What is Wellness?
Care Plus NJ defines the concept of “wellness” as the ability to care for the physical self, use the mind constructively, express emotions effectively, attend to psychological and spiritual needs, and achieve educational and vocational goals. If an individual is unable to attend to any or all of these aspects of life, recovery is necessary for a return to healthy behavior.

What is Recovery?
Recovery is a process of working towards awareness and independence. Our approach to recovery includes monitoring and coordination of physical and mental healthcare, with education and skill development through individualized, strength-based, and culturally sensitive individual and group sessions. Aspects of nutritional and physical wellbeing are addressed, and educational activities are designed to maximize or improve health outcomes. The expertise of practitioners (psychiatrists, therapist, etc.) assists in the process, particularly if medical treatment is necessary. Because success depends on a team effort between Care Plus and the client, a strong commitment on the part of the client to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle is part of the approach. This includes all aspects of the client’s recovery, from symptom management to self-sufficiency.

Key Principles of Recovery
The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently outlined 10 key principles of recovery, which have been integrated into our recovery philosophy:

1. Self-direction
2. Individualized and person-centered
3. Empowerment
4. Holistic
5. Non Linear
6. Strengths-based
7. Peer Support
8. Respect
9. Responsibility
10. Hope

(www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov)

For More Information
Care Plus has developed this Wellness Resources section of our Website to provide individuals with additional educational and informational resources that may assist them in the process of recovery. Please feel free to explore this and other sections of our site. If you have questions, or for more information about the mental health services and programs offered by Care Plus NJ, please call our headquarters at 201-265-8200 or email us at: staff@careplusnj.org. To schedule an appointment, call 201-986-5000.