[![White logo for Wellness Hills Mental Health Treatment in New Jersey.](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WH_Logo_White-300x300.webp "White logo for Wellness Hills Mental Health Treatment in New Jersey.") ](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/ "Home")

- [About](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/about-us/ "About")
  - [Tour our Facility](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/tour/ "Tour our Facility")
  - [Meet the Staff](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/staff/ "Meet the Staff")
  - [Our Contributors](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contributors/ "Our Contributors")
  - [Why Choose Wellness Hills](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/why-choose-wellness-hills/ "Why Choose Wellness Hills")
  - [Testimonials & Reviews](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/testimonials/ "Testimonials & Reviews")
  - [Mental Health Treatment FAQs](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/mental-health-treatment-faq/ "Mental Health Treatment FAQs")
  - [Community Affiliations & Memberships](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/community-affiliations/ "Community Affiliations & Memberships")
  - [Privacy Policy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/privacy-policy/ "Privacy Policy")
  - [Editorial Policy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/editorial-policy/ "Editorial Policy")
  - [Terms and Conditions](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/terms-and-conditions/ "Terms and Conditions")

- [Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/ "Treatment")
  - [Inpatient Mental Health](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/inpatient-mental-health/ "Inpatient Mental Health")
  - [Partial Care Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/partial-hospitalization/ "Partial Care Program")
  - [Intensive Outpatient Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/intensive-outpatient-program/ "Intensive Outpatient Program")
  - [Outpatient Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/outpatient-program/ "Outpatient Program")
  - [Psychiatry Services](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/psychiatry/ "Psychiatry Services")

- [What We Treat](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/ "What We Treat")
  - [Depression Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/depression/ "Depression Treatment")
  - [Panic Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/panic-disorder/ "Panic Disorder Treatment")
  - [Bipolar Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/bipolar-disorder/ "Bipolar Disorder Treatment")
  - [Anxiety Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/anxiety/ "Anxiety Treatment")
  - [Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/social-anxiety/ "Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment")
  - [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/ "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder")
  - [PTSD & Trauma Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/ptsd-and-trauma/ "PTSD & Trauma Treatment")
  - [Postpartum Depression Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/postpartum-depression/ "Postpartum Depression Treatment")
  - [ADHD Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/adhd/ "ADHD Treatment")
  - [Grief and Loss](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/grief-and-loss/ "Grief and Loss")
  - [Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/ "Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment")

- [Therapies](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/ "Therapies")
  - [Group Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/group-therapy/ "Group Therapy")
  - [Individual Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/individual-therapy/ "Individual Therapy")
  - [Family Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/family-therapy/ "Family Therapy")
  - [Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/act-therapy/ "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)")
  - [Exposure Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/exposure-therapy/ "Exposure Therapy")
  - [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/cbt/ "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)")
  - [Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/dbt/ "Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)")
  - [Motivational Interviewing (MI)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/motivational-interviewing/ "Motivational Interviewing (MI)")

- 
  - [Areas We Serve](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/ "Areas We Serve")
    - [Morris County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/morris-county-nj/ "Morris County")
      - [Denville](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/denville-nj/ "Denville")
      - [Dover](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/dover-nj/ "Dover")
      - [Lake Hopatcong](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/lake-hopatcong-nj/ "Lake Hopatcong")
      - [Mendham](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/mendham-nj/ "Mendham")
      - [Morristown](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/morristown-nj/ "Morristown")
      - [Mount Olive](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/mt-olive-nj/ "Mount Olive")
      - [Parsippany](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/parsippany-nj/ "Parsippany")
      - [Randolph](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/randolph-nj/ "Randolph")
      - [Roxbury](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/roxbury-nj/ "Roxbury")

    - [Sussex County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/sussex-county-nj/ "Sussex County")
    - [Warren County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/warren-county-nj/ "Warren County")
    - [Somerset County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/somerset-county-nj/ "Somerset County")

  - [Mental Health Blog](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/blog/ "Mental Health Blog")

- [Admissions](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/admissions/ "Admissions")
  - [Insurance Verification](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/insurance-verification/ "Insurance Verification")
  - [Using Insurance at Wellness Hills](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/admissions/insurance-coverage/ "Using Insurance at Wellness Hills")
  - [Meet the Admissions Team](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/admissions/#admissions-staff "Meet the Admissions Team")

- [Contact](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contact/ "Contact")

[![White logo for Wellness Hills Mental Health Treatment in New Jersey.](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WH_Logo_White.webp "White logo for Wellness Hills Mental Health Treatment in New Jersey.") ](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com)

- 425 Main St. Floor 1, Chester, NJ 07930

[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wellnesshillsmentalhealthnj/ "Facebook")[X-twitter](https://x.com/wellnesshillsnj "X-twitter")[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellnesshillsmentalhealthnj/ "Linkedin")

[![White logo for Wellness Hills Mental Health Treatment in New Jersey.](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WH_Logo_White-1024x1024.webp "White logo for Wellness Hills Mental Health Treatment in New Jersey.") ](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/ "Home")

- [About](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/about-us/ "About")
  - [Tour our Facility](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/tour/ "Tour our Facility")
  - [Meet the Staff](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/staff/ "Meet the Staff")
  - [Our Contributors](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contributors/ "Our Contributors")
  - [Why Choose Wellness Hills](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/why-choose-wellness-hills/ "Why Choose Wellness Hills")
  - [Testimonials & Reviews](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/testimonials/ "Testimonials & Reviews")
  - [Mental Health Treatment FAQs](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/mental-health-treatment-faq/ "Mental Health Treatment FAQs")
  - [Community Affiliations & Memberships](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/community-affiliations/ "Community Affiliations & Memberships")
  - [Privacy Policy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/privacy-policy/ "Privacy Policy")
  - [Editorial Policy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/editorial-policy/ "Editorial Policy")
  - [Terms and Conditions](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/terms-and-conditions/ "Terms and Conditions")

- [Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/ "Treatment")
  - [Inpatient Mental Health](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/inpatient-mental-health/ "Inpatient Mental Health")
  - [Partial Care Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/partial-hospitalization/ "Partial Care Program")
  - [Intensive Outpatient Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/intensive-outpatient-program/ "Intensive Outpatient Program")
  - [Outpatient Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/outpatient-program/ "Outpatient Program")
  - [Psychiatry Services](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/psychiatry/ "Psychiatry Services")

- [What We Treat](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/ "What We Treat")
  - [Depression Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/depression/ "Depression Treatment")
  - [Panic Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/panic-disorder/ "Panic Disorder Treatment")
  - [Bipolar Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/bipolar-disorder/ "Bipolar Disorder Treatment")
  - [Anxiety Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/anxiety/ "Anxiety Treatment")
  - [Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/social-anxiety/ "Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment")
  - [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/ "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder")
  - [PTSD & Trauma Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/ptsd-and-trauma/ "PTSD & Trauma Treatment")
  - [Postpartum Depression Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/postpartum-depression/ "Postpartum Depression Treatment")
  - [ADHD Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/adhd/ "ADHD Treatment")
  - [Grief and Loss](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/grief-and-loss/ "Grief and Loss")
  - [Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/ "Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment")

- [Therapies](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/ "Therapies")
  - [Group Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/group-therapy/ "Group Therapy")
  - [Individual Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/individual-therapy/ "Individual Therapy")
  - [Family Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/family-therapy/ "Family Therapy")
  - [Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/act-therapy/ "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)")
  - [Exposure Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/exposure-therapy/ "Exposure Therapy")
  - [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/cbt/ "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)")
  - [Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/dbt/ "Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)")
  - [Motivational Interviewing (MI)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/motivational-interviewing/ "Motivational Interviewing (MI)")

- 
  - [Areas We Serve](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/ "Areas We Serve")
    - [Morris County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/morris-county-nj/ "Morris County")
      - [Denville](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/denville-nj/ "Denville")
      - [Dover](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/dover-nj/ "Dover")
      - [Lake Hopatcong](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/lake-hopatcong-nj/ "Lake Hopatcong")
      - [Mendham](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/mendham-nj/ "Mendham")
      - [Morristown](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/morristown-nj/ "Morristown")
      - [Mount Olive](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/mt-olive-nj/ "Mount Olive")
      - [Parsippany](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/parsippany-nj/ "Parsippany")
      - [Randolph](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/randolph-nj/ "Randolph")
      - [Roxbury](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/roxbury-nj/ "Roxbury")

    - [Sussex County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/sussex-county-nj/ "Sussex County")
    - [Warren County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/warren-county-nj/ "Warren County")
    - [Somerset County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/somerset-county-nj/ "Somerset County")

  - [Mental Health Blog](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/blog/ "Mental Health Blog")

- [Admissions](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/admissions/ "Admissions")
  - [Insurance Verification](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/insurance-verification/ "Insurance Verification")
  - [Using Insurance at Wellness Hills](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/admissions/insurance-coverage/ "Using Insurance at Wellness Hills")
  - [Meet the Admissions Team](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/admissions/#admissions-staff "Meet the Admissions Team")

- [Contact](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contact/ "Contact")

- [About](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/about-us/ "About")
  - [Tour our Facility](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/tour/ "Tour our Facility")
  - [Meet the Staff](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/staff/ "Meet the Staff")
  - [Our Contributors](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contributors/ "Our Contributors")
  - [Why Choose Wellness Hills](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/why-choose-wellness-hills/ "Why Choose Wellness Hills")
  - [Testimonials & Reviews](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/testimonials/ "Testimonials & Reviews")
  - [Mental Health Treatment FAQs](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/mental-health-treatment-faq/ "Mental Health Treatment FAQs")
  - [Community Affiliations & Memberships](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/community-affiliations/ "Community Affiliations & Memberships")
  - [Privacy Policy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/privacy-policy/ "Privacy Policy")
  - [Editorial Policy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/editorial-policy/ "Editorial Policy")
  - [Terms and Conditions](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/terms-and-conditions/ "Terms and Conditions")

- [Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/ "Treatment")
  - [Inpatient Mental Health](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/inpatient-mental-health/ "Inpatient Mental Health")
  - [Partial Care Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/partial-hospitalization/ "Partial Care Program")
  - [Intensive Outpatient Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/intensive-outpatient-program/ "Intensive Outpatient Program")
  - [Outpatient Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/outpatient-program/ "Outpatient Program")
  - [Psychiatry Services](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/psychiatry/ "Psychiatry Services")

- [What We Treat](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/ "What We Treat")
  - [Depression Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/depression/ "Depression Treatment")
  - [Panic Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/panic-disorder/ "Panic Disorder Treatment")
  - [Bipolar Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/bipolar-disorder/ "Bipolar Disorder Treatment")
  - [Anxiety Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/anxiety/ "Anxiety Treatment")
  - [Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/social-anxiety/ "Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment")
  - [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/ "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder")
  - [PTSD & Trauma Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/ptsd-and-trauma/ "PTSD & Trauma Treatment")
  - [Postpartum Depression Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/postpartum-depression/ "Postpartum Depression Treatment")
  - [ADHD Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/adhd/ "ADHD Treatment")
  - [Grief and Loss](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/grief-and-loss/ "Grief and Loss")
  - [Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/ "Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment")

- [Therapies](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/ "Therapies")
  - [Group Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/group-therapy/ "Group Therapy")
  - [Individual Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/individual-therapy/ "Individual Therapy")
  - [Family Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/family-therapy/ "Family Therapy")
  - [Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/act-therapy/ "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)")
  - [Exposure Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/exposure-therapy/ "Exposure Therapy")
  - [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/cbt/ "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)")
  - [Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/dbt/ "Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)")
  - [Motivational Interviewing (MI)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/motivational-interviewing/ "Motivational Interviewing (MI)")

- 
  - [Areas We Serve](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/ "Areas We Serve")
    - [Morris County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/morris-county-nj/ "Morris County")
      - [Denville](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/denville-nj/ "Denville")
      - [Dover](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/dover-nj/ "Dover")
      - [Lake Hopatcong](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/lake-hopatcong-nj/ "Lake Hopatcong")
      - [Mendham](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/mendham-nj/ "Mendham")
      - [Morristown](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/morristown-nj/ "Morristown")
      - [Mount Olive](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/mt-olive-nj/ "Mount Olive")
      - [Parsippany](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/parsippany-nj/ "Parsippany")
      - [Randolph](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/randolph-nj/ "Randolph")
      - [Roxbury](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/roxbury-nj/ "Roxbury")

    - [Sussex County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/sussex-county-nj/ "Sussex County")
    - [Warren County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/warren-county-nj/ "Warren County")
    - [Somerset County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/somerset-county-nj/ "Somerset County")

  - [Mental Health Blog](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/blog/ "Mental Health Blog")

- [Admissions](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/admissions/ "Admissions")
  - [Insurance Verification](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/insurance-verification/ "Insurance Verification")
  - [Using Insurance at Wellness Hills](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/admissions/insurance-coverage/ "Using Insurance at Wellness Hills")
  - [Meet the Admissions Team](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/admissions/#admissions-staff "Meet the Admissions Team")

- [Contact](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contact/ "Contact")

- [About](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/about-us/ "About")
  - [Tour our Facility](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/tour/ "Tour our Facility")
  - [Meet the Staff](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/staff/ "Meet the Staff")
  - [Our Contributors](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contributors/ "Our Contributors")
  - [Why Choose Wellness Hills](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/why-choose-wellness-hills/ "Why Choose Wellness Hills")
  - [Testimonials & Reviews](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/testimonials/ "Testimonials & Reviews")
  - [Mental Health Treatment FAQs](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/mental-health-treatment-faq/ "Mental Health Treatment FAQs")
  - [Community Affiliations & Memberships](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/community-affiliations/ "Community Affiliations & Memberships")
  - [Privacy Policy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/privacy-policy/ "Privacy Policy")
  - [Editorial Policy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/editorial-policy/ "Editorial Policy")
  - [Terms and Conditions](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/terms-and-conditions/ "Terms and Conditions")

- [Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/ "Treatment")
  - [Inpatient Mental Health](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/inpatient-mental-health/ "Inpatient Mental Health")
  - [Partial Care Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/partial-hospitalization/ "Partial Care Program")
  - [Intensive Outpatient Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/intensive-outpatient-program/ "Intensive Outpatient Program")
  - [Outpatient Program](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/outpatient-program/ "Outpatient Program")
  - [Psychiatry Services](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/psychiatry/ "Psychiatry Services")

- [What We Treat](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/ "What We Treat")
  - [Depression Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/depression/ "Depression Treatment")
  - [Panic Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/panic-disorder/ "Panic Disorder Treatment")
  - [Bipolar Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/bipolar-disorder/ "Bipolar Disorder Treatment")
  - [Anxiety Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/anxiety/ "Anxiety Treatment")
  - [Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/social-anxiety/ "Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment")
  - [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/ "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder")
  - [PTSD & Trauma Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/ptsd-and-trauma/ "PTSD & Trauma Treatment")
  - [Postpartum Depression Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/postpartum-depression/ "Postpartum Depression Treatment")
  - [ADHD Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/adhd/ "ADHD Treatment")
  - [Grief and Loss](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/grief-and-loss/ "Grief and Loss")
  - [Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/ "Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment")

- [Therapies](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/ "Therapies")
  - [Group Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/group-therapy/ "Group Therapy")
  - [Individual Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/individual-therapy/ "Individual Therapy")
  - [Family Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/family-therapy/ "Family Therapy")
  - [Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/act-therapy/ "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)")
  - [Exposure Therapy](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/exposure-therapy/ "Exposure Therapy")
  - [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/cbt/ "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)")
  - [Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/dbt/ "Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)")
  - [Motivational Interviewing (MI)](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/motivational-interviewing/ "Motivational Interviewing (MI)")

- 
  - [Areas We Serve](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/ "Areas We Serve")
    - [Morris County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/morris-county-nj/ "Morris County")
      - [Denville](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/denville-nj/ "Denville")
      - [Dover](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/dover-nj/ "Dover")
      - [Lake Hopatcong](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/lake-hopatcong-nj/ "Lake Hopatcong")
      - [Mendham](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/mendham-nj/ "Mendham")
      - [Morristown](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/morristown-nj/ "Morristown")
      - [Mount Olive](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/mt-olive-nj/ "Mount Olive")
      - [Parsippany](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/parsippany-nj/ "Parsippany")
      - [Randolph](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/randolph-nj/ "Randolph")
      - [Roxbury](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/roxbury-nj/ "Roxbury")

    - [Sussex County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/sussex-county-nj/ "Sussex County")
    - [Warren County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/warren-county-nj/ "Warren County")
    - [Somerset County](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/service-areas/somerset-county-nj/ "Somerset County")

  - [Mental Health Blog](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/blog/ "Mental Health Blog")

- [Admissions](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/admissions/ "Admissions")
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[Home](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/ "Home") / [Therapies](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/ "Therapies") / Motivational Interviewing

# Motivational Interviewing (MI) in New Jersey

- [Written By: Geoffrey Andaria](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contributors/geoffrey-andaria/ "Written By: Geoffrey Andaria")
- [Medically Reviewed: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D.](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contributors/dr-carl-williams/ "Medically Reviewed: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D.")
- Updated: Mar 17, 2026 

- [Written By: Geoffrey Andaria](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contributors/geoffrey-andaria/ "Written By: Geoffrey Andaria")
- [Medically Reviewed: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D.](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/contributors/dr-carl-williams/ "Medically Reviewed: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D.")
- Updated: Mar 17, 2026 

Motivational Interviewing (MI) at Wellness Hills is a structured, clinician-led approach used within our PHP and IOP to reduce ambivalence and improve follow-through.

[Get Started Today](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/insurance-verification/ "Insurance Verification")

### Engagement Before Skills Work

## Motivational Interviewing (MI) for Mental Health

Many individuals find themselves in a place where change feels necessary yet difficult to pursue. Wellness Hills Mental Health in Chester, NJ, integrates motivational interviewing (MI) within its treatment programs to improve engagement and address the natural ambivalence that may come with major depressive disorders, anxiety, and other DSM-5–defined conditions.

At Wellness Hills, MI, it is not offered as a standalone therapy. It is a structured engagement protocol embedded into PHP, IOP, and outpatient care. We use MI to reduce early drop-out risk, strengthen follow-through, and help patients transition into skills-based work (CBT, DBT, and ACT) once readiness is stable.

[More About Us](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/about-us/ "About")

 ![Bright, inviting mental health treatment lounge at Wellness Hills.](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wellness-hills-mental-health-treatment-lounge-scaled-e1763475826312.webp "Bright, inviting mental health treatment lounge at Wellness Hills.") 

 ![Welness Hills common are with modern love seats and accent chairs.](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wellness-hills-common-space-scaled.webp "Welness Hills common are with modern love seats and accent chairs.") 

#### Jump To Section 

### Motivational Interviewing Basics

## What Motivational Interviewing Therapy is and Why it Works

### Motivational Interviewing Explained in Plain Language

Motivational interviewing is a type of talk therapy designed to help when you feel stuck between two choices. It can help you determine whether you are truly ready to make a change.

In MI, the interviewer acts like a guide who helps people get unstuck and move toward a better life.

**The OARS Tools**

The interviewer uses four main tools to help you keep moving forward:

- Open Questions
- Affirmations
- Reflective Listening
- Summarizing

**The Four Steps (How the Journey Goes)**

The interviewer and the client move through these four stages together:

- **Engaging:** Getting to know each other and building trust.

- **Focusing:** Deciding exactly what behavior or habit needs to change.

- **Evoking:** Helping you find your own reasons for why you want to change.

- **Planning:** Figuring out the actual steps you will take to make it happen.

**The Spirit of the Work (The Mindset)**

For this to work, the interviewer follows four main values:

- **Partnership:** Working together as a team (not acting like a boss).
- **Acceptance:** Respecting your choices and who you are without judgment.
- **Compassion:** Truly caring about what is best for you.
- **Evocation:** Believing that the answer to your problem is already inside you; the interviewer just helps you find it.

## How Our Team Decides to Use MI

Wellness Hills may use motivational interviewing when a client demonstrates ambivalence or a lack of readiness to change their behavior, as a preparatory step before moving to more directive, [**evidence-based therapies**](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/ "Therapies"), such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

### How We Decide When MI Ends, and Skills-Based Therapy Begins

We may move to behavioral skills-based therapy when there is:

- High session attendance.
- Change talk is increasing, and sustain talk is decreasing.
- Patient can name values-based reasons for change without heavy prompting.
- Follow-through is improving (or barriers are clearly identified and actively addressed).
- Medication adherence (the client expresses no hesitation, concerns about side effects, or lack of commitment to taking prescribed medication).
- No avoidance-driven dropout risk.

### The Core Goals of MI

The whole point is to help you talk yourself into changing. In treatment, MI aims to:

- Increase clarity on values and personal goals.
- Reduce internal conflict that keeps a person stuck in ambivalence.
- Strengthen confidence and readiness to change.
- Move from “thinking about change” to trying small next steps.
- Support follow-through over time through realistic planning.

Clinicians may use tools such as the confidence ruler or importance ruler to gauge motivation and identify barriers. Change is framed as a process, not a pass/fail test.

### What MI is Not

- **It is not pushy** (the therapist will not try to talk you into things, give you tough love, or argue with you).
- **It is not a lecture**
- **It is not a quick fix:** you won’t get a permanent burst of motivation after just one meeting.
- **It doesn’t force you** and doesn’t promise magical results.
- **It expects ups and downs:** if you slip up or have to start over, the process is built to handle that without judgment.

MI is usually just one part of a bigger plan. A therapist may combine it with:

- **Skill-building:** Learning practical tools from other therapies.
- **Medical help:** Support from a psychiatrist if you need medicine.

 ![Older adult speaking with a therapist in a comfortable office setting](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/therapy-session-older-adult-counselor-scaled-e1768652305760-1024x712.webp "Older adult speaking with a therapist in a comfortable office setting") 

 ![Woman sitting in a chair looking out a window, appearing sad or worried](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/woman-looking-out-window-sadness-e1768355134955.webp "Woman sitting in a chair looking out a window, appearing sad or worried") 

 ![Man sitting on a couch looking distressed while partner is upset in the background](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/relationship-stress-mental-health-support-scaled.webp "Man sitting on a couch looking distressed while partner is upset in the background") 

### Is MI a Good Fit?

## When You Feel Stuck, Torn, or Unmotivated, MI Can Be a Good Fit

### Common Signs MI Matches Your Situation

- Wanting change but feeling overwhelmed or avoidant.
- Starting routines and stopping.
- Anxiety-driven avoidance and putting things off.
- Low energy, anhedonia, or burnout affecting follow-through.
- Second-guessing decisions and staying on the fence.
- Knowing what to do but not doing it consistently.
- Difficulty committing to therapy goals or practicing skills between sessions.

### Ambivalence is Normal, Not Failure

Ambivalence is the coexistence of opposing feelings or desires toward a single goal. It is a natural human response to change, not a sign of failure or lack of willpower.

Within the framework of motivational interviewing, being of two minds is considered an expected part of the growth process. MI is specifically designed for individuals experiencing this internal tug-of-war, providing a non-judgmental space to explore conflicting emotions without pressure.

### Who MI May Not Be Enough for as a Standalone Approach

Sometimes, a person’s mental health struggle is so intense that they cannot focus on a talk-based therapy like MI. This can happen if they have:

- Serious safety risks
- Severe mood swings (Mania or Hypomania)
- Loss of reality (psychosis)
- Trouble with daily life, like eating, bathing, or following a routine.

**What Happens Instead?**

In these cases, doctors and therapists will usually combine MI with other, more structured types of help. This often takes place in special programs, like a:

- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Intensive Outpatient Program

### Crisis & Urgent Support

## When to Seek Help Instead of Waiting

### Safety First: Symptoms That Require Immediate Evaluation

Immediate evaluation is necessary if symptoms include:

- Suicidal ideation
- Self-harm urges
- Inability to stay safe
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Severe agitation
- Mania/hypomania, or
- Inability to perform basic daily living tasks

### Crisis and After-Hours Options in New Jersey

If you are in immediate danger, call **911**. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, call or text [**988**](https://988lifeline.org/ "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline"). For urgent mental health concerns outside scheduled sessions, visit the nearest ER or seek urgent psychiatric evaluation.

### How Higher-Acuity Recommendations Are Made During Screening

Higher-acuity recommendations during screening (as opposed to proceeding with standard motivational interviewing) may be made when factors suggest a patient needs more immediate, directive, or specialized intervention due to the severity or urgency of their condition, safety concerns, and lack of readiness for a collaborative behavior change approach.

 ![Man standing outside an office building with arms crossed and a serious expression](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/man-standing-outside-office-scaled-e1768355225642.webp "Man standing outside an office building with arms crossed and a serious expression") 

 ![Woman on steps holding her head, appearing upset or overwhelmed](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sitting-on-steps-head-in-hands-distress-scaled-e1768332057944.webp "Woman on steps holding her head, appearing upset or overwhelmed") 

### Get Up to 100% Covered with Insurance

## We Work With Most Major Insurance Companies

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### Conditions MI Can Support

## What MI Treats and How It Connects to DSM-5 Diagnoses and Co-Occurring Needs

In our Chester programs, some patients struggling with ADHD-related burnout respond best to MI when focused on ‘Autonomy Support’ during the first 14 days of PHP. Individual response varies, and treatment planning depends on assessment, safety, and clinical need.

### DSM-5-Aligned Conditions Where MI Supports Engagement

How MI is applied for different clinical patterns (examples):

**Depression + low energy/anhedonia:** MI focuses on values-based micro-commitments (small actions) when motivation is low, then transitions to behavioral activation and CBT skills once follow-through improves.

**Anxiety + avoidance:** MI targets the short-term relief loop (avoid → feel better → avoidance grows) to build willingness for exposure-based work when appropriate.

**OCD patterns (reassurance/rituals):** MI is used to clarify goals and strengthen willingness to tolerate uncertainty before ERP-style steps are introduced (when clinically indicated).

**ADHD + burnout/executive strain:** MI focuses on autonomy support, friction-reduction, and realistic planning (task initiation supports) before adding structured skills and routines.

### Avoidance, Procrastination, and Low Follow-Through Patterns MI Can Help Address

Motivational interviewing can help when you:

- Get stuck in avoidance cycles (avoiding things because they feel scary).
- Need someone else to constantly tell you you’re doing okay (reassurance-seeking).
- Procrastinate because you are afraid it won’t be perfect.
- Try to do everything at once and then give up when it gets hard (all-or-nothing thinking).
- Feel completely burnt out or exhausted.
- Have your sleep routine disrupted.
- Find it nearly impossible to just start a task or keep using your healthy coping skills.

**The Main Tools Used:**

- **Focusing on Values:** Figuring out what truly matters to you in life.
- **Finding the Gap** : Noticing the difference (discrepancy) between where you are now and where you actually want to be.
- **Confidence Scaling:** They may ask, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is this change?” This helps measure your readiness.
- **Small Steps:** &nbsp;Together, you pick one tiny, achievable goal. You then discuss roadblocks (barriers) that might get in the way and how to get past them.

### Co-Occurring Patterns MI Often Targets

Motivational Interviewing (MI) may also be used to help people work through co-occurring disorders, including:

- Sleep disruption and fatigue.
- Rumination and worry loops.
- Emotional avoidance and numbing.
- Low self-efficacy and shame cycles.
- Relationship conflict impacting motivation.
- Medication hesitation or inconsistent follow-through.
- Executive functioning strain and overwhelm.

 ![Mental health counselor listening to a client and writing notes in an office](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/talking-with-client-counseling-session-1024x695.webp "Mental health counselor listening to a client and writing notes in an office") 

### Client Testimonials

## What Our Clients Say About Wellness Hills

 ![Woman wearing a whit sun hat.](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Image-VP2BRZ2.webp "Woman wearing a whit sun hat.") 

 ![Male wearing headphones](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Image-QS3UESD.webp "Male wearing headphones") 

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Average 5.0 Rating

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### “Wellness Hills Truly Changed My Life. From the Moment I Walked in.”

"I felt supported, understood, and never judged. The therapists here actually listen, and the groups helped me build confidence and skills I didn’t even know I needed. I’m healthier, calmer, and finally hopeful about my future. I’m so grateful for the care I received.”

[View All Testimonials](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/testimonials/ "Testimonials & Reviews")

0%

Client Satisfaction

 ![Woman sitting by a window in a calm moment of reflection at home](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/woman-sitting-by-window-calm-reflection-scaled-e1768339563396.webp "Woman sitting by a window in a calm moment of reflection at home") 

 ![Professional woman smiling with arms crossed in a modern office](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/professional-woman-smiling-arms-crossed-scaled.webp "Professional woman smiling with arms crossed in a modern office") 

### Session Walkthrough

## MI Techniques and What a Session Looks Like at Wellness Hills

### The MI Process and Session Flow

What your first MI-informed session typically includes:

- **First 5–10 minutes:** We agree on a clear focus (one decision, habit, or sticking point to work on first).
- **Next 10–20 minutes:** We connect the focus to your values (“what matters most if things improve?”) and use a quick 0–10 scale for importance and confidence, then identify what would move that number up by one point.
- **Middle of session:** We map barriers (avoidance triggers, fatigue, side effects, scheduling, fear of change) and identify what’s been getting in the way.
- **End of session:** You choose one small, measurable, realistic next step, and we set what you’ll track until the next visit.

**What you leave with:** a short plan for the week and a simple tracking target (for example: attendance, avoidance moments, medication follow-through questions to bring back, or one specific behavioral goal).

Our clinicians, like [**Abby Goodrich, LAC**](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/staff/abby-goodrich-lac/ "Abby Goodrich, LAC"), are trained in guiding the conversation so you are the one arguing for change, not them. They make the plan feel personal and manageable.

### Change Talk, Sustain Talk, and How Clinicians Respond

Change talk is when you say things that insinuate you are ready for change. Sustain talk is when you give reasons to keep things exactly as they are. Both feelings are normal. Clinicians respond with:

- Reflections
- Double-sided reflections
- Affirmations, and
- Autonomy support.

The goal is to elicit intrinsic motivation while respecting hesitation.

### How MI is Integrated with Other Evidence-Based Modalities

Tools like CBT, DBT, and ACT provide concrete strategies to manage your thoughts, feelings, and actions.

### MI Across Levels of Care

## How Wellness Hills Uses MI Across PHP, IOP, and Outpatient Therapy

When you start treatment, a trained professional, such as Leigh Rasmussen, LPC, LCADC, at Wellness Hills, will meet with you to determine exactly how much help you need. Think of this as a check-up for your mental health and safety to make sure you get the right care for your specific situation.

**What They May Look At**

- Your feelings
- Your daily life
- Your safety
- Your support system

Based on what you need, Leigh Rasmussen and her team might suggest one of these options below:

### MI in PHP for Higher Support and Structure

In [**Partial Hospitalization**](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/partial-hospitalization/ "Partial Care Program") (where you come to the clinic for most of the day for intense support, but you still go home in the evening), our therapists may intentionally deploy MI when motivation is the bottleneck, not insight or access to care.

The therapists at Wellness hills may emphasize MI early in care when ambivalence or follow-through is the main barrier, and then transition into more skills-based work as readiness stabilizes.

### MI in IOP for Real-Life Practice and Accountability

[**Intensive outpatient care**](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/services/intensive-outpatient-program/ "Intensive Outpatient Program") involves attending several hours of treatment per week, but it is flexible enough to accommodate work or school. At Wellness Hills, we may use MI to help patients navigate high-risk social situations, aiming to elicit internal change talk.

We use MI to strengthen follow-through by linking daily choices to the patient’s values, identifying barriers, and building realistic, measurable next steps.

### MI in Outpatient Therapy for Steady, Sustainable Change

These are regular weekly therapy sessions. Common issues that can lead us to employ MI include when a client is ambivalent about continuing medications for chronic mental or physical health conditions or for lifestyle maintenance, or when a client needs help integrating new, healthy habits (like exercise or nutrition) into their daily life after the structure of higher-level programs is gone.

## Motivational Interviewing Compared to CBT, DBT, and ACT

### MI vs CBT

MI is about getting you ready and committed to making a change. [**Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)**](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/cbt/ "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)") is about teaching you practical ways to change how you think and act.

### MI vs DBT

MI helps strengthen readiness and follow-through when motivation is the barrier. [**Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)**](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/dbt/ "Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)") teaches structured skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.

### MI vs ACT

MI can help you stop feeling stuck between wanting to change your life for the better and wanting to stay the same. [**Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)**](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/therapies/act-therapy/ "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)") can help you take action aligned with what you value most in life, while learning to accept the challenging thoughts and feelings that may arise along the way.

## What Clinical Outcomes Look Like with MI

A randomized controlled trial involving Latino adults receiving care for depressive disorders found that a brief Motivational Interviewing–based intervention [improved antidepressant adherence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23300127/ "improved antidepressant adherence") compared with usual care.

A [systematic review and meta-analysis](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-016-3685-3 "systematic review and meta-analysis") also found that Motivational Interviewing was associated with improved medication adherence across studies, though results varied by condition and study design.

### What Changes Patients Actually Notice After 2–3 Weeks

At Wellness Hills, we use MI most often during your first one to three weeks in our programs. This is the time when people are most likely to feel like quitting, and we want to help you stay on track. In our programs, we see retention stabilize once these and other things occur:

- **Stabilization of Attendance** (a consistent presence in scheduled PHP or IOP sessions).
- **Shift in Readiness Language** (the transition from _Sustain Talk_ to _Change Talk_).
- **Increased Treatment Alliances** (a stronger bond between the patient and the care team).

Our team will use simple tools (like asking you to rate how ready or confident you feel on a scale of 1 to 10) to see how you are doing. Once you feel steady and are showing up regularly, we move into other types of therapy (like CBT or DBT) to give you even more skills for your recovery.

### What Motivational Interviewing Does Not Directly Change

MI is the engine of change, but not the toolbox itself.

- **Symptom Severity:** While MI makes you more willing to address symptoms, the actual reduction in symptom intensity usually requires integrating skills-based modalities.
- **The Need for Coping Skills:** You may be highly motivated to manage your stress (thanks to MI), but without the behavioral tools provided in CBT or the regulation skills of DBT, the symptoms may remain unchanged.
- **External Circumstances:** MI focuses on internal resolve. It does not resolve environmental stressors, though it clarifies how you choose to navigate them.

When change talk doesn’t increase by week 2-3 (e.g., persistent high resistance, sustained talk favoring the status quo, or no progress in resolving ambivalence), we may:

- **Reassess the target problem** (the focus may be wrong or too broad).
- **Finds the block:** We’ll help you figure out what is truly holding you back.
- **Tries new skills:** We might switch to different therapies, like CBT, to give you more practical tools.
- **Gets extra help:** If MI isn’t the right fit, we’ll connect you with a different specialist.

 ![Wellness Hills mental health group therapy room with arranged chairs and comfortable seating.](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wellness-hills-mental-health-large-group-room-1024x683.webp "Wellness Hills mental health group therapy room with arranged chairs and comfortable seating.") 

 ![Entrance to the group therapy room at Wellness Hills Mental Health Treatment with couches, artwork, and open door leading to seating area.](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/entrance-wellness-hill-group-room-scaled-e1763568746597.webp "Entrance to the group therapy room at Wellness Hills Mental Health Treatment with couches, artwork, and open door leading to seating area.") 

 ![Team members posing together at work in a bright office](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/diverse-team-smiling-group-scaled.webp "Team members posing together at work in a bright office") 

### Clinical Standards

## Clinical Roles on Your Care Team and How Coordination Works

At Wellness Hills, your support team includes several experts working together. Your care may involve a strong team of licensed therapists, a main therapist for individual talks, and a leader for group sessions.

Psychiatric evaluations are provided by Paula Weisman, PMHNP-BC. Care coordination is supported by our admissions and clinical coordination team to help organize scheduling, referrals, and next steps. Clinical oversight is provided by Leigh Rasmussen, LPC, LCADC, and treatment recommendations are tailored to assessment, safety needs, and clinical goals.

### Outcomes Measurement and Progress Tracking Tools

Wellness Hills uses measurement-based care to track your progress, using tools like:

- PHQ-9
- GAD-7
- Safety Screening (C-SSRS)

Every few days, you and your therapist will do a progress review to see trends:

- What’s Working
- Adjusting the Plan (If scores aren’t moving, you can change your goals or try a new technique).
- Step-Down Readiness

 Insurance & Costs (Logistics) 

We can help perform an initial [**check of your coverage details**](https://wellnesshillsmentalhealth.com/insurance-verification/ "Insurance Verification"), including estimated copays and the status of your deductibles, before you begin therapy sessions.

Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, diagnosis, medical necessity criteria, and whether deductibles are met. Verification helps estimate cost, but final coverage decisions are made by the insurer.

We work with major NJ providers (e.g., Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, AmeriHealth, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna). They typically cover MI therapy when it is medically necessary.

### Common Questions

## Frequently Asked Questions About Motivational Interviewing Therapy

These FAQs address the most common questions we hear during MI-focused pre-admission calls and intake assessments.

 Is motivational interviewing evidence-based? 

Yes. MI has a strong research base across mental health and substance-related care.

 How long does motivational interviewing take? 

MI is not time-limited. Duration depends on goals, level of care, and individual needs.

 Can MI help with anxiety or depression? 

MI may support engagement when symptoms consistent with anxiety or depressive disorders interfere with follow-through.

 Can MI help with avoidance and procrastination? 

Yes. MI directly targets such patterns.

 Do you offer MI-informed therapy via telehealth in New Jersey? 

Eligibility depends on clinical appropriateness, safety, and risk level, and where you are located during sessions. Please contact the admissions team with any questions about telehealth options.

### Getting Started

## Schedule a Screening and Find Your Best-Fit Level of Care

Contact the admissions team for a confidential assessment to see which program is right for you: PHP, IOP, or outpatient therapy. Our admissions team will clarify documentation requirements and help you verify insurance coverage to avoid confusion about costs or logistics.

Wellness Hills Mental Health Treatment is a state-licensed facility **(NJ Dept. of Health License No. 70290104)** providing outpatient levels of care, including Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and Outpatient (OP) services.

_When a higher level of care is clinically indicated, we help coordinate referrals to appropriate inpatient psychiatric hospitals._

 Sources: 

**Motivational Interviewing Intervention for Antidepressant Adherence Among Latinos With Depression | PubMed** – Randomized controlled trial examining an MI-based intervention to [**_improve antidepressant adherence among Latino_**](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23300127/ "improved antidepressant adherence") adults with depressive disorders.

**Motivational Interviewing Improves Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis | Journal of General Internal Medicine** – [**_Systematic review and meta-analysis_**](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-016-3685-3 "systematic review and meta-analysis") evaluating whether MI improves medication adherence across studies; effects vary by condition and study design.

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### We're Here When You Need It Most

## Start Your Path To Wellness Today

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###### Begin Your Healing Journey

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Wellness Hills Mental Health Treatment New Jersey

425 Main St Floor 1 Chester, NJ 07930

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