About

About Nick DeSimone

Dr. Nicholas DeSimone (PhD) is a passionate and dedicated mental health and addiction professional committed to helping people overcome some of the most difficult challenges in their lives. His journey into the world of counseling and therapy began after a successful career in banking. Although he was thriving in the financial industry, Nick felt a strong inner calling to do more—specifically, to make a lasting impact on people’s lives. This desire led him to change the direction of his career entirely and pursue his true passion: supporting individuals on their journey to wellness and recovery.

Nick’s career in behavioral health started humbly but with a deep purpose. He worked for four years as an addictions counselor, providing front-line support to individuals battling substance use disorders. His compassion, leadership, and clinical skills quickly earned him a promotion to  Director of Substance Abuse Services at a local private outpatient facility. While serving in this capacity, Nick DeSimone began to develop a broader vision. He dreamed of creating a space where people struggling with addiction could find not just treatment but holistic healing—a place where they could be seen, heard, and truly helped.

That dream became a reality in June 2017 when Dr. DeSimone opened Lifetime Recovery in  Mullica Hill, New Jersey. This outpatient treatment center was founded on the principle that individuals deserve more than just temporary relief—they deserve the opportunity to transform their lives. Lifetime Recovery focuses on holistic, individualized care, empowering clients to not just survive addiction but to thrive after it. The center’s programs are structured to address the physical, emotional, and psychological components of recovery, ensuring that each person receives the comprehensive support they need.

Recognizing the complex interplay between mental health and substance use, Dr. DeSimone expanded his impact in April 2021 with the opening of Renewed Light Mental Health in West  Deptford, New Jersey. This second outpatient center serves individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and grief. At  Renewed Light, the mission is to help clients reclaim their lives, strengthen their inner resilience,  and build a healthier future. Like Lifetime Recovery, Renewed Light is grounded in a philosophy of holistic care and clinical excellence.

Dr. DeSimone’s credentials reflect his commitment to both academic excellence and ethical clinical practice. He has been a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) since  2017 and became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in 2022. He earned a Bachelor of  Science from Rowan University and a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling from Grand  Canyon University in 2015. In April 2021, he completed his PhD in General Psychology with an emphasis in Performance Psychology—an area that explores how mental skills affect well-being and achievement, a fitting focus for someone so invested in personal transformation.

In addition to his professional work, Dr. DeSimone is an active and compassionate member of the community. He often volunteers as a speaker, sharing his own journey through addiction and into long-term sobriety. As of 2025, Nick is proudly celebrating 13 years of sobriety—a milestone that not only marks his personal resilience but also serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of recovery. His lived experience deeply informs his work, allowing him to connect authentically with clients and to inspire hope in others.

Nick’s dedication to public education and community awareness was further highlighted when he  was featured on Fox 29 News in a special segment during “Sober September.” In the interview,  Dr. DeSimone discussed the importance of sobriety, not only as a physical detox but as a mental and emotional reset. He emphasized that sobriety can help individuals reflect on their relationship with substances, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and strengthen their overall mental wellness. In the segment, he also sheds light on the societal normalization of drinking and the pressures people face when trying to change their habits. Watch the segment here. 

Through his community work, public speaking, and media appearances, Nick DeSimone continues to impact lives far beyond the walls of his treatment centers. He blends personal experience with professional expertise, always approaching his work with empathy, integrity, and an unwavering belief in people’s ability to change. Whether helping someone take their first step toward recovery or supporting them in maintaining long-term mental wellness, Dr. DeSimone remains a trusted guide on the path to healing. 

As he looks toward the future, Nick is committed to expanding access to quality behavioral healthcare and continuing his mission of helping individuals not only overcome their struggles but truly thrive in their lives.