NewBridge Staffer Joanne Goer Wins National Recognition

Pompton Plains, NJ - March 1, 2010 - NewBridge Services, Inc.'s Joanne Goer has been named Outstanding Clinician for 2010 by Addiction Professional, a national magazine that highlights top-notch clinical services for addiction disorders.

Goer, the director of Integrated and Addiction Services, was recognized for spearheading NewBridge's effort to fuse the treatment of mental illness and substance abuse long before most organizations were moving in that direction.

"Joanne's perseverance led NewBridge to develop an array of substance abuse and addiction services, including evaluations, counseling, an enhanced outpatient program and prevention seminars for children, parents and educators," said Robert L. Parker, NewBridge executive director.

Goer, 64, of Morristown, was honored on February 22nd, during the Southeastern Conference on Alcohol and Drug Addiction in Nashville, TN. Her photograph appears on the cover of Addiction Recovery's January-February edition, which also features her in an article. Addiction Professional is the official publication of the NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals.

Parker hired Goer 25 years ago and she became NewBridge's first expert in addiction. Through her efforts, the agency created a model for integrating addiction and mental health treatment with little expense, providing tools and resources other agencies can replicate.

Goer's efforts spilled into the larger community. In the early 1990s, she was one of three experts to launch a task force that educates providers in Morris County about co-occurrence. She has headed that task force and a similar one in Passaic County.

"She always creates a respectful, engaging atmosphere when discussing topics that can stir strong opinions," said Parker. "She has a keen ability to work with a variety of professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers and licensed drug and alcohol counselors, to achieve her goal of treating clients holistically."

Despite her supervisory responsibilities at NewBridge, Goer continues to see clients because "she loves the one-on-one contact, the satisfaction of shepherding a person to wellness," said Parker, who nominated her for the award.

About NewBridge Services
NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit community organization founded in 1963, provides innovative mental health, substance abuse, housing, children’s and senior services and education programs. Whether dealing with stress, grief, or substance abuse or in need of parenting, relationship or caregiving advice, NewBridge offers counseling programs, educational forums and life-enriching services to help people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-686-2200 or click here.