Nick DeSimone

Dr. Nicholas DeSimone (PhD) is a committed mental health and addiction professional whose work focuses on helping individuals overcome some of life’s most difficult personal challenges. Before entering the field of behavioral health, he built a successful career in banking. Though he thrived in the financial world, he began to feel a strong pull toward something more meaningful. He wanted to make a deeper and more personal impact on people’s lives—one that extended beyond business or financial success. This growing sense of purpose ultimately inspired him to take a bold step and change his professional path entirely.

His transition into counseling and therapy marked a turning point in his life. Rather than continuing down a conventional career path, Nick chose to dedicate himself to helping individuals heal, recover, and rebuild. That decision not only redefined his career but also gave new meaning to his life’s work.

Building a Foundation in Behavioral Health

Nick’s journey into behavioral health began with a role that allowed him to engage directly with those in need. For four years, he worked as an addictions counselor, providing front-line support to people dealing with substance use disorders. This work required compassion, patience, and consistency—qualities he demonstrated daily. He saw the struggles of addiction up close and learned the importance of individualized care and listening without judgment.

His dedication and skill soon led to new opportunities. He was promoted to Director of Substance Abuse Services at a local private outpatient facility, where he took on greater responsibility in program oversight and clinical direction. In this leadership role, Nick began developing a broader perspective on treatment. He wanted to create a model of care that extended beyond clinical sessions to include holistic healing—where individuals could feel valued, understood, and supported on every level of their recovery journey.

The Founding of Lifetime Recovery

In June 2017, Dr. DeSimone turned his vision into reality with the founding of Lifetime Recovery in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The center was created on the belief that people deserve more than short-term relief from addiction—they deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives completely.

Lifetime Recovery emphasizes a holistic approach, recognizing that healing involves the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of health. The center’s programs are designed to provide comprehensive support, guiding clients through each stage of recovery. Dr. DeSimone’s leadership and vision helped establish Lifetime Recovery as a trusted resource for individuals seeking lasting transformation. The center’s philosophy centers on empowerment—encouraging clients not only to achieve sobriety but also to grow into stronger, more confident versions of themselves.

Expanding the Mission: Renewed Light Mental Health

Understanding the close relationship between mental health and substance use, Dr. DeSimone expanded his mission in April 2021 with the opening of Renewed Light Mental Health in West Deptford, New Jersey. This second outpatient facility was created to provide care for individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, and grief.

At Renewed Light, the focus is on helping clients regain stability and rediscover purpose. The programs aim to strengthen resilience, foster self-awareness, and promote sustainable wellness. Like Lifetime Recovery, Renewed Light’s philosophy is rooted in holistic, individualized treatment. Under Nick’s leadership, both centers work together to serve the broader community, addressing the many layers of behavioral health with compassion and professionalism.

Academic and Professional Commitment

Dr. DeSimone’s qualifications reflect his dedication to both education and ethical clinical practice. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Rowan University and completed a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2015. Continuing his pursuit of excellence, he earned his PhD in General Psychology with a specialization in Performance Psychology in April 2021. His doctoral work explored the connection between mental skills, achievement, and well-being—a field closely aligned with his mission to help people develop stronger, healthier mindsets.

Professionally, Dr. DeSimone has held his Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) credential since 2017 and became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in 2022. These credentials represent his dedication to maintaining high ethical standards and continuing to grow as a practitioner.

A Personal Connection to Recovery

Beyond his professional credentials, Nick’s work is deeply influenced by his own journey. As of 2025, he celebrates 13 years of sobriety—a milestone that speaks to his resilience and personal growth. His recovery journey has shaped his perspective on treatment and strengthened his ability to connect with clients. Because he has personally walked the path of recovery, his empathy comes from lived experience rather than theory.

Nick often shares his story at community events and recovery gatherings, offering hope to others who may be at the beginning of their own healing process. He believes that recovery is not only possible but achievable through commitment, honesty, and support.

Public Advocacy and Media Presence

Dr. DeSimone’s advocacy for awareness and education extends beyond his treatment centers. He was featured on Fox 29 News in a special segment during “Sober September,” where he discussed the broader meaning of sobriety. In the interview, he explained that sobriety goes beyond physical abstinence—it is also a mental and emotional reset that encourages reflection, balance, and renewed focus.

He also addressed the social pressures and normalization of drinking in today’s culture, encouraging people to reassess their relationships with substances and prioritize mental well-being. Through his media appearances and community outreach, Nick continues to shed light on important conversations about addiction, mental health, and recovery.

Continuing a Mission of Service

Today, Dr. Nicholas DeSimone remains focused on expanding access to quality behavioral health care and creating opportunities for individuals to experience lasting transformation. Through Lifetime Recovery, Renewed Light, and his outreach efforts, he has built more than treatment centers—he has built communities of healing.

His work combines clinical expertise, personal experience, and a genuine belief in every person’s capacity for change. Whether guiding someone toward recovery for the first time or helping them maintain long-term mental wellness, Dr. DeSimone continues to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose. His story serves as a reminder that a life of service often begins with the courage to change one’s own path—and that healing, once found, can be shared to help others thrive.

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