other patients give you advice they are unqualified to give. It's like sitting in an online class nobody wants to participate in and you have to have your camera on for some reason. Other people often dominate the conversation so unless you are already confident and comfortable with people you will be ignored.

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