Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Raritan Bay is a 138-bed drug and alcohol rehab in South Amboy, New Jersey, providing medical detox, residential treatment, and outpatient rehab (Partial Care, IOP, and GOP). With personalized treatment pathways, including dual diagnosis care and a specialty first responder treatment program, you can find support here that meets you wherever you are in your recovery journey. Same-day admissions, 24/7 support, and transportation assistance available.
Your Comeback Starts Here in Central Jersey
If you’re struggling to stop drinking alcohol or using drugs, deciding to get help can be just as difficult. But with RCA at Raritan Bay, you receive comprehensive addiction treatment while staying close to the people and support systems that matter to you. Located in South Amboy, NJ, commutable from the New York City metropolitan area and Central and North Jersey, family involvement can remain part of the recovery process, and transitioning from one level of care to another can happen within the same treatment community.
Our full continuum of care includes medical detox, residential inpatient addiction treatment, Partial Care, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), General Outpatient Program (GOP), MAT, and a strong alumni community. RCA at Raritan Bay is also home to RESCU, our specialized treatment program for first responders, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, corrections officers, and other professionals who face unique challenges when seeking help.
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Written by: Alexandra Talarico - Clinically Reviewed by: Pete Vernig
- Compliance Reviewed by: Marianne Birmingham
Inside our Facility in
South Amboy, NJ
Our campus features a fitness center, basketball court, art room, yoga room, spacious common areas, a large cafeteria, and outdoor recreation space, giving you opportunities to stay active, be creative, relax, and connect with others during your stay.
Practical comforts can make a residential stay easier, too—on-site laundry facilities are available for use and private rooms may be requested, subject to availability. Our team provides a packing list, so you can arrive prepared and focus on what matters most: getting well.
Who Should
Consider Treatment?
Patients come to South Amboy from Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Sayreville, Old Bridge, Edison, East Brunswick, Matawan, Keyport, and the towns in between them, along with commuters from all New York City boroughs and the wider metro area. You may be a fit if:
- You are experiencing withdrawal symptoms or finding it difficult to stop using substances on your own
- You want a professional assessment to determine the level of care that gives you the best chance of long-term recovery
- You have completed treatment before but need a new approach to support lasting recovery
- You are living with both a substance use disorder and a mental illness (if you have a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis)
- You are looking for treatment tailored to your individual recovery needs
- You are pregnant and seeking addiction treatment
- You need a stable place to live while you are in outpatient treatment
- You are a member of the LGBTQI community and want a safe place to recover.
- You are a First Responder and are looking for recovery solutions tailored to your experience, safety, and unique needs.
People who get treatment within the first year of identifying an addiction or mental health condition enjoy stronger outcomes than individuals who don’t seek help [1].
How to Get Started
We know making the first call can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to have all the answers before you reach out. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options—without pressure or commitment.
If you’re concerned about a loved one, guided professional interventions are available to help families take the next step.
Phase 1:
Assessment and Admission
Call 1.800.RECOVERY or complete the secure online form anytime. Together we:
- Review your substance use, your medical history, and where things stand right now
- Identify the level of care that fits your needs
- Check your insurance coverage and explain what, if anything, you’d owe out of pocket
- Talk through it all: the timing, what to expect, and what happens next
Same-day in-person admission* is available. We walk beside you through every step.
Phase 2:
Active Treatment Begins
Your personalized care draws on:
- A treatment plan developed around your whole situation
- Group and individual therapy grounded in evidence
- MAT where it is medically appropriate
- A case manager who coordinates your aftercare
- Skill-building for relapse prevention and everyday life
- Whole-person support alongside clinical treatment
- Family involvement through coaching and guidance
Phase 3:
Stepping Down with Continued Support
As you progress, we help you shift toward:
- A lower level of care when it is warranted
- Access to RCA’s alumni network and its events
- Peer support that stays open to you
- Family education is available after you go home
*Transferring directly from a hospital, emergency department, or urgent care? Timing matters! FastTrack helps arrange inpatient admission without waiting for extra medical paperwork, so you can act quickly.
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. RCA stays in your corner for the long haul.
Where You’ve Been Guides Your Path Forward
Your plan at RCA at Raritan Bay follows one of three care pathways, matched to your treatment history.
Pathway 1 – Foundations of Recovery
For people engaging in first-time treatment
Our Foundations of Recovery Pathway is for anyone who is entering treatment for the first time. Designed to provide a supportive and educational environment and build your foundation for long-lasting recovery.
Pathway 2 – Fresh Start
For those who have been in treatment before and relapsed
This pathway provides you with an opportunity to create new goals, re-establish a commitment to recovery, and build a healthy support system.
Pathway 3 – Balance
For addiction paired with a mental illness
Mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD are often intertwined with substance use disorder. Our Balance pathway was created to address both addiction and these underlying conditions in a comprehensive and integrated way.
A Complete Continuum of Care,
Including Detox, Inpatient, and Outpatient Treatment
Medical Detox
Oftentimes, the first phase of treatment for many people with a substance use disorder
Alcohol, benzodiazepine, and opioid withdrawal is dangerous, which is why detox at RCA at Raritan Bay includes around-the-clock nursing, monitored vitals, and medication, typically for up to 7 days. While your body stabilizes, your treatment team is building what comes next.
Inpatient Residential Addiction Treatment
24/7 clinical and medical support
You live on campus, usually for up to 30 days or more. The structured schedule includes individual therapy, daily groups, psychiatric consultation, medication management, fitness, creative expression, and more. Living in a comfortable, supportive environment designed around recovery gives you the space and structure to focus on yourself, develop healthy routines, and make meaningful progress without the distractions of everyday life.
Partial Care
Highest level of care without overnight stays
New Jersey licenses partial hospitalization programs (PHP) as Partial Care. Partial Care is best for those stepping down from a residential stay or for patients who need daily structure with a safe home to return to. Treatment involves 5 to 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, over several weeks.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Flexible, evidence-based treatment. Meet in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format.
3 sessions per week, 3 hours each, running over several months. Group therapy anchors the work, backed by individual sessions and medication management, on daytime and evening schedules so you can fulfill work, school, and family commitments.
General Outpatient Program
Ongoing support as you build long-term stability
If you are transitioning to greater independence in continued recovery, RCA at Raritan Bay’s GOP provides structured weekly therapeutic support. Available in a hybrid format, with sessions available 1- 2x per week, 90 minutes per session.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
For those with addictions occurring alongside mental health conditions
SAMHSA reports that 21.2 million adults in the United States have an addiction with a co-occurring mental illness [2]. RCA at Raritan Bay treats them in parallel from detox onward, under one plan shaped by a psychiatric provider, because each condition gains ground when the other goes untreated.
Specialty Programs Available at RCA at Raritan Bay
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
RCA at Raritan Bay evaluates and prescribes medications on-site, pairing every medication with therapy. Each one is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and matched to your medical needs.
For Opioid Use Disorder:
- Buprenorphine – Dampens cravings and withdrawal symptoms without prompting an opioid high. Subutex or Suboxone in film/tablet form, Sublocade via monthly injection
- Naltrexone – A full antagonist that blocks opioid receptors outright, eliminating euphoria. Oral tablets and naltrexone injections (Vivitrol)
For Alcohol Use Disorder:
- Naltrexone – Reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol and minimizes cravings. Oral or injectable forms
- Acamprosate – Campral tablets can help settle brain chemistry after long-term alcohol use
- Disulfiram – Antabuse serves as a chemical deterrent to drinking by producing an unpleasant reaction when mixed with alcohol
RESCU – First Responder Treatmentat RCA at Raritan Bay
RESCU is our specialized program for law enforcement officers, firefighters, corrections officers, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, active-duty and retired military members, and their families. Our clinicians understand the culture, experiences, and unique pressures that come with serving others—and they’re trained in military and first responder cultural competency and trauma-informed care.
Your treatment may include evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Seeking Safety, and 12-step programming, with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when clinically appropriate. With your permission, we can also involve your family and, when appropriate, command staff through coaching, webinars, and visitation. You’ll have the opportunity to recover alongside fellow service members and professionals who know the weight of the job.
Workflex
Inpatient treatment stalls for many working adults due to the fear of being offline for a month. WorkFlex removes this barrier with structured daily access to your phone and laptop (up to 3 hours) for essential work or school tasks.
Pet Friendly Rehab
We understand that familiar sources of comfort can matter during recovery, which is why emotional support animals may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
Pregnant Women
If you’re pregnant and struggling with addiction, you’ll receive priority admission here so that you and your child have immediate access to life saving care.
Virtual or Hybrid Options
IOP at RCA’s Raritan Bay campus comes in three formats: on-site, fully virtual through a secure telehealth platform, or a hybrid of both. The curriculum, the clinicians, and the attendance expectations are identical. Virtual eligibility is a clinical call made at assessment and revisited as you progress.
Evidence-Based Therapies
and Clinical Services
The clinical foundation of your treatment here is an evidence-based care model used across RCA, combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing (MI) with daily group programming, individual therapy, and psychiatric support. Your team also uses measurement-based care to track your progress and help inform your treatment plan, while medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be incorporated when clinically appropriate.
Case management helps address practical needs such as insurance and benefits paperwork, and follow-up care before you leave treatment. Family education and support groups are offered before, during, and after your treatment, and with your consent, family involvement is encouraged. RCA’s alumni meetings and sober events help you stay connected to recovery for life.
Comparing Treatment, Services, and
Levels of Care
Choosing the right treatment program depends on individual needs and circumstances. The table below outlines RCA’s various treatment approaches, services, and levels of care. Our specialists are available 24/7 to help you determine the best level of care to meet your needs.
| Approach | Description | Best For | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intervention | Structured, professionally led conversation designed to help someone accept addiction treatment. This process brings together family members and loved ones to express concern in a supportive, non-judgmental environment | People who are denying or minimizing their substance use, refusing treatment, or are struggling to seek help on their own | Typically, between 1–2 hours. Planning and preparation with a certified intervention professional (CIP) may take several days to a few weeks prior |
| Medical Detox | Safely ridding the body of substances with round-the-clock monitoring of vital signs by a specialized medical team | Patients using substances regularly in large amounts for an extended period, increasing the amounts of substances, or those with intense cravings | Varies per person but typically 3-7 days. |
| Inpatient Residential Rehabilitation | 24/7 residential care with intensive therapy and medical supervision | Individuals who need a higher level of support or a structured environment to focus fully on recovery, including those with co-occurring mental health conditions. | Typically, up to 30 or more days |
| Partial Hospitalization (PHP)* | Intensive, structured treatment during the day without overnight stays | Those stepping down from inpatient treatment or those first starting their journey who need substantial support but with a stable living situation | Daily sessions for 5 to 6 hours, 5 days a week, lasting several weeks |
| Intensive Outpatient (IOP)** | Regular therapy sessions (in-person, virtual, and hybrid options available at RCA) allowing individuals to maintain daily responsibilities | Those stepping down from inpatient treatment or those first starting their journey who need structured support with flexibility | 3 to 4 sessions per week, each lasting a few hours, over several months |
| Virtual Intensive Outpatient | Group therapy and individual counseling, from home via secure telehealth platform | Those discharging from detox or residential programs and continuing treatment, or those interested in just beginning sobriety | 3 to 4 sessions per week, each lasting a few hours, over several months |
| General Outpatient Programs (GOP) | Less intensive therapy sessions, often weekly | Individuals who have built a foundation in recovery and want continued support while returning to everyday life. | Varies. Often weekly sessions over several months |
| Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) | Combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies | Individuals with opioid or alcohol use disorders | Varies. Can be long-term |
| Sober Living | Patients live onsite in RCA recovery housing while participating in RCA outpatient programming | Patients step down from RCA’s inpatient residential treatment to our outpatient programs in support of a smoother transition to independent living. | Varies based on personalized treatment plans. Can be several weeks to months. |
Blue-highlighted rows are offered at our Raritan Bay location.
*In Massachusetts, this level of care is referred to as Extended Day Treatment. In New Jersey, it is referred to as Partial Care. In Florida, it is referred to as Day/Night Treatment.
** In Massachusetts, this level of care is referred to as Day Treatment.
Continuing Care, Family, and Alumni Support
Aftercare planning at RCA at Raritan Bay begins on Day 1 of your stay. By the time you discharge from inpatient, we work together to set you up for long-term success, including outpatient appointments, PCP check-ins, medication management, and more.
Studies show that people with a strong recovery community are more likely to sustain long-term recovery [3]. That’s why RCA has a strong alumni association—so you can participate in sober events and recovery meetings with peers and people who understand you. Your family and loved ones are welcome to attend as well, and they can stay engaged on their own through our online support groups and webinars.
Insurance and Payment
We’ll verify your insurance benefits on the spot and tell you exactly what your plan covers for detox, inpatient care, Partial Care, or IOP before you decide anything. RCA is in-network with 110+ insurers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carrum, Cigna Evernorth, Curative, ComPsych, Highmark BCBS, Humana, Independence BCBS, Johns Hopkins, and more.
Under federal parity law, most insurance plans are required to cover addiction and mental health treatment at the same level as medical or surgical care. And if coverage still leaves a gap, interest-free payment plans are available. The benefits check is free, private, and puts every decision in your hands.
Local Resources
Insurance, Benefits, and Employment Assistance
Medicaid Insurance
You may qualify for New Jersey Medicaid. If you require healthcare coverage, your RCA case manager can help you apply/enroll at any time of year.
Other Insurance
Having health insurance helps you access medical care, behavioral health services, medications, and ongoing recovery support after discharge. If you do not currently have health insurance, your RCA case manager can help you apply. This may include helping you determine if you qualify for coverage, completing applications, and connecting you with resources that can support your healthcare needs and recovery journey. Below are several websites you can review for more information.
FMLA
If you need help but are worried about taking time off work, your RCA case manager works with you and your employer to determine whether you are eligible. New Jersey provides family and medical leave through two main programs: the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) for unpaid job protection, and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) for paid wage replacement. Eligible workers can receive up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave and up to 85% of their average weekly wages up to a certain amount.
Employment Assistance
Finding stable employment provides structure, financial stability, purpose, and opportunities for personal growth and is an important part of recovery. If you are unemployed, your RCA case manager can help connect you with community resources and vocational services that support job readiness and employment. This may include referrals to workforce development programs, career counseling, job training programs, resume-building assistance, interview preparation, and local employment agencies. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers multiple tools and support to help you find work.
Help with Everyday Needs
Transportation
If you need a ride to your appointments, your RCA case manager provides you with transportation information and resources.
Housing
If you need housing while attending outpatient treatment, your RCA case manager helps you find the best housing option suited to your needs. This may include a Recovery Living, Sober Living environment, or Halfway House. Your case manager can also provide resources to help you find long-term housing.
Food Assistance
If you and your family are struggling to buy healthy food, your RCA case manager helps determine if you are eligible to apply for assistance and helps you apply for assistance through the New Jersey Department of Human Services Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Financial Assistance
If you live in New Jersey, your RCA case manager can help you apply for benefits and services to help with things like energy and utility bills, food and cash, healthcare, pregnancy, children, disabilities and family emergencies. To learn more and apply for benefits, click here:
Legal Resources
If you have legal concerns such as court obligations, probation requirements, child custody matters, driver’s license issues, housing disputes, or other challenges, addressing these concerns can help reduce stress and support long-term recovery. Your RCA case manager can help identify and connect you with resources and legal aid services to assist you after discharge.
If you have a scheduled court date or are currently working with a probation officer, it is important to follow all court requirements and maintain regular communication with your probation officer as directed. Your RCA case manager can help coordinate these important appointments or touchpoints.
If you prefer to reach out on your own, the state of New Jersey offers free legal help in civil cases for individuals who do not have a lawyer.
Other Social Services
In addition to helping low-income residents with food assistance, medical assistance, and temporary cash assistance, New Jersey also offers utility bill discounts and help with access to childcare.
Recovery & Treatment Support
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
If you are prescribed MAT like suboxone, buprenorphine, methadone, Vivitrol, or another prescription, your RCA case manager ensures that you have a scheduled appointment prior to your discharge so that you continue to take your medications as prescribed.
Contact New Jersey’s Addiction Helpline at 1-844-732-2465 or search for local care online.
AA and NA Support Groups for Patients and Families
As you take your next steps in recovery, having the right people beside you is an important part of your recovery plan. Whether you find strength in shared experiences, encouragement from peers, or the accountability of a community, your RCA case manager will help you find support groups that feel like the right fit for you. And because recovery often involves the people who care about you most, we can also connect your family with support groups that provide guidance, understanding, and hope.
SMART Recovery Meetings
SMART Recovery is a self-help program to manage addictive behaviors. SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) recovery is based on evidence-informed psychological approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Your RCA case manager can help you find a location near you.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Together with your RCA case manager, you will create a plan to support your recovery after treatment. This often includes a step-down level of care. Your RCA case manager helps you schedule your first appointment before you are discharged. Possible next steps may include:
General Outpatient Program
Primary Care Provider (PCP) Appointments
Regular medical care can help identify and address health concerns early, improve your overall well-being, and ensure that you continue to receive the care you need after discharge. Your RCA can help schedule an appointment with your PCP before you leave RCA. If you do not currently have a PCP, your case manager can provide referrals and help connect you with a healthcare provider in your community.
Medical Care Resources
Before you leave RCA, your case manager can help coordinate any medical care you may need after discharge, including scheduling appointments or providing referrals to specialty care including infectious disease treatment, pain management services, sleep disorder evaluation and treatment, women’s health services, prenatal care, and others.
Behavioral and Mental Health Providers
Many people benefit from ongoing behavioral or mental health services after leaving treatment to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or other mental health concerns. Your case manager helps coordinate individual therapy, psychiatric medication management, trauma-focused counseling, grief counseling, or support groups before you are discharged.
For information on accessing care in New Jersey, call NJ Mental Health Cares at 1-866-202-4357 or visit their website.
Family Support Programs
When someone you love struggles with drugs or alcohol, it can be hard to know what to do or how to help. The NJ Department of Children and Families offers support for those who love someone with SUD by offering emotional support and connecting families and their loved ones to treatment and other resources.
Crisis Services
If you are experiencing an emergency or a crisis, call 988 or 911. If you have thoughts of suicide or are struggling with anxiety, depression, or drugs or alcohol, 988 can provide support. 911 can dispatch police, fire, or emergency medical services. These services work together, so calling either service can get you the help you need in an emergency.
You can also call NJ Hopeline at 1-855-654-6735 for 24/7 peer support and suicide prevention.
Why Choose
Recovery Centers of America
Recovery Centers of America has treated nearly 100,000 individuals, with an unwavering mission of saving one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time.
- Recognized by Newsweek as America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers for multiple consecutive years
- Personalized treatment pathways tailored to your recovery stage , including first time in treatment, care after relapse, and dual diagnosis treatment
- Full continuum of care under one roof
- Compassionate, science-backed modalities
- Measurement-driven care
- Family-inclusive services that address how addiction impacts the whole family, including interventions, support groups, and webinars
- 24/7 admission support, weekends and holidays included
- Transportation assistance offered
- 4.5/5 Patient Satisfaction
901 Ernston Rd, South Amboy, NJ 08879
RCA at Raritan Bay
Service area: RCA at Raritan Bay serves North Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area, including Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Sayreville, Old Bridge, Edison, Brunswick, Matawan, Keyport, and the surrounding Middlesex and Monmouth County communities.
Frequently Asked Questions –RCA at Raritan Bay
What levels of care does RCA at Raritan Bay offer?
RCA at Raritan Bay offers medical detox, residential inpatient treatment, Partial Care, IOP (in-person, virtual, or hybrid), GOP, dual diagnosis care, and medication-assisted treatment.
Who qualifies for RESCU?
Law enforcement officers, firefighters, corrections officers, EMTs, paramedics, and nurses, with active-duty and retired military and family members welcome.
How long does each program last?
Detox generally lasts up to 7 days; residential care may last up to 30 days or more; Partial Care meets 5 to 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, over several weeks; and IOP meets 3 to 4 times a week for a few hours each, over several months. GOP sessions occur 1-2x/week.
Is Partial Care the same as PHP?
Yes. Partial Care is New Jersey’s name for the partial hospitalization level of care. The schedule and clinical content are the same.
Can I do IOP online?
Our IOP is available in person, fully virtual, or a mixture of both, with the same curriculum and clinicians as the in-person track.
Which MAT medications are available?
Sublocade, Subutex and Suboxone, oral naltrexone, injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol), acamprosate (Campral), and disulfiram (Antabuse), each prescribed on-site when clinically indicated.
Can I keep up with work during inpatient treatment?
You may be able to engage with work or school through RCA’s WorkFlex program which offers residential patients structured access to a phone and laptop for up to 3 hours a day for essential tasks.
Sources
[1] Moos RH, Moos BS. (2006). Rates and predictors of relapse after natural and treated remission from alcohol use disorders. Addiction. 101(2):212–222. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16445550/
[2] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. HHS Publication No. PEP25-07-007.
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56287/2024-nsduh-annual-national-report.pdf
[3] Exploring support provision for recovery from substance use disorder among members of a sober active community, Scientific Reports (2025).
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-92029-1