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Serenium Therapy and Wellness is expanding beyond its Central Jersey roots.

After launching an office in Hackensack, the mental health practice is preparing to add locations soon in Cherry Hill and Clifton.

Founded in 2021, the mental health practice offers both virtual care and in-person outpatient therapy to individuals, couples and families. It also provides genetic testing and medication management for ages 5 through adulthood.

Serenium is also one of the few practices in New Jersey to accept Medicaid and Employee Assistance Programs, making high-quality therapy available to individuals and families who might otherwise face financial barriers to care. Additionally, it provides multilingual services in order to serve diverse communities, the practice said.

Over the past five years, Serenium’s network of 100-plus therapists have helped over 8,500 clients address issues such as anxiety, depression and life transitions, the provider said.

‘A natural fit’

Up until the April 22 ribbon-cutting ceremony in Hackensack, Serenium’s footprint spanned Brick, Manalapan and Cranford. The practice celebrated the grand opening alongside Hackensack Mayor Caseen Gaines and members of the local chamber of commerce.

Serenium owner Alan Tunit described Hackensack as “a natural fit due to Bergen County‘s established healthcare hub.” The area is home to several leading hospitals, such as Hackensack University Medical Center, Valley Hospital, New Bridge Medical Center and Englewood Hospital, as well as a growing presence of specialty care facilities.

He hopes the office at 2 University Plaza can serve as an “accessible, integrated resource for individuals seeking outpatient mental services” in the region.

“I entered this area of business … because I saw the increased need for mental health services following Covid. I wanted to ensure that children and adults in New Jersey had access to the therapy they needed, both locally and virtually. Part of achieving this access involved serving the Medicaid population.

“We remain one of the primary therapy facilities that accepts Medicaid and look forward to continuing to provide that service while also accepting most health insurance plans,” he said.