Gerald Opthof LPC, LCADC, SAC, CSW, MAC, SAP

Gerald Opthof Quick Facts

As a licensed professional counselor and licnesed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, my practice in Westwood, New Jersey specializes in clients with addictive disorders such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual, and computer addictions.  In 1994, I obtained my B.A. in Psychology from Montclair State university and my M.A. in Counseling, Human Development & Secondary Education with a concentration in substance abuse from Montclair State University in 1997.  I also received training in October 2004 in EMDR (Eye Movement and desenitization and Reprocessing) for dealing with clients who suffer froma variety of disorders such as personality disorders, panic attacks, eating disorders, phobias, complicated grief, and stress reduction to name a few.

I have worked the past 10 years in various areas regarding the treatment of individuals that have been convicted of drinking and driving offenses.  I first began in 1997 working as a consultant for a Bergen County Office that provided counseling for offenders.  After this time, I then was hired by Counseling Care Associates to develop and implement their I.D.R.C. (Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center) treatment groups.  

In addition to my private practice, I offer my expertise in helping adolescence as a Substance Awareness Coordinator.  For the past eleven years I have played a major part in helping numerous teens in Bergen County personally address and identify issues with substance abuse, depression, family issues, and self-image.  On a larger scale, I have created and delivered numerous workshops and lectures on some of these topics for faculties and students alike.

Over the course of my career, I have been asked to appear on Caucus:  New Jersey with Steve Adubato in regards to their Families in Crisis Series, as well as commenting for the Bergen Record on Self-Mutilation among Teens.  In 2002, I was appointed to serve as a public member of the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and chaired the Prevention Sub-Committee.  After six years and several reappointments, I am still an active member of the Governor's Council