Nick DeSimone
Nick DeSimone
Founder and CEO of Lifetime Recovery
Founder and CEO of Lifetime Recovery
Before becoming a respected figure in mental health and addiction recovery, Dr. Nicholas DeSimone (PhD) spent the early part of his career in the financial world. He built a strong foundation in banking, achieving success through dedication and hard work. Yet, even with professional accomplishments, Nick felt something was missing. He realized that personal fulfillment would come not from business achievements, but from helping others improve their lives. This realization marked a pivotal shift in his journey, leading him away from finance and toward a calling centered on healing and human connection.
Transitioning into behavioral health required both courage and conviction. Nick started his new career with a clear purpose—to guide others through their struggles and help them find lasting recovery. He began working as an addictions counselor, where for four years he provided direct support to individuals battling substance use disorders. His approach was grounded in empathy and respect, allowing clients to feel understood and valued throughout their treatment.
During these years, Nick gained firsthand experience with the challenges of addiction and the strength it takes to begin recovery. His leadership skills and clinical insight soon led to his promotion as Director of Substance Abuse Services at a private outpatient facility. While in this role, he expanded his vision of care. He recognized that recovery must go beyond addressing addiction itself—it must also nurture emotional and mental health. This perspective laid the foundation for what would later become his life’s work.
In June 2017, Nick’s vision became reality when he opened Lifetime Recovery in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The center was created to offer more than treatment—it was built to provide hope and transformation. Lifetime Recovery focuses on holistic, individualized care, addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of healing.
Nick believed that recovery should empower individuals to not only overcome addiction but also to rediscover their purpose and potential. Under his leadership, Lifetime Recovery developed programs that prioritize self-awareness, emotional stability, and long-term wellness. Through compassionate guidance and structured support, the center has become a trusted place for people seeking sustainable change.
Understanding that mental health and addiction are deeply interconnected, Dr. DeSimone expanded his mission in April 2021 with the founding of Renewed Light Mental Health in West Deptford, New Jersey. The facility was established to help individuals dealing with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and grief.
Renewed Light shares the same guiding philosophy as Lifetime Recovery—each person deserves personalized care that respects their unique experiences. The center provides an environment where clients can strengthen resilience, regain balance, and move toward a healthier future. Through this expansion, Nick has been able to reach a broader community, offering accessible care to those seeking emotional and psychological healing.
Dr. DeSimone’s academic and professional background reflect his commitment to continuous growth and ethical clinical practice. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Rowan University, followed by a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2015. To further his expertise, he pursued a PhD in General Psychology with an emphasis in Performance Psychology, completing it in April 2021. His doctoral studies explored how mental focus and resilience influence overall well-being and achievement—a fitting area of study for someone devoted to personal transformation and recovery.
Professionally, Nick holds dual credentials. He became a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) in 2017 and later earned his Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification in 2022. These qualifications highlight his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of practice in his field.
Nick’s commitment to his work is strengthened by personal experience. As of 2025, he celebrates 13 years of sobriety, a milestone that represents perseverance and gratitude. His journey through addiction and recovery gives him a deep understanding of what his clients experience. This lived insight allows him to connect with them authentically and guide them with both empathy and practical wisdom.
He often shares his recovery story at community events and educational forums, using his experience to encourage others to seek help and believe in the possibility of change. For Nick, each opportunity to speak is not just about sharing his past—it’s about showing that recovery is a lifelong process of growth and renewal.
In addition to his work within treatment centers, Dr. DeSimone remains active in community education and outreach. His message reached a wider audience when he was featured on Fox 29 News during a “Sober September” segment. In the interview, he discussed sobriety as more than a physical detox. He explained it as a mental and emotional reset—a time to reflect on one’s relationship with substances and to build healthier coping strategies.
He also spoke candidly about the cultural normalization of drinking and the challenges people face when they attempt to make healthier choices. His practical, grounded insights resonated with viewers, reinforcing his role as both a clinician and an advocate for mental wellness.
Today, Dr. Nicholas DeSimone continues to lead with compassion, purpose, and integrity. Through Lifetime Recovery and Renewed Light Mental Health, he has built spaces where individuals can heal, grow, and reclaim control of their lives. His blend of professional expertise and personal experience enables him to guide people through both the challenges of addiction and the complexities of mental health.
Looking ahead, Nick remains focused on expanding access to high-quality behavioral health care. His mission is clear—to help individuals not just overcome their struggles, but thrive beyond them. His work stands as a reminder that healing begins with understanding and that lasting change is possible when compassion meets commitment.