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Guardian IOP - New Brunswick

152 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901

MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT | OUTPATIENT

Welcome to the Guardian Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in New Brunswick, NJ, where cutting-edge addiction and mental health treatment meets compassionate care. Catering to each client’s specific needs, the program provides a deeply personal and transformative journey toward recovery and wellness. Our team of dedicated experts offers ever-evolving, empathetic care that targets the root causes of substance use and mental health disorders, empowering clients to embrace wellness and regain control of their lives.

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You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help, 24/7

Our compassionate treatment advisors—many of whom have experienced recovery themselves—understand what you’re facing. Call us anytime, day or night, for a free, confidential conversation if you or a loved one:

  • Feel lost or unsure where to turn
  • Are struggling with addiction or withdrawal
  • Want to explore treatment options in a safe, private setting

Hope begins with a single call. Reach out now—your path to recovery starts here.

Cutting-Edge Mental Health & Addiction Treatment

Flexible Schedules

Leverage our flexible scheduling to balance mental health and recovery with personal responsibilities involving work, family, school, and more.

Addiction & Mental Health

Engage with our mental health and substance use disorder IOPs, which offer personalized treatment plans, evidence-based care, and an empathetic tribe of peers and professionals.

Seasoned Professionals

Lean on our elite team of caring medical and clinical professionals, whose decades of combined experience enable them to deliver next-level, evidence-based care.

Quality Standards

Trust our unwavering commitment to quality care. Licensed by the State of New Jersey, Guardian IOP also holds The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, the highest level of accreditation for healthcare providers.

Our Approach

Admissions Process

At Guardian Recovery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Our goal is to minimize stress during this potentially challenging time, making the transition into our program as smooth as possible.

  1. Contact Us
    Whether you connect by phone, form, or text, we can help you find the treatment program that is right for you or your loved one. Admissions advisors will listen to your story, answer your questions, verify any insurance benefits, and discuss payment options. The no-obligation conversation is free and confidential.
  2. Participate in a Personal AssessmentWe conduct a brief assessment during our call, enabling us to develop an initial treatment plan and to connect you to a level of care that meets your unique needs. 
  3. Connect to Your CareFrom transportation to insurance verification, Guardian Recovery assists you every step of the way.

Guardian IOP — New Brunswick

Guardian IOP — New Brunswick

Hear from our alumni

Guardian Recovery alumni share stories of experience, strength, and hope.

Eric’s Story

Immersion Recovery Center

Leah’s Story

Immersion Recovery Center

Brett’s Story

Immersion Recovery Center

Excellent
Alicia the therapist was great a blessing got me into a great pHp center with no insurance was a miracle worker and in a better state of mind and well being then ever before highly recommend this place for a detox plus the food is off the chain groups are highly available if wanted not forced if ya want to sleep your symptoms away
The Living Room at Princeton has truly changed my life, and I can’t thank them enough. I want to personally thank August Leming, also known as Doc, for opening this incredible place and creating a safe, welcoming space for real healing to happen. From the moment I walked in, I felt seen, heard, and supported not just by Doc, but by every staff member here. Everyone makes you feel like you belong and reminds you that your healing matters.

This is not like any treatment center I’ve ever been to. It’s smaller, which allows for almost constant, one-on-one engagement with the staff. The therapists are kind, compassionate, and truly invested in your progress. I want to give special thanks to my therapist, Mark, who has been pivotal for me. He creates such a safe space during our one-on-one sessions, and the EMDR therapy he provides has been exactly what I need. His kindness, compassion, and ability to truly listen have made a huge impact on my healing journey.

I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, Mdd (major depressive disorder) anxiety, ADHD, SDD (seasonal depression disorder) Through The Living Room’s approach, I am finally able to work on these mental health challenges in a real, meaningful way. I do take my medication regularly, and I know that’s an important part of my stability right now. But I also believe that, over time, with the practices I’m learning here, my brain will continue to heal and rewire — and I may eventually be able to rely less on medications because I’ll have the tools within myself.

One of the most powerful things I’ve learned here is meditation and breath work. It has been absolutely paramount for me. I’ve learned so much about my mind, body, and soul, and how deeply connected they are. For the first time, I feel like I have real tools to help me when I’m frustrated, overwhelmed, or emotionally triggered. In the past, I would’ve turned to alcohol to numb those feelings. But now, through the breath work, meditation, and mind-body-soul practices I’m learning, I can stay present and move through those difficult moments with clarity and strength.

The group sessions are safe, supportive spaces where I can open up about my traumas without fear of judgment, surrounded by people who genuinely care and understand.

If you are struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health, this is the place where you need to be. The techniques they use here are some of the most unique and effective I’ve ever experienced, and they will help guide you through recovery in a way that feels real, personal, and lasting.

I am beyond grateful for Doc, Mark, the entire staff, and this program for helping me find hope, strength, and a true path to healing. Thank you for your time.
I had a wonderful experience here! The staff is amazing. The nurses are professional and thorough, the food is delicious and the beds are comfy! I highly recommend Princeton Detox for anyone looking to begin recovery! I learned a lifetimes worth of knowledge from the group meetings as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike traditional mental health settings where providers work independently, our coordinated care model ensures all your providers—therapists, psychiatrists, and other specialists—work together as a unified team. They talk regularly to discuss your progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure all aspects of your care are working in harmony. This approach eliminates the common frustration of having to coordinate between different providers or repeat your story multiple times. Many clients tell us this integrated approach helps them feel truly supported and understood for the first time in their treatment journey.

Many people struggle with this question, often waiting until they’re in crisis before seeking help. The truth is, if mental health challenges are impacting your daily life—whether that’s affecting your sleep, relationships, work performance, or overall well-being—it’s worth exploring professional care. You don’t need to be at your breaking point to benefit from treatment. Our initial consultation can help you understand if treatment would be beneficial, and many clients tell us they wish they’d reached out sooner. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

We accept most major insurance plans. Our insurance specialists will verify your benefits before treatment begins and explain exactly what is covered. For those with out-of-pocket expenses or without insurance coverage, we offer flexible alternative payment options. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to receiving quality mental health care and will work with you to find a solution that makes treatment accessible.

Absolutely. Our programs are designed to accommodate clients’ personal, professional, and educational commitments. We offer flexible scheduling—as well as an in-person/virtual hybrid option to ensure clients can maintain their responsibilities while actively participating in treatment.

Our Dual Diagnosis service is specifically tailored for individuals dealing with both substance use and mental health disorders. Based on the interrelated nature of these disorders, we treat these conditions concurrently. Our integrated approach offers enhanced long-term outcomes and a comprehensive path to recovery and wellness.

Our group therapy sessions cover a wide range of topics, such as developing coping strategies for cravings, managing emotions, preventing relapse, practicing effective communication, and building healthy relationships. Experienced therapists facilitate sessions and provide a supportive environment for shared learning and peer support.

Family involvement is a key component of our treatment approach. We offer family therapy sessions that aim to improve communication, address relational issues, and educate family members about substance use and mental health disorders. This approach helps rebuild trust, enhances emotional support, and creates a supportive environment conducive to the client’s recovery.

Our admission process begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand the client’s needs and circumstances. This assessment allows us to tailor a treatment plan to best suit the individual’s needs. It includes evaluating personal history, severity of addiction and/or mental health status, and any specific requirements or preferences.

We adhere to strict confidentiality protocols in compliance with HIPAA regulations. All client information is handled with the utmost discretion, and confidentiality is maintained throughout the treatment process—as well as during the initial call to discuss treatment options. Our staff is trained to uphold these standards, ensuring our clients’ privacy and dignity are always respected.

Yes, we offer Medication-Assisted Treatment as part of our comprehensive care for substance use disorders. MAT is used to ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and lower the chance of relapse. It is combined with counseling and behavioral therapies for a practical treatment approach.

Guardian IOP offers ongoing aftercare support to assist clients in maintaining sobriety and mental well-being following formalized treatment. This includes follow-up therapy sessions, access to support groups, and resources for continued personal and professional development. Our aftercare program provides clients with the necessary tools and support for long-term success.

Research consistently shows that virtual treatment can be as effective as in-person care for many individuals. Our virtual program maintains the same evidence-based approaches and quality standards as our in-person services. Some clients actually prefer virtual treatment, finding it easier to engage from the safety and comfort of their own space. We carefully assess each client’s situation to determine if virtual treatment is appropriate and make adjustments as needed.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Tamer Wassef <br><span style="font-size: 14px;">MD</span>

Dr. Tamer Wassef
MD

Chief Medical Officer

Amanda Hilzer <br><span style="font-size: 14px;">LCADC, CCS, CAADC, CS</span>

Amanda Hilzer
LCADC, CCS, CAADC, CS

Executive Director

Adrienne Buchanan <br><span style="font-size: 14px;">MSW, LSW, LCADC</span>

Adrienne Buchanan
MSW, LSW, LCADC

Clinical Lead

Angelique Zaks <br><span style="font-size: 14px;">MSW, LSW, LCADC-I</span>

Angelique Zaks
MSW, LSW, LCADC-I

Adult Primary Therapist

Amanda Mistretta <br><span style="font-size: 14px;">MA, LAC, NCC, CADC Intern</span>

Amanda Mistretta
MA, LAC, NCC, CADC Intern

Float Therapist

Kate Kennedy <br><span style="font-size: 14px;">LSW</span>

Kate Kennedy
LSW

Adult Primary Therapist

Adriana Malvone <br><span style="font-size: 14px;">MHA</span>

Adriana Malvone
MHA

Office Manager/HR Designee

James Harper <br></br>

James Harper

Counselor Assistant

Jocelyn Ramos <br></br>

Jocelyn Ramos

Counselor Assistant

Guardian Intensive Outpatient Program - New Brunswick

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Once you submit the form, staff will contact you via phone or email within 24 hours for a free, confidential, and no-obligation conversation to discuss your needs and/or those of a loved one.

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Do it for YOU, Do it for LOVED ones

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Guardian Recovery aims to improve the quality of life for individuals struggling with substance use or mental health disorders by offering fact-based content about behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and related outcomes. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Important Notes:

The content on this site is believed to be current and accurate at the time of posting, but medical information is constantly evolving.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns about your health or medical condition.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Guardian Recovery does not provide free medical advice. For personalized treatment recommendations, please consult with a licensed healthcare professional.

By using this website, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer. Guardian Recovery and its affiliates disclaim any liability for the use or interpretation of information contained herein. SEE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Live a BRIGHTER Future Today!

Guardian Recovery is here to assist you in your journey of healing.

Do it for YOU, Do it for LOVED ones

Live a BRIGHTER Future Today!

Guardian Recovery is here to assist you in your journey of healing.

Do it for YOU, Do it for LOVED ones

Check Insurance Coverage

Find out today what options are available to you. Fill out the form below.

Do it for YOU, Do it for LOVED ones

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