Steps to Health and Wellness Earns Gold Standard in Addiction Treatment

CHERRY HILL, N.J. – March 03, 2026 – Steps to Health and Wellness, an outpatient substance abuse and co-occurring disorder treatment facility, has officially earned accreditation from the Joint Commission, a distinction that signifies adherence to the highest national standards for safety and quality of care. This achievement marks a pivotal moment for the Cherry Hill-based center and the broader New Jersey community, providing a new level of assurance for individuals and families seeking reliable and effective addiction treatment.

The accreditation follows a rigorous, unannounced onsite survey conducted from January 21-22, 2025. During the multi-day evaluation, a team of Joint Commission surveyors performed a comprehensive assessment of the facility's operations, solidifying its status as a provider committed to clinical excellence.

The Gold Standard of Healthcare Validation

For decades, Joint Commission accreditation has been recognized as the gold standard in healthcare. The independent, non-profit organization sets the benchmark for measuring healthcare quality, and its seal of approval is a testament to an organization's commitment to continuous improvement and patient safety. For a facility like Steps to Health and Wellness, which operates in the critical and sensitive field of addiction and mental health, this accreditation is not merely a plaque on the wall; it is a validation of its entire operational and clinical framework.

The survey process is notoriously thorough. Surveyors utilize a "tracer" methodology, following the experience of individual patients through the facility's care process to assess compliance and quality. This includes evaluating everything from clinical care protocols and leadership effectiveness to the physical environment of care and emergency management procedures. By scrutinizing these key areas, the Joint Commission ensures that accredited organizations are not only meeting but often exceeding industry best practices.

"Joint Commission congratulates Steps to Health and Wellness for achieving accreditation by demonstrating its focus on delivering safe and effective care of the highest quality and value," said Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer for the Joint Commission. "Through the accreditation process, we worked closely with Steps to Health and Wellness to enable and affirm the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety. Together, we are elevating care for all patients, and we appreciate Steps to Health and Wellness' collaboration throughout this process."

A Commitment to Comprehensive, Individualized Recovery

This external validation reinforces the core philosophy espoused by the facility's leadership. According to its founder, the center's mission has always been to treat the whole person, not just the addiction. The Joint Commission's standards, which emphasize patient-centered and evidence-based care, align directly with this approach.

"Receiving Joint Commission accreditation reinforces our promise to the individuals and families we serve throughout New Jersey," said Matthew Scarduzio, Founder and Owner of Steps to Health and Wellness. "At Steps to Health and Wellness, we treat the whole person, addressing both substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions through evidence-based practices, holistic modalities, and individualized care plans."

This integrated model is crucial in a field where substance use disorders frequently overlap with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma. By offering advanced psychiatric services alongside intensive counseling, 12-Step principles, and holistic therapies such as mindfulness and nutrition, the facility provides a multi-faceted support system. The accreditation serves as confirmation that this comprehensive model is implemented safely and effectively.

Scarduzio added, "Recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and we are proud to meet the highest standards while delivering personalized, compassionate care that empowers clients to reintegrate into their communities and lead fulfilling, independent lives."

Elevating Access to Trusted Care in New Jersey

The achievement holds significant implications beyond the facility itself. For patients and their families, navigating the landscape of addiction treatment can be overwhelming and fraught with uncertainty. The Joint Commission's seal of approval acts as a clear, trustworthy signal of quality, simplifying the decision-making process and providing peace of mind during a vulnerable time.

Furthermore, accreditation often has a direct impact on the accessibility of care. Many major insurance providers, as well as government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, require Joint Commission accreditation for partnership or reimbursement. The Joint Commission holds "deeming authority" from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), meaning its accredited organizations are deemed to meet federal standards. This status can dramatically expand a facility's ability to accept a wider range of insurance plans, breaking down financial barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking help.

This recognition positions Steps to Health and Wellness as a key resource in Cherry Hill and the surrounding region, enhancing the local healthcare infrastructure. As communities across New Jersey continue to grapple with the substance abuse crisis, the presence of a verifiably high-quality treatment center offers a beacon of hope and a tangible asset in the fight for public health. The accreditation not only elevates the standard of care at one facility but also raises the bar for addiction treatment providers across the state, encouraging a system-wide culture of excellence and accountability. This recognition solidifies its role as a trusted partner for individuals and families navigating the complex path toward lasting health and wellness.