JSAS HealthCare, Inc.

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About Us

Empowering Recovery, Building Community

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Our Journey

Tracing Our Roots: The History of JSAS HealthCare

JSAS HealthCare, Inc. (aka Jersey Shore Addiction Services) was established in 1973 as a state-run outpatient methadone treatment program known as the “Asbury Park Drug Treatment Center.” Between 1976 and 1984 the clinic was involved with the absorption of clients and staff from a state-run clinic in Red Bank, opened up a satellite clinic in the Ocean County Health Department, Toms River, and assisted the opening of a methadone treatment program at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch. As a result of a state-wide privatization initiative in June, 1984, Jersey Shore Addiction Services, Inc. was established as a 501(c)(3) corporation, assuming control of Asbury Park Drug Treatment Center.

 

After the privatization in 1984, JSASHC expanded services in a number of areas and increased our capacity to treat a greater number of patients. These areas included HIV Counseling and Testing, on-site early intervention and medical care for HIV positive patients, treatment of co-occurring disorders, and specialized programs for pregnant and post-partum women. Currently, JSASHC serves over 700 patients.

Our management and supervisory staff have 10 – 35 years of direct experience in this agency.  All of our substance abuse counselors, counselor-interns, and case managers are degreed and have or are pursuing their LCADC or CADC. We meet or exceed all OTP licensure regulations and accreditation standards, as well as compliance with DMHAS requirements JSAS HealthCare, Inc. has been accredited by CARF since 2004.

  • Founded 1973
  • Expanded Services
  • HIV Counseling
  • Dual Diagnosis Care
  • Women's Health Programs
  • Serves 700+ Patients
  • CARF Accredited
  • Experienced Staff
Dedicated to Compassionate Substance Use Disorder Care

Our Mission:
Elevating Lives Through Recovery

The management and staff of JSAS HealthCare, Inc., are committed to providing comprehensive treatment of substance use disorders, without discrimination, in an atmosphere that is supportive and respectful of patients’ individuality and rights. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of professional care to individuals who are diagnosed with a substance use disorder, so that they may improve the quality of their lives, both as individuals and as members of the community.

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Our Treatment Philosophy​

  • We, at JSAS HealthCare, Inc., believe that substance use disorders are treatable bio-psychosocial diseases.
  • We believe that treatment is most effective when it is individualized and approached in an interdisciplinary and comprehensive manner that addresses the unique characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of each patient.
  • We respect each of our patient’s “stage of readiness for change,” and work to increase each patient’s commitment to treatment and the recovery process.
  • We accept harm reduction as a valid treatment goal.
  • We encourage 12-Step involvement, but accept that there are other roads to recovery as well.
  • Our goal for each patient is a new freedom of body, mind and spirit that reflects success in the process of treatment and recovery.
  • We accept Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (M.O.U.D) as effective treatment for opioid dependence in its own right.
  • We support medically supervised withdrawal when clinically appropriate, but fully accept that there is recovery on M.O.U.D.
Dedicated Leadership Behind Our Mission

Meet Our Management Team

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    Margaret B. Rizzo

    Executive Director

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    Dr. Arielle Gerard, MD, MPH, MS

    Medical Director

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    Diane Villari, MS, LCADC

    Deputy Executive Director

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    Rebecca Green, MA, LPC, LCADC, CCS, ACS

    Clinical Director

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    Jayne M. Sowinski, RN, CARN

    Nursing Director

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Margaret B. Rizzo

Executive Director

Margaret Rizzo has been employed with JSAS HealthCare, Inc. in various positions since 1991, and currently serves as the agency’s Executive Director.

Ms. Rizzo has served as Chairperson of the Monmouth County Office of Addiction Services’ Treatment Planning Committee and as a member of the Monmouth County Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ Professional Advisory Committee. She has served on several committees formed by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to assist Opioid Treatment Programs in New Jersey to develop policies and procedures to meet CARF accreditation standards, and continues to assist clinics throughout New Jersey to navigate and comply with state licensure regulations, federal regulations and accreditation standards.

Ms. Rizzo serves as Treasurer to the New Jersey Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (NJATOD), and is the New Jersey Board Delegate to the national organization, the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD).

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Dr. Arielle Gerard, MD, MPH, MS

Medical Director

Dr. Gerard is the medical director of JSAS Healthcare, Inc. She is double board-certified in addiction medicine and general preventive medicine/public health physician, and fellowship-trained addiction medicine. She completed a Distinction in Advocacy in medical school, earned Master of Science in Bioethics and Master of Public Health degrees during her training, and completed an internship training year in family medicine.

She has a broad interest in matters of biopsychosocial-spiritual health and quality-of-life improvement, especially centered in advocacy, prevention/harm/stigma reduction, compassion-focused self-efficacy support, and an ethics-of-care (EoC) grounded in a relational/patient-centered and systems-focused approach.

She is grateful to have practiced in several different addiction medicine care settings, and has a particular interest and specialization in methadone maintenance treatment for a wide variety of reasons. She has a goal to enhance methadone maintenance treatment effectiveness and safety, while also supporting it to be reasonably accessible, less stigmatized, and more accurately understood in the medical community, recovery community, and wider society.

Dr. Gerard is honored and privileged to work with patients living with substance and behavioral use disorders/addictions in supporting hope and light in shadowed spaces.

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Diane Villari, MS, LCADC

Deputy Executive Director

Diane Villari received her Master of Science Degree in Counselor Education in 1989 at the University of Scranton. She has been working in the field of substance use disorder treatment since 1989 and has worked in residential and outpatient treatment with adults and adolescents.

Ms. Villari started at JSAS HealthCare, Inc in 2007 as the Perinatal Case Manager. Due to her dedication to patient care, Ms. Villari has advanced to Assistant Clinical Supervisor, Clinic Supervisor, Clinical Operations Supervisor, Administrative Director and is now the Deputy Executive Director.

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Rebecca Green, MA, LPC, LCADC, CCS, ACS

Clinical Director

Rebecca received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Rutgers University and Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Georgian Court University. Rebecca has completed training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Rebecca has worked in the field of behavioral health with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families.

Rebecca has previously worked in the positions of intake counselor, PIP Coordinator, Outpatient Supervisor, Clinical Supervisor and beginning in 2022 as Clinical
Director.

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Jayne M. Sowinski, RN, CARN

Nursing Director

With a background in Fitness and Yoga, Jayne Sowinski began her nursing career in 2012 here at JSAS Healthcare. Since joining the JSAS HealthCare, Inc. staff in 2012, she has held the positions of medication nurse, intake nurse, charge nurse and nursing supervisor.

During her tenure at JSAS HealthCare, Inc., Ms. Sowinski earned her certificate as an Addictions Registered Nurse. In 2023 Ms. Sowinski was promoted to Director of Nursing at JSAS HealthCare, Inc. Ms. Sowinski was involved in establishing the working group of the directors of nursing of the New Jersey opioid treatment programs. 

Patient Testimonials

What they say about us

Hear directly from those who’ve walked the path of recovery with us. Their stories of challenge, support, and triumph reflect the heart of our mission and the strength of our community.

This is the only treatment (methadone) that I’ve ever been able to remain off of any illicit drugs. I suggest anyone with opioid addiction admit themselves to this clinic because of the great counselors and groups here.
~ SamPatient
Staff is very courteous: Thank God for methadone because it saved my life. I am 6 years clean. I have my daughter. I got my life back and I have a job.
~ AlyssaPatient
I am very happy here. When I moved, I had the option to switch to a different clinic closer to my house. I would rather drive to come here rather than go to another clinic. I appreciate all the staff here. They got me through one of the hardest points in my life. They are the best.
~ BrianPatient
Staff is incredibly caring and will go beyond to give you that extra help if possible. Very positive attitudes towards recovery.This clinic literally saved my life and my family. Since joining the program, I’ve gotten clean, established permanent housing all thanks to a very special counselor here. I have a better relationship with my children because they are happier now. JSAS has changed my life for the better times 100 and I am absolutely grateful!
~ ChelseaPatient
Essential Information for Our Community

Key Resources & Support

Discover our funding partners, accepted payment methods, and answers to frequently asked questions to support your journey with us.

Funding Partners

  • New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services – Fee For Service Initiatives
  • NJ Medicaid and NJ Family Care
  • NJ Work First Substance Abuse Initiative
  • New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Protection and Permanency
  • Medicare
  • Monmouth County Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services

Payment Options

  • Cash & Money Orders
  • Credit & Debit Cards

JSASHC accepts the following insurances:

  • Aetna Better Health NJ
  • Amerigroup/Wellpoint
  • Bravo (PPO Plan Only)
  • Horizon Healthcare of NJ
  • Humana (PPO Plan Only)
  • Oxford
  • United Healthcare
  • WellCare

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (M.O.U.D.) Treatment Basics

  • Is the use of medications like methadone and buprenorphine simply replacing one drug addiction with another?

    No – Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (M.O.U.D.) treatment with buprenorphine and methadone are not heroin/opioid substitutes. They are prescribed or administered under monitored, controlled conditions, and are safe and effective for treatment of opioid addiction when used as directed. They help to stabilize the opioid system in the body.

  • How does methadone work?

    Methadone is a synthetic (man-made) opioid that binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. At an effective dose methadone eliminates, and blocks the effects of illicit opioid use.

  • How does buprenorphine work?

    Buprenorphine is a synthetic partial opioid which attaches to the opioid receptors on the brain. It has a stronger bond with the opioid receptors than other opioids. This helps block the effect of opioids, may reduce cravings and may reduce withdrawal symptoms

  • How does Vivitrol work?

    Vivitrol attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain and blocks opioids from attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain. This results in someone not being able to feel the effects of opioids.

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