Open Enrollment: Step Up Family Services Expands Behavioral Health & ABA Services in Brick, NJ

đź“ť OPEN ENROLLMENT:

Step Up Family Services Expands Behavioral Health & ABA Services in Brick, NJ

Step Up Family Services Announces Major Expansion at 74 Brick Blvd., Brick NJ

Step Up Family Services is proud to announce the expansion of our mental health and ABA therapy programs in Brick, New Jersey — a move designed to increase access, reduce wait times, and better serve children, teens, adults, and families across Ocean and Monmouth Counties.

With growing community need and a commitment to providing high‑quality, compassionate care, Step Up is expanding into two dedicated suites at our Brick location:

 

🌿 Outpatient Mental Health Counseling Now Open at Suite #114 — No Waitlist, Open Enrollment

Our new Outpatient Counseling Center at 74 Brick Blvd., Suite #114 is officially open and accepting new clients with NO WAITLIST.

We provide comprehensive mental health services for:

Our licensed clinicians offer evidence‑based, client‑centered care in a welcoming, supportive environment. Whether an individual with specialized treatment needs or family seeking ongoing therapy, short‑term support, Step Up is ready to help — without delays.

🧩 ABA Therapy Expands Into Larger Suite #120 — Open Enrollment & No Waitlist

Due to increased demand and our commitment to providing high‑quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, Step Up Family Services is expanding ABA operations into a larger, dedicated space at 74 Brick Blvd., Suite #120.

This expansion allows us to offer:

Families can access individualized ABA treatment plans, BCBA‑led programming, and a collaborative, family‑centered approach — all without the long delays common in the region.

đź’™ Our Commitment to the Community

Step Up Family Services continues to grow because families trust our mission:

to provide accessible, high‑quality behavioral health and ABA services that empower children, strengthen families, and support long‑term success.

With expanded space, increased staffing, and immediate availability, we’re proud to serve the Brick community with the care and responsiveness families deserve.

đź“ž Contact Us

Step Up Family Services – Brick, NJ

74 Brick Blvd., Suites 114 & 120

Brick, NJ

Phone: 973-298-0763

Website: www.stepupfamilyservices.com

*Why  Parents Must Stay Involved in Their Teen’s Social Media and Phone Use*

*Why Parents Must Stay Involved in Their Teen’s Social Media and Phone Use*

There’s a growing belief that teenagers “deserve privacy” on their phones and social media. It sounds respectful and modern—but in reality, it can leave young people exposed to dangers they are not developmentally equipped to handle alone.

The digital world is not neutral. It is full of adults who deliberately target teens because they know exactly how to manipulate them. And when parents step back under the banner of “privacy,” teens are left to navigate predators, scammers, and high‑pressure social situations with no safety net.

Parents (me included) — your teen’s phone is not a private world. It’s a doorway.
And on the other side are scammers, predators, and adults who know exactly how to manipulate kids.

Scammers message teens on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok — then switch to text to pressure them. They send inappropriate photos, push teens to respond, and then flip to threats and extortion. This is a scripted tactic used worldwide.

Some teens become so overwhelmed with shame and fear that they feel trapped and hopeless. No child should ever carry that alone. This is why monitoring isn’t “controlling.” It’s protection. Know their apps. Check their messages. Keep accounts private. Stay involved.

And if your teen has been targeted — or even came close — therapy can be life‑changing. It gives them a safe space to talk, helps them understand manipulation, rebuilds confidence, and process fear or embarrassment in a healthy way. It also helps parents learn how to support without judgment.

Social media companies won’t protect our kids.
Law enforcement often can’t.
Parents must.

Stay present. Stay aware. Stay connected.
Your involvement could be the difference between panic and safety.

Tricky Tray Fundraiser for Autism Awareness! (April 18)

Check out our non-profit partner's tricky tray event! All proceeds go to help families in need of mental and behavioral health services. Buy tickets here!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981246535722?aff=oddtdtcreator

The event will take place on April 18, 2026 from 1pm-4pm at:

The Barn Kitchen and Bar

11 Green Pond Road

Rockaway, NJ

🎙️ David Timpanaro, owner of Step Up Family Services, featured on the Wraparound the World Podcast!

We’re excited to share that David Timpanaro, owner of Step Up Family Services, was recently featured on the Wraparound the World podcast — a leading platform for conversations that strengthen mental health systems through community, collaboration, and the wraparound philosophy.

👉 Listen to the full episode below (open Spotify app to watch a video of the podcast)
Click here

In this episode, the Wrap Brothers sit down with Ken from Innovia Circle and David from Step Up Family Services, two passionate wraparound champions from New Jersey, to explore what it truly means to support our “at-promise” youth.

đź’¬ Key themes from the episode include:

David brings his experience, compassion, and forward-thinking approach to the conversation, offering meaningful insight into how we can uplift youth by empowering the families and communities around them.

A huge thank-you to the Wraparound the World team for highlighting the work happening here in New Jersey and for creating space for important conversations that move our systems of care forward.

Hiring BCBAs all over New Jersey!

Visit our hiring page at www.stepupfamilyservices.com

How do you know if ABA is for your child?

3 Signs Your Child May Benefit From ABA

Many parents wonder when it’s the right time to explore ABA therapy. Here are three signs your child may benefit:

✅ Communication delays — difficulty expressing needs or understanding language
✅ Behavior challenges — frequent frustration, meltdowns, or unsafe behaviors
✅ Difficulty with transitions — trouble shifting between activities or routines

If any of this feels familiar, you’re not alone.
Step Up Family Services provides compassionate, evidence‑based ABA support tailored to your child’s needs.

Get Support Today

Every Journey Begins One Step At A Time…
www.stepupfamilyservices.com
973‑298‑0763

The 90-Second Rule: How Neuroscience Teaches Us to Let Go of Emotions

Did you know that emotions only last 90 seconds? Neuroscience shows that when we experience a surge of anger, sadness, or anxiety, the actual emotional response in the brain is fleeting. After those 90 seconds, what keeps the feeling alive isn’t the emotion itself—it’s our thoughts.
When we replay the situation, analyze it, or attach meaning to it, we’re essentially feeding the emotion and keeping it at the surface. This is why some feelings seem to linger far longer than they need to.
The empowering truth is that we can learn coping skills to interrupt this cycle. By choosing to let go of the thoughts that fuel the emotion, we give ourselves space to move forward. Later, when we revisit the same situation, we can approach it with a clearer mind—less emotionally charged and more rational.
Practical Takeaway:
- Notice when an emotion arises.
- Remind yourself: This will pass in 90 seconds if I don’t feed it with thoughts.
- Practice coping strategies—deep breathing, grounding exercises, or reframing the situation.
- Return to the thought later, when your perspective is calmer and more balanced.
Teaching these skills to ourselves and others is a powerful way to build resilience. It’s not about suppressing emotions—it’s about giving them their natural time to fade, and then choosing clarity over reactivity.

#MentalHealthAwareness #CopingSkills #EmotionalResilience #MindsetShift #90SecondRule

Book an Appointment with Marie Alice Stout, LSW, LCADC

Book an appointment today with Marie Alice Stout, LSW, LCADC. 
About Me
I have nearly a decade of experience working in the field of substance use, mental health, and peer support, having begun my career as a Recovery Specialist. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University and am both a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). In addition, I am certified in Mindfulness, C-DBT (Cognitive Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and Telehealth Counseling.
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and action-oriented. I aim to help each individual uncover their potential, overcome fears, and navigate life’s challenges through a blend of evidence-based techniques and supportive guidance. Together, we will create a personalized action plan to strengthen coping skills, communication, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy.
I believe that therapy is not just about healing—it’s about growth. Whether you’re working through addiction, mental health concerns, difficult relationships, or a negative self-image, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space to help you develop insight, resilience, and tools for lasting change. My mission is to help you move forward with confidence and reclaim your inner strength.

Book your appointment with Marie Alice, today!

HIRING for Outpatient Therapists in Parsippany, NJ

Outpatient Therapist
Step Up Family Services is seeking a clinically licensed therapist (LCSW or LPC) to join our growing outpatient counseling team for a varied caseload of children through adults. Part time -full time caseloads available and hours are flexible based on your availability. Experience in working with children and adolescents is necessary. Days, evening and weekend hours available. Not required to get your own referrals.
Therapist may provide both in person sessions and Telehealth sessions.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $50.00 - $65.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10 – 20 per week
Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Parsippany, NJ 07054
Please click here to APPLY

Individualized, Center-Based ABA Therapy & Autism Support

🧩 Is Your Child’s School Meeting Their Needs?
If your child is on the autism spectrum or requires ABA services and their school just isn’t providing the support they deserve, Step Up Family Services is here to help.
🌟 We offer individualized, Center-Based ABA therapy & autism support designed to unlock every child’s potential—right in Brick, NJ and Parsippany, NJ, during the day.
👪 Because your child’s future shouldn’t be defined by limitations, but by possibility.
đź“Ť Visit ABA Learning Center Information to learn more and schedule a consultation today!
📸 Tag us, follow us, and share with families who need to know they have options. #StepUpFamilyServices #ABAtherapy #AutismSupport #BrickNJ #ParsippanyNJ #SpecialNeedsCare #MorrisCounty #OceanCounty #School #Education

ABA Center-Based Day Program
Get the support and autism services with us, that you cannot get at your school