Nick DeSimone
Founder and CEO of Lifetime Recovery
Before entering the behavioral health field, Dr. Nicholas DeSimone built a career in banking. He had found stability and professional growth in the financial sector, but over time, he felt a deep personal pull toward something different. Though successful in his work, he sensed that his role in finance was not fulfilling his deeper purpose. He wanted to do work that contributed more directly to people’s well-being. This desire became so strong that he eventually left his established career behind.
The decision to change course was not made in haste. It came from a growing realization that helping people through personal struggles was where he could make a difference. With that understanding, he set out on a new path in mental health and addiction counseling, motivated by the hope of being able to walk alongside individuals as they worked toward healing.
Laying the Groundwork in Behavioral Health
Nick began his new journey with a position as an addiction counselor. Over four years, he worked closely with individuals confronting substance use disorders. These early experiences were instrumental in shaping his understanding of the field. He provided direct support to clients at various stages of recovery, learning firsthand about the importance of consistent care, practical guidance, and emotional support.
His ability to connect with clients and contribute meaningfully to their recovery process led to his promotion to Director of Substance Abuse Services at a private outpatient facility. In this leadership role, Nick was able to take on a broader perspective, overseeing clinical operations and working with a team to refine the treatment experience. During this time, he began to imagine a different kind of recovery environment that extended beyond symptom management and offered a more comprehensive, person-centered model of care.
Opening Lifetime Recovery
In June 2017, that vision took shape with the founding of Lifetime Recovery in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The facility was built on the principle that people deserve more than short-term support. Nick aimed to create a place where clients could engage in recovery that addressed all dimensions of their well-being. From the beginning, Lifetime Recovery has focused on individualized treatment, with programs designed to support physical health, emotional stability, and psychological growth.
Lifetime Recovery integrates multiple support layers rather than relying on a single-track approach. The goal is to help clients rebuild their lives, not simply to stop the behavior associated with addiction. Services are tailored to each person’s unique challenges and goals, allowing them to move forward with greater resilience and a deeper understanding of themselves. The center reflects Nick’s belief that recovery is not only about avoiding relapse but about learning to thrive beyond addiction.
Broadening the Focus with Renewed Light
In April 2021, Nick expanded his efforts by opening Renewed Light Mental Health in West Deptford, New Jersey. This second outpatient facility was created to meet the needs of individuals dealing with mental health conditions beyond substance use. At Renewed Light, clients receive care for depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, and grief, among other challenges.
Like Lifetime Recovery, Renewed Light operates on a holistic model. The treatment philosophy emphasizes the importance of supporting the whole person, not just the symptoms they present. The team works to help clients understand the deeper patterns behind their experiences and to strengthen the tools they need for long-term mental health. In both centers, Nick’s approach remains consistent: meet each individual where they are, listen carefully, and provide steady, personalized care.
Educational Path and Clinical Licensure
A strong academic background supports Dr. DeSimone’s approach to care. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Rowan University and later completed a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling at Grand Canyon University in 2015. These academic programs gave him the foundational knowledge required to understand treatment's clinical and interpersonal aspects.
In April 2021, he earned his PhD in General Psychology, focusing on Performance Psychology. This study explores the relationship between mental performance and overall well-being—an interest that fits well with his commitment to helping individuals manage stress, improve functioning, and reach personal goals during and after treatment.
In addition to his academic credentials, Nick is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), a designation he has held since 2017. In 2022, he became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), further expanding his ability to work with clients on various mental health needs. These licenses reflect his dedication to clinical standards and ongoing investment in professional development.
A Personal Connection to Recovery
Alongside his formal education and clinical work, Nick DeSimone brings his own experience with addiction and recovery to the care he provides. As of 2025, he is celebrating 13 years of sobriety—a milestone representing personal growth and a sustained commitment to wellness. His experience gives him insight into the recovery process that cannot be gained from study alone. It also helps him connect with clients more personally, offering them the perspective of someone who understands the journey firsthand.
He often volunteers as a speaker, sharing parts of his story to help others see that recovery is possible. His goal is not to highlight his accomplishments but to let people know that change is real and that support can make a critical difference. His willingness to be open about his experience helps break down barriers and builds trust with those seeking care.
Speaking to the Public
In addition to his work within his treatment centers, Dr. DeSimone has contributed to public conversations about sobriety and mental health. In one such instance, he was featured in a segment on Fox 29 News during “Sober September.” In the interview, he discussed sobriety not only as a break from substance use but also as an opportunity for personal evaluation and emotional reset.
He pointed out how periods of sobriety can help people assess their relationship with substances and think more clearly about their goals and coping strategies. He also addressed the cultural normalization of alcohol use and how societal expectations can make it difficult for individuals to take steps toward change. Nick continues to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of these issues by participating in public dialogue.
Remaining Committed to Long-Term Care
As he looks to the future, Nick remains focused on expanding access to effective behavioral health services. His work through Lifetime Recovery and Renewed Light reflects an ongoing mission to offer meaningful support to individuals navigating recovery and mental health challenges. Whether someone is seeking help for the first time or returning to continue their healing process, he aims to provide a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.
The consistent blend of personal experience and clinical knowledge sets Nick's work apart. He meets people honestly, listens patiently, and works with his team to deliver care that responds to each client’s reality. His commitment is to running treatment programs and helping individuals grow into lives marked by stability and purpose.
The decision to change course was not made in haste. It came from a growing realization that helping people through personal struggles was where he could make a difference. With that understanding, he set out on a new path in mental health and addiction counseling, motivated by the hope of being able to walk alongside individuals as they worked toward healing.
Laying the Groundwork in Behavioral Health
Nick began his new journey with a position as an addiction counselor. Over four years, he worked closely with individuals confronting substance use disorders. These early experiences were instrumental in shaping his understanding of the field. He provided direct support to clients at various stages of recovery, learning firsthand about the importance of consistent care, practical guidance, and emotional support.
His ability to connect with clients and contribute meaningfully to their recovery process led to his promotion to Director of Substance Abuse Services at a private outpatient facility. In this leadership role, Nick was able to take on a broader perspective, overseeing clinical operations and working with a team to refine the treatment experience. During this time, he began to imagine a different kind of recovery environment that extended beyond symptom management and offered a more comprehensive, person-centered model of care.
Opening Lifetime Recovery
In June 2017, that vision took shape with the founding of Lifetime Recovery in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The facility was built on the principle that people deserve more than short-term support. Nick aimed to create a place where clients could engage in recovery that addressed all dimensions of their well-being. From the beginning, Lifetime Recovery has focused on individualized treatment, with programs designed to support physical health, emotional stability, and psychological growth.
Lifetime Recovery integrates multiple support layers rather than relying on a single-track approach. The goal is to help clients rebuild their lives, not simply to stop the behavior associated with addiction. Services are tailored to each person’s unique challenges and goals, allowing them to move forward with greater resilience and a deeper understanding of themselves. The center reflects Nick’s belief that recovery is not only about avoiding relapse but about learning to thrive beyond addiction.
Broadening the Focus with Renewed Light
In April 2021, Nick expanded his efforts by opening Renewed Light Mental Health in West Deptford, New Jersey. This second outpatient facility was created to meet the needs of individuals dealing with mental health conditions beyond substance use. At Renewed Light, clients receive care for depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, and grief, among other challenges.
Like Lifetime Recovery, Renewed Light operates on a holistic model. The treatment philosophy emphasizes the importance of supporting the whole person, not just the symptoms they present. The team works to help clients understand the deeper patterns behind their experiences and to strengthen the tools they need for long-term mental health. In both centers, Nick’s approach remains consistent: meet each individual where they are, listen carefully, and provide steady, personalized care.
Educational Path and Clinical Licensure
A strong academic background supports Dr. DeSimone’s approach to care. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Rowan University and later completed a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling at Grand Canyon University in 2015. These academic programs gave him the foundational knowledge required to understand treatment's clinical and interpersonal aspects.
In April 2021, he earned his PhD in General Psychology, focusing on Performance Psychology. This study explores the relationship between mental performance and overall well-being—an interest that fits well with his commitment to helping individuals manage stress, improve functioning, and reach personal goals during and after treatment.
In addition to his academic credentials, Nick is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), a designation he has held since 2017. In 2022, he became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), further expanding his ability to work with clients on various mental health needs. These licenses reflect his dedication to clinical standards and ongoing investment in professional development.
A Personal Connection to Recovery
Alongside his formal education and clinical work, Nick DeSimone brings his own experience with addiction and recovery to the care he provides. As of 2025, he is celebrating 13 years of sobriety—a milestone representing personal growth and a sustained commitment to wellness. His experience gives him insight into the recovery process that cannot be gained from study alone. It also helps him connect with clients more personally, offering them the perspective of someone who understands the journey firsthand.
He often volunteers as a speaker, sharing parts of his story to help others see that recovery is possible. His goal is not to highlight his accomplishments but to let people know that change is real and that support can make a critical difference. His willingness to be open about his experience helps break down barriers and builds trust with those seeking care.
Speaking to the Public
In addition to his work within his treatment centers, Dr. DeSimone has contributed to public conversations about sobriety and mental health. In one such instance, he was featured in a segment on Fox 29 News during “Sober September.” In the interview, he discussed sobriety not only as a break from substance use but also as an opportunity for personal evaluation and emotional reset.
He pointed out how periods of sobriety can help people assess their relationship with substances and think more clearly about their goals and coping strategies. He also addressed the cultural normalization of alcohol use and how societal expectations can make it difficult for individuals to take steps toward change. Nick continues to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of these issues by participating in public dialogue.
Remaining Committed to Long-Term Care
As he looks to the future, Nick remains focused on expanding access to effective behavioral health services. His work through Lifetime Recovery and Renewed Light reflects an ongoing mission to offer meaningful support to individuals navigating recovery and mental health challenges. Whether someone is seeking help for the first time or returning to continue their healing process, he aims to provide a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.
The consistent blend of personal experience and clinical knowledge sets Nick's work apart. He meets people honestly, listens patiently, and works with his team to deliver care that responds to each client’s reality. His commitment is to running treatment programs and helping individuals grow into lives marked by stability and purpose.
Nick DeSimone © 2025. All rights reserved
