Greater Essex Counseling Services

About Greater Essex Counseling Services

Greater Essex Counseling Services is an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program based in downtown Newark, New Jersey, with a second office in Union City. They have served the Newark community since 2009 and take a holistic, integrated approach that treats recovery as rebuilding physical, mental, and emotional balance rather than only stopping substance use. Care is offered at two levels: standard outpatient (OP), with up to 8 hours of treatment per week, and intensive outpatient (IOP) for people who need more structure while keeping up with work, school, or family. They also run a state-approved anger management program, needs assessments for outpatient treatment, psychiatric evaluations, and standalone monitored drug screening.

Treatment combines group counseling with a weekly one-on-one session, and group topics include relapse prevention, grief and loss, communication, finances, employment readiness, the 12 Steps, and yoga and meditation. Because addiction often overlaps with conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, they address co-occurring mental health needs, with psychiatric evaluation and medication follow-up overseen by their Medical Director and referrals to outside providers for medication-assisted treatment. Random urine drug screens with laboratory confirmation are part of the program, and they hold contracts with Drug Court, the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, NJ State Parole, and Probation, which makes them a practical option for people with court or employer requirements. Evening, weekend, and telehealth options are available when appropriate, graduates can stay connected through an informal alumni network, and they accept Medicaid and can assist uninsured Essex County residents through a county grant.