Valley Spring Recovery Center goes beyond clinical treatment. We embed ourselves in the fabric of our community -- building partnerships, reducing stigma, and creating pathways to recovery across Northern New Jersey.
Recovery doesn't happen in isolation. It happens when an entire community wraps its arms around people who are ready to change.Brian Cellary NCADD Businessman of the Year
Valley Spring extends its mission beyond clinical walls through structured community programs that educate, connect, and empower Bergen County residents on the path to recovery.
We lead educational workshops and public awareness campaigns across Bergen County to dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health disorders. Our team speaks at schools, faith-based organizations, and civic groups -- providing evidence-based information about substance use disorders and the science of recovery.
Recovery extends to the entire family system. Our outreach team facilitates family support groups, connects families with local resources, and offers guidance on how to support a loved one through the recovery process. We maintain relationships with alumni long after treatment ends, fostering a lasting recovery community in Bergen County.
As part of our commitment to saving lives, Valley Spring participates in naloxone (Narcan) distribution programs throughout Northern New Jersey. We train community members, first responders, and family members on how to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses -- putting life-saving tools directly into the hands of those who need them most.
We actively build and maintain a robust referral network with hospitals, primary care physicians, behavioral health providers, and social services agencies across Bergen County. Our Director of Community Outreach, James Sands, works to ensure seamless care transitions and strengthen the continuum of treatment options available to residents.
Valley Spring leadership actively participates in local civic organizations, including the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce and Bergen Resource Net, advocating for addiction treatment access, mental health parity, and recovery-supportive public policy. We believe systemic change requires voices at the table.
Valley Spring Recovery Center was founded on the belief that addiction treatment cannot exist in a vacuum. Located at 830 Broadway in Norwood, New Jersey, our center sits at the heart of Bergen County -- a community that, like many across the nation, has been profoundly affected by the substance use epidemic.
Our outreach philosophy is rooted in the understanding that stigma remains the single greatest barrier to people seeking help. When community members view addiction as a moral failing rather than a medical condition, fewer people enter treatment, families suffer in silence, and lives are lost. That is why our leadership team dedicates significant time and energy to changing the conversation around addiction and mental health throughout Northern New Jersey.
Under the direction of James Sands, our Director of Community Outreach, Valley Spring has built a comprehensive network of relationships with healthcare providers, civic organizations, schools, law enforcement agencies, and faith-based communities. These partnerships ensure that when someone in Bergen County is ready to take the first step toward recovery, they know exactly where to turn.
Our CARF accreditation reflects not only the clinical quality of our programs but also our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in community engagement and ethical practice. As a proud A+ rated member of the Better Business Bureau and recognized as #1 Best of New Jersey, we hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve.
Michael O'Sullivan co-founded Valley Spring Recovery Center with a clear vision: create a treatment center that is deeply embedded in the community it serves. His leadership extends far beyond the clinical setting -- Michael is a regular speaker at community events, recovery rallies, and educational forums throughout Bergen County.
Under his direction, Valley Spring has established partnerships with dozens of healthcare providers, civic organizations, and advocacy groups, ensuring that the center serves as a true hub for recovery resources in Northern New Jersey.
Brian Cellary brings an exceptional blend of business acumen and recovery advocacy to Valley Spring. Honored as the NCADD Businessman of the Year, Brian has been recognized at the national level for his leadership in bridging the corporate world with the mission of addiction recovery.
His involvement with the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce and other business networks has opened doors for Valley Spring to engage with employers, HR departments, and employee assistance programs -- creating workplace-based pathways to treatment that meet people where they are.
James Sands serves as Valley Spring's Director of Community Outreach, the day-to-day architect of our external partnerships and community engagement programs. James manages relationships with hospitals, physician practices, behavioral health agencies, and social services organizations across Bergen County.
His work ensures that Valley Spring is top-of-mind for any professional in Northern New Jersey seeking quality outpatient treatment options for their patients. James also coordinates our community education events, Narcan training sessions, and professional continuing education workshops.
Measuring the reach and effectiveness of our outreach efforts across Bergen County and Northern New Jersey.
Our strategic alliances across Bergen County ensure comprehensive support for individuals and families navigating the path to recovery.
As active members of the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce, Valley Spring bridges the gap between business leadership and addiction recovery services. This partnership enables us to connect with employers across the region, develop workplace wellness initiatives, and advocate for recovery-supportive employment practices that help individuals maintain their livelihoods while seeking treatment.
Valley Spring participates in Bergen Resource Net, connecting our treatment services with the broader ecosystem of community resources available to Bergen County residents. Through this network, we coordinate with housing assistance programs, employment services, food security initiatives, and other vital support systems that address the full spectrum of needs individuals face during recovery.
We maintain active referral relationships with hospitals, emergency departments, primary care practices, and behavioral health providers throughout Bergen County and the greater Northern New Jersey area. Our Director of Community Outreach ensures seamless communication and warm handoffs between referring providers and our clinical team, so patients receive continuity of care without gaps.
Valley Spring's CARF accreditation is a mark of our commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement -- not just in clinical care, but in our community engagement practices. CARF standards require that accredited organizations demonstrate meaningful involvement in and responsiveness to the communities they serve, a standard we not only meet but exceed through our comprehensive outreach program.
Whether you represent a healthcare organization seeking a treatment referral partner, a civic group interested in hosting an educational presentation, a business looking to develop workplace recovery resources, or a community member who wants to volunteer -- we want to hear from you. James Sands and our outreach team are ready to explore how we can work together to strengthen the recovery community in Bergen County.