Biography Of Nick DeSimone
Dr. Nicholas DeSimone’s path into mental health and addiction services began not from formal training but from an internal realization For a period of his life, he built a career in banking The role came with the benefits of financial success and a structured future But with time, that career no longer aligned with what he wanted to contribute to the world.
Though he had the skills and foundation for long-term financial growth, Nick began to sense that something was missing—something meaningful. He concluded that his work needed to involve more direct human connection. That decision marked the beginning of his transition away from the financial sector and toward a completely different kind of service supporting individuals dealing with addiction and mental health concerns.
Ground-Level Experience in Counseling
Nick started his career in behavioral health by serving as an addiction counselor. Over four years, he worked directly with individuals dealing with substance use. This early stage of his career provided both practical and personal insight into the realities of addiction recovery. He met with people from different backgrounds, each with unique stories, and offered guidance and consistency as they began or continued their recovery journeys
Through these day-to-day interactions, he began to understand what clients truly needed from treatment—not just a program or procedure, but steady support and individualized care. His ability to listen, respond, and support clients made a difference, and his leadership potential was soon recognized. He was promoted to Director of Substance Abuse Services at a private outpatient center, where he began managing teams and improving systems for care delivery.
During that time, Nick also began to form a broader view of what recovery programs could look like He started considering what was missing from traditional models and how treatment settings could better serve their clients.
Creating Lifetime Recovery
Those ideas came to life in June 2017 when Dr. DeSimone opened Lifetime Recovery in Mullica Hill, New Jersey This outpatient treatment center was created with a clear goal in mind: to offer more than short-term relief from addiction Nick envisioned a space that would support full-life transformation—where people could address addiction in connection with the emotional and psychological experiences that often go unspoken.
At Lifetime Recovery, treatment is built around the individual. Services are designed not just to treat addiction but to support long-term wellness by addressing each client’s physical, emotional, and mental needs The center provides an environment
where clients are encouraged to rebuild their lives sustainably, with programs designed to empower them beyond immediate recovery.
Nick’s leadership at the facility reflects his belief that care should be practical, respectful, and focused on helping people live healthier lives. Lifetime Recovery represents a professional achievement and a personal statement about what recovery care can be when it is led by lived experience and long-term commitment
Expanding Support with Renewed Light
In April 2021, Nick took the next step in his mission by founding Renewed Light Mental Health in West Deptford, New Jersey. While Lifetime Recovery was centered on addiction treatment, Renewed Light was established to meet the needs of individuals facing broader mental health challenges.
Renewed Light supports clients dealing with conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and bipolar disorder Like its sister facility, this center is focused on personalized care, built around the full spectrum of client needs. The approach emphasizes building internal strength and helping clients establish lasting strategies for managing their emotional health.
The founding of Renewed Light marked a natural progression in Nick’s work. It allowed him to provide services to those who might not be dealing with addiction but who still needed a space to receive consistent and thoughtful mental health support
Academic and Clinical Foundations
Dr. DeSimone’s work is supported by both academic learning and clinical licensure. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Rowan University and completed a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2015. These studies gave him the structure and tools needed to navigate clinical environments and better understand the science behind treatment
In April 2021, he completed a PhD in General Psychology with a concentration in Performance Psychology. This field focuses on how mental skills affect performance, achievement, and well-being areas directly connected to his work helping individuals improve their lives.
In addition to his degrees, Nick earned the Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) designation in 2017 He became a Licensed Professional
Counselor (LPC) in 2022 These certifications have allowed him to expand his clinical work and provide services in various behavioral health contexts.
A Personal Connection to the Work
Education, clinical roles, and personal experience shape Dr. DeSimone’s perspective As of 2025, he has been sober for 13 years That milestone reflects an ongoing process of self-awareness, support, and responsibility His sobriety journey has allowed him to understand the fears, doubts, and victories that come with recovery.
His willingness to talk about his story openly has helped many clients feel less isolated. He does not share it for praise but to offer hope to others facing the same path. For him, sobriety is not just about abstaining it’s about growth, structure, and learning how to live with intention
Nick’s background has shaped his professional values He brings empathy and realism into his work. Clients who meet him find someone who understands not only the science of recovery but also the lived experience of it.
Contributing to Broader Conversations
Outside of his clinical work, Dr DeSimone contributes to public awareness around addiction and mental health In one example, he appeared on Fox 29 News during “Sober September,” where he shared reflections on sobriety's role in cognitive and emotional reset. He discussed how stepping away from substances allows people to better understand their habits and develop new strategies for stress, decision-making, and connection.
In that interview, he also highlighted the social factors that influence substance use, including the normalization of drinking in everyday settings He emphasized the importance of supportive environments where individuals can feel comfortable exploring change
Through such opportunities, he continues to be a voice for compassion and clarity in a space often misunderstood or misrepresented.
Ongoing Commitment to Service
As Lifetime Recovery and Renewed Light continue to serve their communities, Nick remains committed to their shared purpose: to provide reliable, respectful, and
effective care for those in need His work centers on building systems that respond to the real conditions of people’s lives without judgment and with clear, focused guidance.
Nick’s vision for the future is simple but powerful: to keep making care accessible and personal. He believes that people can and do change but need consistency, safety, and encouragement along the way Whether someone is just beginning their journey or maintaining their progress, his centers aim to meet them where they are and support their steps forward