(855) 924-532024/7 Admissions
Easton Tower, Paramus, New Jersey — Valley Spring Recovery Center service area

About Us

About Valley Spring Recovery Center

Family-owned outpatient mental health, substance use disorder, and psychiatric medication management services in Norwood, New Jersey. Serving adults 18+ across Bergen County and the tri-state area.

Our Story

Founded on Local Recovery

Valley Spring Recovery Center was founded on August 17, 2020, by Brian Cellary, an Allendale, New Jersey native with more than a decade of personal recovery and more than a decade of professional experience in substance use disorder treatment. The organization was originally launched under the name Psyclarity Health NJ and was later renamed Valley Spring Recovery Center to reflect the restorative, growth-oriented nature of the work delivered at the facility.

From the outset, the organization was built around a single conviction: that recovery happens best when people stay connected to their community, their families, and their purpose. Valley Spring developed its treatment model around individualized clinical care, evidence-based therapy, and a whole-person approach that integrates mental health, substance use, and psychiatric medication management under one outpatient roof.

Today, Valley Spring operates as an intimate, community-anchored outpatient facility distinguished by its 8:1 maximum staff-to-patient ratio, evening Intensive Outpatient programming designed for working professionals, and neuroscience-informed Health and Wellness curriculum built on five clinical pillars.

Licenses & Accreditations

CARF Accredited — Aspire to Excellence
ASAM Level of Care Certification by CARF
BBB A+ Accredited
NJ Department of Children and Families Licensed
Psychology Today Verified
SAMHSA — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Best of NJ Top-Rated Treatment Center

Local Recovery That Saves Lives

Valley Spring Recovery Center stands as more than a treatment facility, the organization functions as a cornerstone of the tri-state recovery ecosystem. Each year, Valley Spring raises funds to support recovery organizations, including Run for Recovery, Alumni in Recovery, and the Black Poster Project.

Valley Spring serves as the recurring partner for the New York Yankees Mental Health Awareness Night, helping bring conversations about mental health, substance use disorder, and recovery into one of the largest public platforms in the region.

Unlike national treatment centers that fly clients in from across the country, Valley Spring focuses exclusively on serving its local communities throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Union, and Somerset counties in New Jersey, and Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties in New York.

What Drives Us

Our Core Values

Six values that guide clinical decision-making, staff conduct, and daily patient experience across every level of care.

01

Integrity First

Valley Spring does the right thing regardless of convenience or cost. Clinical recommendations are based on what the patient needs, not on what is easiest to bill, fastest to discharge, or most profitable to deliver.

02

Relentless Work Ethic

The Valley Spring team works to make patients' lives measurably better. The expectation is consistent effort, ongoing clinical refinement, and a commitment to outcomes over output.

03

Service Over Self

Clinicians, case managers, medical providers, and program coordinators at Valley Spring serve each other and patients with humility. Program Coordinators are trained to engage patients as people first, before paperwork.

04

Respect Always

Every patient and every family member is treated with dignity. Every perspective is valued. Valley Spring's intimate scale is designed specifically to make respect a structural feature of treatment.

05

Purpose-Driven Excellence

Valley Spring works with intention and holds itself to a high clinical standard. CARF accreditation, dual New Jersey state licensure, and recognition as the #1 treatment center in Best of NJ reflect that standard.

06

Team Above Ego

Collaboration and unity guide Valley Spring's clinical success. The Wednesday treatment team meeting model builds team-based decision-making rather than individual provider preference.

Clinical Team

Our Team

Valley Spring Recovery Center employs a multidisciplinary clinical team combining licensed therapists, psychiatric medical providers, case managers, program coordinators, and recovery support specialists. The clinical staff includes Licensed Clinical Social Workers, master-level therapists, and counselors with specialized training in addiction, dual diagnosis, trauma, and mental health treatment.

Medical oversight is provided by Dr. Michael Olla, who serves as Valley Spring’s Medical Director, alongside a team of psychiatric medical providers, including psychiatric nurse practitioners delivering on-site medication management.

Many Valley Spring team members combine professional clinical credentials with personal recovery experience, creating a treatment environment characterized by clinical excellence and an authentic, lived experience understanding of the recovery journey.

Small group therapy room at Valley Spring Recovery Center, Norwood, NJ

8:1 Staff Ratio

Maximum staff-to-patient ratio

CARF Accredited

Gold standard for behavioral health

NJ State Licensed

SUD + Mental Health licenses

Dual Experience

Clinical + personal recovery backgrounds

Leadership & Clinicians

Meet the Valley Spring Team

View all team members
Brian Cellary

Brian Cellary, CEO

Chief Executive Officer

Brian Cellary founded Valley Spring Recovery Center in Norwood, Bergen County, New Jersey, bringing over 14 years of personal recovery experience to his leadership role. He previously held executive positions at multiple treatment centers focusing on market development, payor relations, and program development. Cellary serves as a board member of Alumni in Recovery and was honored as 'Businessman of the Year' by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), presented by New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. He speaks at local high schools sharing his recovery story and operates from a patient-first philosophy, collaborating with clinical and medical teams to develop comprehensive treatment programs. His mission extends beyond addressing addiction, aiming to help clients succeed across family, work, and educational domains.

Dr. Michael Olla

Dr. Michael Olla, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Michael Olla serves as Medical Director at Valley Spring Recovery Center, overseeing clinical operations and patient care standards. He specializes in substance use disorder treatment and maintains licensure in both New York and New Jersey. Dr. Olla earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine (2011). His professional approach emphasizes holistic healing and evidence-based treatment methodologies for mental health and substance use conditions. Beyond direct patient care, Dr. Olla contributes to the organization's editorial oversight and participates in research within the addiction medicine field. His leadership focuses on integrative care and compassionate treatment approaches for individuals pursuing recovery.

Anthony Tangi

Anthony Tangi, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Anthony Tangi is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ANCC) specializing in treating substance abuse, anxiety, depression, psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder), bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD across adult and adolescent populations. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University (Summa Cum Laude) and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Temple University. Anthony employs a conservative approach to medication management and brings over a decade of psychiatric experience from inpatient, outpatient, and emergency crisis settings at major health systems including University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University, and Temple University. He maintains active ANCC membership and has served as clinical faculty for graduate-level psychiatric nurse practitioner programs at multiple universities.

Caitlin Dow

Caitlin Dow, LAC, LCADC

Clinical Manager

Caitlin Dow brings over five years of experience in substance use disorder treatment across multiple care settings, including methadone maintenance, detoxification, residential, and outpatient treatment. She progressed from behavioral technician and case manager roles to her current counseling position. Caitlin emphasizes creating a warm, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to heal, grow, and build meaningful lives in sobriety through client-centered care approaches. She is a Licensed Alcohol Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), bringing clinical expertise and genuine compassion to every client interaction.

Alvin McCarthy

Alvin McCarthy, LCSW

Group Facilitator

Alvin McCarthy brings extensive professional experience across banking, manufacturing, transportation, corrections, and law enforcement to his clinical role. He served as a police officer, sergeant, and acting Police Chief before transitioning to mental health and social work. His educational background includes a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration, M.S. in Education and Administration, EdS in Advanced Education and Administration, and an MSW from Fordham University. With over 30 years of sobriety, Al's recovery informs his therapeutic approach. His law enforcement background provides unique insight into addiction's broader impacts, and he specializes in treating first responders and veterans. Al emphasizes holistic therapy addressing psychological and emotional dimensions of mental health, maintaining meticulous preparation for group sessions and consistently providing clients with new and valuable insights. He holds a green belt in Goju Karate and has published poetry under the pen name 'Police Poet.'

Zach Puzo

Zach Puzo, CADC

Therapist

Zach Puzo has worked as an addiction counselor since 2016 and joined Valley Spring Recovery Center in 2021 as one of the facility's founding employees. He holds an associate degree in Human Services from Passaic County Community College and is pursuing his CADC certification. In his clinical role, Zach focuses on guiding patients through recovery challenges while offering compassionate guidance and evidence-based strategies. He demonstrates particular enthusiasm for family-centered work, emphasizing relationship restoration and healing within families. Beyond direct counseling, Zach manages case management functions including FMLA assistance, legal documentation support, employment resources, and employer coordination. He maintains an open-door practice where clients feel secure raising concerns and stays connected with program alumni, offering ongoing encouragement and support.

James Sands

James Sands, B.S.

Director of Business Development

James Sands (known as Jimmy) serves as Director of Business Development at Valley Spring Recovery Center, bringing over 23 years of personal recovery experience to his professional role. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and specializes in guiding patients through their recovery journey with empathy and expertise. His professional work spans stakeholder engagement including union members, Employee Assistance Programs, large employers, and healthcare institutions. He actively participates in 12-step meetings and community speaking engagements while occasionally leading clinical groups. Jimmy is an accomplished recreational athlete recognized as an 'A' player in pickleball and paddleball, and he also plays drums.

Patricia Osterhoudt

Patricia Osterhoudt, CARC, CRPA, ITSC, PSP

Family Service Coordinator

Patricia V. Osterhoudt is a recovery advocate, family support specialist, and member of the Ramapough Lenape Nation in Hillburn, New York. She has maintained sobriety since 2017 following the loss of her son to substance use disorder, transforming that experience into advocacy and service. Patricia has trained approximately 1,000 individuals in Narcan administration and overdose response, including 225 graduating seniors at a local high school on prom day. She served as Program Coordinator for the New Jersey Commission on American Indian Affairs and held multiple roles at Foundations Recovery Community Center/RCADD. Patricia founded Matt's Movement in memory of her son and recently presented 'Roots to Resilience: Connecting with Your Indigenous Roots in Recovery' at the FOR-NY RECON 2025 conference. A two-episode feature on Shalom World TV's Unshackled series is scheduled to air in Spring 2026.

Our Programs

Our Outpatient Treatment Programs

Four progressive levels under the RAAT model. Step up or step down without changing facilities or rebuilding rapport with new providers.

Clinical Approach

Our Approach to Treatment

Valley Spring delivers integrated outpatient treatment through evidence-based therapeutic modalities, neuroscience-informed wellness programming, dual diagnosis psychiatric care, and the four-stage RAAT progressive treatment model.

The clinical team employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address maladaptive thought patterns and behavioral responses. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides emotional regulation skills and distress tolerance techniques. EMDR therapy, delivered by licensed clinical social workers, addresses underlying trauma contributing to substance use and mental health symptoms. Motivational Interviewing fosters intrinsic motivation for behavioral change through collaborative, client-centered dialogue.

Psychiatric medication management is delivered on-site by Medical Director Dr. Michael Olla and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Available medications include Suboxone, Vivitrol, Brixadi, Naltrexone, Topamax, and the full buprenorphine range for substance use disorders, along with antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anxiety treatments for co-occurring mental health conditions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)EMDR TherapyMotivational InterviewingTrauma-Informed CareMedication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)Family TherapyGroup TherapyIndividual TherapyCase ManagementHealth & WellnessPsychiatric Evaluation

Why Choose Us

Why Choose Valley Spring Recovery Center?

Valley Spring holds CARF accreditation, dual New Jersey state licenses (SUD #200887 and MH #70420104), an A+ BBB rating, and was recognized as the #1 treatment center in Best of New Jersey. The clinical team is led by Medical Director Dr. Michael Olla and includes licensed therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, case managers, and recovery support specialists, many combining professional credentials with personal recovery experience.

The 8:1 maximum staff-to-patient ratio and the cap of 10 patients in morning process groups are deliberate clinical commitments that preserve treatment depth. Weekly Wednesday treatment team meetings match each patient to the therapist best aligned with their clinical presentation. A comprehensive case management assessment within 72 hours of admission resolves outside stressors, workplace, legal, housing, so patients can focus exclusively on treatment.

Valley Spring is one of fewer than ten facilities in New Jersey with a credentialed sleep specialist on staff, addressing what the clinical team identifies as the primary driver of stress, anxiety, and post-acute withdrawal in early recovery. The organization integrates holistic wellness practices including yoga, Reiki, sound baths, ice baths, mindfulness, and nutrition alongside traditional evidence-based therapy.

CARF Accredited

Gold standard for behavioral health quality

Sleep Specialist on Staff

One of fewer than 10 NJ facilities with this credential

Holistic Wellness Integration

Yoga, Reiki, sound baths, ice baths, mindfulness, nutrition

Wednesday Team Meetings

Full clinical team matches patients to best-fit therapist weekly

72-Hr Case Management

FMLA, disability, legal, and housing resolved from day one

Family for Life, Thrive

Monthly alumni meetings, quarterly outings, lifelong community

Small group therapy room at Valley Spring Recovery Center
Common lounge area at Valley Spring Recovery Center

Location

How to Find Valley Spring Recovery Center in Norwood, NJ

Valley Spring Recovery Center is located at 830 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 07648 in Bergen County, 20 minutes from the George Washington Bridge via the Palisades Parkway, accessible from the Garden State Parkway and the New York State Thruway. On-site private parking is available.

The facility serves clients throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Union, and Somerset counties in New Jersey, and Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties in New York, designed for community-anchored access, not destination treatment.

Valley Spring Recovery Center building exterior, 830 Broadway, Norwood, NJ

Contact

830 Broadway
Norwood, NJ 07648

Open 24/7

(855) 924-5320Get Directions →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Valley Spring Recovery Center

What insurance plans does Valley Spring Recovery Center accept?+

Valley Spring is in-network with 17 major insurance contracts, including Horizon Blue Cross, NYSHIP, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AmeriHealth, Oscar, Meritain, Fidelis, United Healthcare, UMR, Tricare, ComPsych, Highmark, and Magellan. The admissions team handles insurance verification during pre-admission, determining coverage details and financial responsibility. Most clients pay only their copay, coinsurance, or deductible. Flexible payment options and financing are available for uninsured clients.

Does Valley Spring Recovery Center provide detoxification services?+

Valley Spring does not offer outpatient detoxification or methadone services. For patients requiring detox, the admissions team coordinates referral to an appropriate inpatient detox partner and then re-engages clients at the Partial Care level. Valley Spring does offer comprehensive Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, including Suboxone, Vivitrol, Brixadi, Naltrexone, Topamax, and the full range of buprenorphine formulations, delivered on-site by the psychiatric medical team led by Medical Director Dr. Michael Olla.

What should I bring to treatment at Valley Spring Recovery Center?+

Valley Spring is an outpatient program, patients return home each day. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications (or the medications in original pharmacy bottles for review by the medical team), and comfortable clothing for therapy and Health & Wellness programming. Cellphones and laptops are permitted during Partial Care. A short two-week blackout period applies only to patients living in partner sober living during Partial Care.

Can family members visit during treatment?+

Valley Spring emphasizes family involvement throughout treatment as a core clinical component. Family therapy is available with client consent at weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly frequency. Valley Spring also delivers the Family Program, a free, six-month, six-session program open to families of all Valley Spring patients and to the public, covering the disease model, Narcan training, CRAFT-informed boundaries, codependency, relapse prevention, and family wellness planning.

How long does treatment last at Valley Spring Recovery Center?+

Treatment duration varies based on individual clinical needs, progress, and insurance authorization. Partial Care averages 4–6 weeks. The Intensive Outpatient Program averages 6–8 weeks at 3 or 5 evenings per week. The Virtual IOP runs 8–12 weeks. Outpatient runs 1–2 nights per week ongoing. The Thrive alumni program runs indefinitely as a lifelong recovery community. Advancement between RAAT stages is based on measurable clinical progress and readiness, not arbitrary timelines.

What is a typical day like at Valley Spring Recovery Center?+

Partial Care clients attend Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM: morning process groups capped at 10 patients, a psychoeducational group, catered lunch, the Health & Wellness pillar group, and an elective group. IOP clients attend 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Monday–Friday with process groups, psychoeducation, Health & Wellness programming, and Life Skills curriculum. All levels integrate CBT, DBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care. Programming also incorporates holistic practices including yoga, Reiki, sound baths, ice baths, mindfulness, and nutrition.

What makes Valley Spring Recovery Center different from other treatment facilities?+

Valley Spring is a family-owned, community-anchored outpatient facility with the four-stage RAAT model, an 8:1 maximum staff-to-patient ratio, morning groups capped at 10, evening IOP for working professionals, a neuroscience-informed Health & Wellness curriculum, and a credentialed sleep specialist on staff, one of fewer than 10 NJ facilities with this resource. CARF accredited, dual NJ state licensed (SUD #200887 and MH #70420104), BBB A+, and recognized as the #1 treatment center in Best of New Jersey. Unlike national centers, Valley Spring focuses exclusively on its local communities across Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Union, and Somerset counties in NJ.

How do I start the admissions process?+

The admissions process begins with a confidential call to Valley Spring's 24/7 admissions line at (855) 924-5320 or an online inquiry. Admissions specialists conduct an initial screening covering substance use patterns, mental health history, insurance coverage, and clinical history. Insurance verification is handled during pre-admission. The clinical team approves appropriateness within approximately one hour. Upon approval, the admissions team calls back within 24 hours to schedule intake, with same-day and next-day intake available. On the first day, clients complete orientation, intake paperwork, urine drug screening, and a one-hour biopsychosocial assessment.

Reach Out to Valley Spring

Our admissions team is available 24/7. Call (855) 924-5320 to speak with someone now. Same-day intake when criteria are met.

HIPAA compliant · Confidential · No obligation