- Counseling Resources for Students
Individual Alcohol/Drug Counseling
Students with concerns about alcohol or drug use, either their own or that of someone they are close to, are encouraged to call 848-932-7884 and talk with an Alcohol/Drug Counselor. Alcohol and other Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) provides confidential consultation services to faculty and staff to assist them in referring students.
The primary goal of the program is early identification of alcohol and other drug problems and substance use disorder. There is a much greater chance of recovery when a substance use problem is detected early and addressed with appropriate interventions.
If you are uncertain about whether counseling is the right step, we encourage you to make an appointment to speak to a counselor to discuss concerns you might have about your own substance use or about the substance use of someone you know and how best to refer them for counseling.
All counseling is confidential.
Support Groups
The Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) offers groups for a variety of substance related issues:
Early Recovery Group – this is a support group for those students who are just beginning their recovery from alcohol/drug addiction. It gives the students a place to talk with others who have had similar experiences and who are making changes in their daily college life. It is also a good support network for students to meet others with more time in recovery.
Adult Children of Alcoholics – this is a support/therapy group for those students who have grown up with a family member who had or continues to have an alcohol/drug problem. This group helps students to feel less isolated, and also helps them to develop coping skills to deal with both their family’s situation and social/academic issues.
Alcohol and Drug Education – this group provides a service for those students who have been arrested for a drug or alcohol related offense (DWI, possession, underage drinking). The staff works closely with the court system to meet the requirements of probation and sentencing.
AA & NA meetings – Although not affiliated with the University, there are a number of AA /NA meetings either on or near campus which the ADAP staff can help recovering students connect with.
For more information on meetings in the area call Counseling, ADAP, and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at 848-932-7884 or click on one of the links below.
To find local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, visit Northern New Jersey’s Alcoholics Anonymous.
To find local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, visit NA in New Jersey.
To find local Marijuana Anonymous (MA) meetings, visit the New Jersey section of Marijuana Anonymous.Recovery Housing.
Recovery Housing
Rutgers University is proud to offer on-campus housing dedicated to students in recovery from alcohol and/or drug dependence. The Rutgers Recovery House, a 12-month, on-campus housing option, offers students the opportunity to have a fulfilling residential college experience living within a supportive community with other students in recovery. Residents receive recovery support from the Alcohol and other Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) counselors, as well as academic and career support. There are no signs identifying the Recovery House in order to protect the anonymity and privacy of students who live there.
For more information on the Recovery House, visit health.rutgers.edu/RH, call ADAP at 848-932-7884, or email recoveryhouse@rutgers.edu.
Referrals to Community Specialists
CAPS maintains a list of local and state-wide community mental health providers including:
- Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Drug and Alcohol Specialists
- Psychiatrists
- Intensive Outpatient Programs for:
- Mental Health/Trauma
- Substance Abuse
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Eating Disorders
If interested in a referral to a community mental health provider, please contact CAPS at (848) 932-7884 for assistance.
- Programs and Workshops
Alcohol and Other Drug Overviews
Alcohol 101
Learn the facts and debunk the myths about alcohol, its effects on your body, responsible drinking, intoxication rate factors, and how to help a friend. The workshop focuses on facts incorporating alcohol into a beneficial conversation for students. Content includes myths, potential dangers, and alcohol serving size information. Request this workshop via HOPE online.BeLEAF Me: A Marijuana Mystery
BeLEAF Me challenges what students know about the side effects of marijuana use including short and long term effects. Request this workshop via HOPE online.Generation Rx
This interactive workshop discusses the potential consequences of misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. Participants will learn strategies for prevention and valuable on-campus resources. Request this workshop via HOPE online.Techniques of Alcohol Management
Developed by the licensed beverage industry in conjunction with liquor control, law enforcement, highway safety and substance abuse organizations, this program covers a wide variety of information including:- False Identification
- Laws, Rules, and Regulations
- Clinical Effects of Alcohol
- Customer Disturbances
- Alcohol Management
For more information or to set up a program, please contact Lt. Tim Wilmot with RUPD at 848-932-4984.
Alcohol and Driving
Rutgers Comprehensive Alcohol and Traffic Education and Enforcement Program (RCAT)
RCAT is a community-based program funded by the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety grant. RUPD solicits input from students and employees of the university on innovative ways to reduce alcohol and illegal drug use by the university community. Police officers are available to provide interactive presentations to groups and organizations to increase awareness of the hazards of alcohol abuse and illegal drug activity. For more information contact Lt. Tim Wilmot with RUPD at 848-932-4984.Driving While Intoxicated
“I only had two drinks, I can drive.” This age old line is brought to a different light in this RUPD program. Participants put on glasses that create a physical state of how much alcohol really does distort vision and perception while driving. Available upon request for groups of 5-10. For more information contact Lt. Tim Wilmot with RUPD at 848-932-4984.Alcohol and Student Life
SHADES Theater
Student Health Advocates Developing Educational Scenario (SHADES) Theater offers performances on a wide variety of issues. Performances include 4-5 short scenes followed by a facilitated discussion with the audience while the actors remain in character. Performances can be structured around one specific theme such as alcohol, tobacco & other drug use or around a variety of themes including but not limited to:- Sexual health & sexuality
- Alcohol, tobacco & other drug use
- Mental health
- Body image
- Racism
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, & queer issues
- Gender
- Relationships
When requesting a performance, indicate the topic(s) to be addressed. If the performance is being organized to address an incident in a residence hall, student organization, or Greek-letter organization, please indicate this as well. Request this workshop via HOPE online.
The Party – Breaking It Down
Alcohol and other drugs can impact any part of a student’s life – including sexuality and sexual health. This workshop addresses the various ways that alcohol and other drugs can impact sexual decision making and also consequences. Includes discussion about responsible drinking and safer sex practices. Request this workshop via HOPE online.
- Legal Assistance
The Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) provides confidential alcohol/drug counseling for all students. When a student is involved with the legal system (for example: driving while intoxicated or an arrest) they can utilize our counseling services at ADAP to complete required counseling.
In addition:
- ADAP is an approved Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) provider for Rutgers students.
- ADAP offers educational groups for students with legal involvement during the fall and spring semesters to help students fulfill legally related educational requirements.
- ADAP offers a four-session educational group for students with legal involvement.
- With an appropriate release of information ADAP will communicate with a student’s attorney or probation officer.
For more information, contact ADAP at (848) 932-7884.
Services include:
- Legal Consultation
- Pre-Litigation Services
- Attorney Referral
- Community Outreach & Education
- Pre-Law Advising
For more information call 848-932-4529 or email sls@echo.rutgers.edu to make and appointment with one of their attorneys.
- Counseling Resources for Employees
Find more information on counseling resources on the Rutgers Human Resources Services page.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are staffed by professional counselors who can help employees and their eligible dependents handle issues such as stress, alcoholism, drug abuse, mental health conditions, and family difficulties. An EAP staff member will provide education, information, counseling, and individual referrals to assist with a wide range of personal or social problems. The EAP will also assist you in obtaining a referral to the proper health care provider, and help in day-to-day communications with your health plan.
An employee’s contact with this service is private, privileged, and strictly confidential. No information will be shared with anyone at anytime without your written consent.
The State Employee Advisory Service (EAS) is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-EAS-9133.
The Rutgers Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provides comprehensive counseling and referral services to the university community for a range of areas, including issues related to alcohol and other drug use. Through its collaboration with other university and community agencies, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program promotes a supportive and harmonious workplace and recognizes the individual challenges and needs of Rutgers employees.
Costs for outside services, if referrals are made, are the responsibility of the client. Health insurance may cover some or all of these costs. To access any of the services listed below, make an appointment or speak with someone in FSAP, call 848-932-3956. More information can also be found on the FSAP website.
Crisis Management
University departments or groups of staff can request assistance when facing a shared crisis such as the death of a coworker, serious illness, inappropriate behavior in the workplace, crime, or workplace transition. 24-hour service is available for crisis and emergency contact by calling 848-932-3956.
Assessment, Counseling, and Referral
- You have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, receive counseling and/or referrals to appropriate outside agencies, and make decisions about how to handle your needs in the workplace.
- Counseling is provided by a licensed, credentialed counselor.
- In addition to substance abuse, common areas of concern for staff include family relationships, bereavement, financial problems, caring for adult family members, child and adolescent development.
- Conversations with counselors are completely confidential.
Consultation
- Consultations can be provided to supervisors, administrators, coworkers, or family members who have concerns about the mental health or use of alcohol or other drugs of someone else.
- Supervisors can request assistance with managing a poorly performing employee where there is a known or suspected personal problem that is negatively affecting the employee’s job performance.
- Department leaders can request assistance with organizational change and transition or group conflict resolution. Workshops can be tailored to the unique needs of a specific administrative or faculty unit.
- NJ State Health Benefits—General Information
Behavioral Health Coverage
Treatment of alcohol or substance abuse is covered by the behavioral health program in your individual insurance plan. Mental health conditions are treated like any other illness. Regardless of your specific insurance plan, Under the State Health Benefits Program:
- There will be no copayment charged for outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment.
- All insurance plans use standard treatment criteria established by the American Society of Addictive Medicine (ASAM).
- Following a detoxification patients may be eligible for up to 28 days of inpatient rehabilitation per occurrence, if medically necessary.
More information on the State Health Benefits Program can be found in the Program Handbook.
- Benefits Coverage
Covered services and treatments for members of the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) or School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) are outlined below.
Information regarding the member’s cost, limitations and exceptions can be found in the Summary of Benefits.
Horizon NJ Direct
NJ DIRECT covers the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse the same way it would any other illness if treatment is prescribed by an eligible provider and it is deemed to be medically needed and at the appropriate level of care. Precertification is required for all inpatient admissions and for some specialty care including Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Treatment and Office Based Opioid Treatment (in-network and out-of-network). The precertification process will determine if the treatment to be provided is medically appropriate and at the most appropriate level of care to fit your behavioral health needs. Alcohol and substance abuse treatment determinations are supported by the American Society of Addictions Medicine (ASAM) guidelines. The precertification process through Horizon Behavioral Health is available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week by calling 1-800-991-5579. In addition to helping you navigate the precertification process, Horizon Behavioral Health can help you find a provider, support your treatment, and manage the services you are receiving to ensure that they are appropriate for your behavioral health needs and supported by the ASAM criteria. For additional information or assistance regarding scheduled or emergency treatment related to alcohol or substance abuse, you or your provider may call 1-800-991-5579. Precertification is not required for routine, office based outpatient alcohol and substance abuse services incurred on or after January 1, 2013. Services may be reviewed at any time to determine the medical necessity of the level of care being provided. Horizon may contact your treating provider to discuss your treatment and the authorization requirement that will be applied. Authorization is required for coverage of any treatment that Horizon determines is not consistent with usual treatment practices for your condition based on the frequency of sessions, duration of treatment or other factors. You will be advised if a medical necessity review is conducted and services will require review and authorization. The absence of precertification or authorization, when required, prior to services being rendered, may result in the denial of payment for services.
Inpatient or outpatient treatment may be furnished as follows:
- Care provided in a state licensed health care facility.
- Care provided in a licensed detoxification facility.
- Care provided at a licensed and state approved residential treatment facility, under a plan which meets minimum standards of care.
- Care provided by an eligible, licensed behavioral health professional. Eligible providers of behavioral health services are Psychiatrists (MD), Licensed Psychologists (PhD), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), and Certified (Psychiatric), Nurse Practitioners working within the scope of their practice.
Behavioral health information for Horizon’s NJ Direct Plan can be found on page 29 of the NJ Direct member handbook.
Horizon NJ Direct High Deductible
Horizon Behavioral Health is responsible for the management of your behavioral health benefit including treatment for both mental/nervous conditions and alcohol/substance abuse at all levels of care: inpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, intensive outpatient (IOP), individual, and group outpatient treatment.
NJ DIRECT HDHP covers the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse the same way it would any other illness if treatment is prescribed by an eligible provider and it is deemed to be medically needed and at the appropriate level of care. Pre-certification is required for all inpatient admissions and for some specialty care including Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Treatment and Office Based Opioid Treatment (in-network and out-of-network). The pre-certification process will determine if the treatment to be provided is medically appropriate and at the most appropriate level of care to fit your behavioral health needs. Alcohol and substance abuse treatment determinations are supported by the American Society of Addictions Medicine (ASAM) guidelines. The pre-certification process through Horizon Behavioral Health is available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week by calling 1-800-991-5579. In addition to helping you navigate the pre-certification process, Horizon Behavioral Health can help you find a provider, support your treatment, and manage the services you are receiving to ensure that they are appropriate for your behavioral health needs and supported by the ASAM criteria. For additional information or assistance regarding scheduled or emergency treatment related to alcohol or substance abuse, you or your provider may call 1-800-991-5579. Pre-certification is not required for routine, office based outpatient alcohol and substance abuse services incurred on or after January 1, 2013. Services may be reviewed at any time to determine the medical necessity of the level of care being provided. Horizon may contact your treating provider to discuss your treatment and the authorization requirement that will be applied. Authorization is required for coverage of any treatment that Horizon determines is not consistent with usual treatment practices for your condition based on the frequency of sessions, duration of treatment or other factors. You will be advised if a medical necessity review is conducted and services will require review and authorization. The absence of pre-certification or authorization, when required, prior to services being rendered, may result in the denial of payment for services.
Inpatient or outpatient treatment may be furnished as follows:
- Care provided in a state licensed health care facility.
- Care provided in a licensed detoxification facility.
- Care provided at a licensed and state approved residential treatment facility, under a plan which meets minimum standards of care.
- Care provided by an eligible, licensed behavioral health professional. Eligible providers of behavioral health services are Psychiatrists (MD), Licensed Psychologists (PhD), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), and Certified (Psychiatric), Nurse Practitioners working within the scope of their practice.
Behavioral health information for Horizon’s NJ Direct High Deductible Plan can be found on page 21 of the NJ Direct High Deductible member handbook.
Horizon HMO
Horizon Behavioral Health is responsible for the management of your behavioral health benefit. This benefit includes treatment for mental health conditions and alcohol/ substance abuse. An extensive network of participating providers will provide behavioral health and substance abuse services (including treatment of alcoholism). A referral is not required to access behavioral health and substance abuse treatment.
Accessing Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Care
For assistance with behavioral health or alcohol/substance abuse care, please call Horizon Behavioral Health at 1-800-991-5579. The phone number is on the back of your Horizon HMO ID card. Behavioral health and substance abuse care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential. Due to the confidential nature of these services, an authorization form may be needed during or after your course of treatment for the disclosure of treatment information. The authorization form might also be required for any individual (including family members) to get information about a member’s behavioral health/substance abuse treatment.
For more information about Horizon Behavioral Health, visit
www.horizonblue.com/shbp or call the Behavioral Health Services number on the back of your Horizon HMO ID card.
Behavioral health information for Horizon’s HMO Plan can be found on page 22 of the HMO member handbook.
Horizon OMNIA
Your Horizon BCBSNJ health plan includes behavioral health and substance abuse coverage. Horizon Behavioral Health provides assistance with a wide range of emotional and relationship issues, depression, alcoholism, addictions and more, through an extensive network of health care professionals and facilities.
Available Services
Horizon Behavioral Health professionals offer a full range of counseling services, including:
- Individual and group psychotherapy
- Family counseling and crisis intervention
- Addiction recovery programs
- Autism care management program
Getting Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Care
For routine behavioral health or alcohol/substance abuse care, please call
Horizon Behavioral Health at 1-800-991-5579. Behavioral health and substance abuse care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential.
Prior authorization is required for all behavioral health and substance abuse inpatient care. Routine outpatient hospital care and office visits don’t require prior authorization, but do require coordination of care.
Behavioral health information for Horizon’s OMNIA Plan can be found on page 29 of the OMNIA member handbook.