Nick DeSimone
Before his work in mental health and addiction treatment began, Dr. Nicholas DeSimone had built a stable and successful career in banking. His work in the financial world offered a clear path forward that provided structure and opportunity. However, over time, Nick began to feel a strong internal shift. Although he was succeeding in that field, he could no longer ignore a deeper desire to serve others more personally and positively.
This realization led him to take a major step away from the life he had built in finance. The decision to change careers came from honest reflection and a strong belief that he could contribute more meaningfully to others. It was not an easy move, but it was a necessary one. It marked the start of his journey into the world of mental health and addiction support, where he would find both personal fulfillment and professional purpose.
Starting with Direct Support
Dr. DeSimone began his new career path by working on the front lines of addiction counseling. For four years, he served as an addictions counselor, meeting with individuals who were seeking help for substance use disorders. This role gave him a deeper understanding of clients’ struggles and helped him develop practical skills that would stay with him throughout his career.
These early experiences were valuable in terms of clinical learning and helping him understand the emotional weight carried by those in recovery. The work required patience, a steady presence, and a clear commitment to each person’s progress. Over time, Nick’s consistent effort and leadership led to his promotion to Director of Substance Abuse Services at a private outpatient treatment facility.
In that leadership role, he began to see the potential for change at a larger level. He started to think about how treatment centers could do more—how they could be environments that truly supported transformation. These thoughts laid the foundation for his next step.
Lifetime Recovery: A Vision Brought to Life
In June 2017, Dr. DeSimone opened Lifetime Recovery in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. This center was born from a vision of care that went beyond traditional treatment models. He believed people deserved short-term support and access to programs that would help them reshape their lives entirely.
Lifetime Recovery was created to focus on more than addiction alone. Its approach includes the emotional, physical, and mental aspects of recovery, all working together in a personalized plan for each client. Dr. DeSimone emphasized treating the person, not just the addiction. The center’s structure supports the idea that healing is not one-dimensional and that long-term change happens when people are given tools, guidance, and space to grow.
The facility’s programs reflect that goal. Clients are encouraged to confidently rebuild their lives, learn how to care for themselves, and navigate life beyond substance use. The center’s work is rooted in providing real support and allowing individuals to succeed in ways that matter to them.
Creating Renewed Light for Mental Health Support
As Nick DeSimone continued to work with clients, it became increasingly clear to him that many individuals dealing with addiction were also experiencing other mental health challenges. He recognized the need for a separate space that could provide dedicated support for those facing emotional and psychological conditions.
In April 2021, he opened Renewed Light Mental Health in West Deptford, New Jersey. This second outpatient center was built to serve people dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, and grief. It was an expansion of his mission—another step in offering care that respects clients’ complexity.
Renewed Light, like Lifetime Recovery, is built on a foundation of holistic care. Each person who enters the door receives a plan tailored to their needs. The focus is helping clients regain balance, strengthen inner resilience, and build the skills needed for mental wellness. The environment is one of support and understanding, guided by the belief that every individual deserves thoughtful and consistent care.
Academic Foundation and Clinical Licensing
Dr. DeSimone’s work is grounded in both practical experience and academic study. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Rowan University, and in 2015, he completed his Master of Science in Addiction Counseling at Grand Canyon University. These academic milestones gave him a foundation in psychological theory, clinical methods, and ethical practice.
Nick earned his PhD in General Psychology with an emphasis in Performance Psychology in April 2021 to continue growing as a professional. This focus focuses on how mental and emotional skills influence human achievement and well-being. This field of study provided valuable tools and insight for someone dedicated to helping individuals change and grow.
Alongside his degrees, he holds two important clinical licenses. He became a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) in 2017 and earned his Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license in 2022. These certifications reflect his commitment to maintaining a high standard of care in all his work.
A Personal Journey of Recovery
One of the defining aspects of Dr. DeSimone’s professional identity is his experience with recovery. As of 2025, he marks 13 years of sobriety. This personal milestone is more than just a number. It represents the same process of growth and change that he now helps others navigate.
His journey through addiction and into long-term recovery informs the way he approaches clients. It allows him to connect in ways that are grounded in shared understanding. He often speaks publicly about his experiences, encouraging those just beginning or continuing their path.
Nick’s sobriety is not something he presents as an achievement to be admired. Instead, he uses it to build trust and prove that healing is possible. His story is part of what allows him to be present with people as they face uncertainty, fear, or setbacks.
Speaking to the Public About Recovery
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. DeSimone contributes to public discussions around sobriety and mental health. He was featured on Fox 29 News during “Sober September,” where he shared thoughts on how sobriety can be more than physical detox. He discussed it as an opportunity to reflect, reset, and move toward healthier coping strategies.
In the segment, he also addressed how normalized alcohol use can create barriers for those who want to make changes. His comments focused on the mental and emotional aspects of sobriety, emphasizing that it’s about building a different relationship with stress, emotion, and identity.
Through interviews and speaking engagements, he continues to educate and raise awareness, helping to shift how people think and talk about these subjects.
Ongoing Commitment to Care
Dr. Nicholas DeSimone remains focused on the mission that led him to this field in the first place. Whether through Lifetime Recovery, Renewed Light, or community work, his goal is to provide responsive, respectful, and effective care. He understands that every individual’s path is different and that progress can take many forms.
His approach blends clinical knowledge with personal insight, allowing him to meet clients where they are and walk alongside them without judgment. The centers he leads reflect that mindset—places where healing is possible, and support is consistent.
Looking ahead, he remains committed to expanding access to quality behavioral health services and continuing his role as a provider who listens, supports, and believes in each person’s potential to change.
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Nick DeSimone Discusses the Psychology Behind Gambling Addiction
Nick DeSimone 