About Us

more about who we are

A Leader in Client-Centered Behavioral Healthcare

At Solace Wellness Center in New Brunswick, NJ, we provide client-centered, trauma-informed mental health care in a welcoming, judgement-free space. That means we start with you—your story, strengths, culture, and goals—and build a plan that honors your pace while prioritizing safety, dignity, and choice.

Our team is trained in trauma-informed principles across every touchpoint: from the first phone call to your treatment plan and ongoing support. We focus on creating predictable, collaborative sessions, offering clear options, and seeking consent at every step. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, life transitions, or stress at work or school, we meet you where you are and walk with you toward where you want to be.

 

What sets us apart is the way we integrate care around the whole person. We coordinate closely with you (and, when helpful, family or community supports) to set meaningful goals, track progress together, and adapt as needs change. Our environment is inclusive and culturally responsive; we welcome individuals of all backgrounds and identities, and we are committed to providing affirming, respectful care.

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Our Mission & Vision

We Treat the Individual

At Solace Wellness Center in New Brunswick, NJ, our mission is to provide client-centered, trauma-informed mental health care that honors each person’s story, strengthens resilience, and promotes lasting well-being. We create a safe, inclusive space where healing is collaborative, evidence-aligned, and guided by dignity, consent, and choice.

 

We envision a community where compassionate, culturally responsive mental health support is easy to access and tailored to the whole person—mind, body, and environment. Solace Wellness Center strives to be a trusted home for healing, innovation, and advocacy, helping individuals and families thrive across every stage of life.

Our Philosophy

We Aim to Provide the Best Care Possible

We believe people are experts in their own lives. Our philosophy is built on partnership, not prescription: we listen deeply, co-create goals, and adapt care to each person’s strengths, identities, and needs. Grounded in trauma-informed principles—safety, transparency, empowerment, and collaboration—we integrate proven therapies with practical skills for everyday living.

We measure progress by what matters to our clients, foster continuity of care with community partners, and commit to continuous learning so our services remain welcoming, equitable, and effective.

Our Philosophy

Our Core Principles

Trauma-Informed Care

Every interaction is guided by safety, choice, and transparency. We create predictable routines, offer clear consent at each step, and design spaces and sessions that reduce triggers and support nervous-system regulation.

Client-Focused

You lead your care. Goals, pace, and interventions are co-created to reflect your strengths, values, identities, and lived experiences. We honor culture, language, and family dynamics and provide affirming, inclusive services.

Evidence-Based

Treatment draws from proven modalities (e.g., CBT, DBT, EMDR and others as appropriate) and is adjusted using regular outcome check-ins. We track progress together so care stays effective, relevant, and accountable.

Collaborative Teamwork

Clinicians coordinate across disciplines—therapy, psychiatry, skills coaching, and community resources—so your plan is integrated rather than siloed. Shared decision-making ensures you understand options and next steps.

Whole-Person Wellness

We treat the whole person—mind, body, and environment. Programming may include mindfulness, movement, sleep and nutrition education, and everyday coping skills you can use at home, school, or work.

Lifetime Aftercare

Care doesn’t end at discharge. We plan for step-downs, provide clear aftercare and relapse-prevention strategies, and coordinate with local New Brunswick providers to support long-term stability with minimal barriers to access.

Meet Our Expert Team

Meet Our Mental Health Professionals

Jeffrey Berman, M.D., DFASAM

Medical Director

Brian Chasin

Chief Financial Officer

Phillip Chasin

Chief Executive Officer

Christian Nigro

Vice President

Melissa Miller MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCS, NCC

Clinical Director

Philip Vitarelli

Director of Care Coordination

Denise Johnson

Director of Nursing

Michael Costagliola

Operations Manager

Samantha Frey

Inpatient Clinician

Anna Barbara Finch

Operations Coordinator

Kristen Benavitch

Primary Therapist

Dr. Carolina Estevez Psy.D.

Psychologist

answering your common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide individual therapy, group therapy, family sessions (when helpful), and psychiatric evaluation/medication management. During your intake, we review your goals, history, preferences, and safety needs, then co-create a plan that may combine therapy and medications (when appropriate). Care is client-centered and trauma-informed, so pace and interventions match your comfort and priorities.

Start with a brief, confidential phone call to share what you’re looking for and check scheduling. We’ll verify benefits (if you’d like), then book an intake appointment. At intake, you’ll meet with a clinician to discuss your concerns, complete paperwork, and outline next steps. If a different level of care is more appropriate, we’ll offer referrals and help with a warm handoff.

We work with many major plans and can verify benefits (VOB) before your first visit. Our team will explain coverage, copays/deductibles, and any out-of-network options, and provide a good-faith estimate for self-pay. If you have billing questions at any point, we’ll walk you through them in plain language.

Length varies by person and goals. Some people benefit from short-term, skills-focused therapy; others choose longer-term support or periodic check-ins. We set measurable goals together, review progress regularly, and adjust frequency, modalities (e.g., CBT/DBT-informed skills, mindfulness), and medication plans as your needs evolve.

Your privacy is protected by law. We don’t share information without your written permission, except in rare safety situations required by policy/law. With your consent, loved ones can participate in select sessions for education and support, and we can coordinate with schools, primary care, or community providers to enhance continuity of care.

We work with most major insurance plans to help cover the costs associated with mental health treatment at Solace Wellness Center. Verify your insurance benefits with our admissions team to find out your personal options for mental health treatment.