United for Recovery: NJ Coalition of Treatment Providers Launches with Bold Vision for Behavioral Health Reform

May 7, 2025 | Freehold, NJ

In a historic move to reshape the landscape of behavioral health care in New Jersey, the New Jersey Coalition of Treatment Providers (NJCTP) held its inaugural board meeting on May 1st, drawing more than 100 mental health professionals, community advocates, faith leaders, and policymakers to Freehold for a cause that hits close to home for many: building a recovery-focused system that truly works for the people it serves.

This wasn’t just another meeting — it was a call to action.

Led by Daniel Regan, founder of NJCTP and CEO of Healing Us Centers, the gathering set the tone for a bold new era in addiction and mental health treatment advocacy. “This coalition was built by those who live it, those who lead it, and those who fight every day for people in recovery,” Regan said, kicking off the event. His words spoke not only to professionals in the field but also to families across New Jersey impacted by addiction, trauma, and lack of access to equitable care.

The coalition named its founding board of directors, including Regan as Chair, Lisa Palmeri as Co-Chair, Susan Miller as Secretary, and Mario Monticiolo as Treasurer. These individuals bring decades of combined experience in clinical care, advocacy, and administrative leadership to the table.

But what truly set this meeting apart were the powerful endorsements and alliances announced:

• Reverend Al Sharpton gave a formal endorsement, applauding NJCTP’s commitment to justice and real community impact.
• Over 475 churches from the New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers joined in support, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural relevance of recovery work.
• The Legal Action Coalition, a national voice in regulatory reform, offered its recognition and guidance.

For communities that have long been underserved, especially in cities like Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson, the NJCTP represents something new: a collective of people who understand the system from the inside—and who are fighting to make it better.

With Medicaid patients still facing barriers to quality care, and debates swirling around housing options like Cooperative Sober Living Residences (CSLRs), the coalition made it clear that it’s not just showing up—it’s stepping into the legislative arena. NJCTP is actively organizing to influence key bills like A3230, S2315, and S2952, which could reshape access and accountability in the treatment field.

The coalition also launched four working committees focused on legislative advocacy, provider standards, member engagement, and public communications, ensuring that the work extends far beyond meetings and into measurable outcomes.

The next meeting will take place Friday, May 16, 2025, at Better Life Ministry, 129 Linden Ave., Jersey City, hosted by Governor Jim McGreevey. With more voices joining and momentum building, the coalition aims to create a unified, powerful network of treatment providers who serve with heart, ethics, and a deep commitment to recovery.

Why This Matters

Mental health and addiction don’t discriminate — they affect every zip code, every background. Our communities are hungry for change, not just in services, but in how systems respond to crisis, how providers are supported, and how recovery is respected. The NJCTP is showing up with solutions and a structure to move forward.

For families struggling in silence, for youth navigating trauma, and for providers feeling burnt out by bureaucracy, the NJCTP isn’t just another organization. It’s a movement. And it’s just getting started.

To learn more or to get involved, visit www.njctp.org.