Meet the Team: Justin Coffey, Program Director at Insight Recovery Treatment Center

At Insight Recovery Treatment Center, we believe that the heart of exceptional care lies in the people who provide it. Today, we’re proud to introduce Justin Coffey, our Program Director—a passionate advocate for recovery, a dedicated leader, and someone who brings both professional experience and personal empathy to the individuals and families we serve.

From Personal Experience to Professional Purpose

Justin Coffey’s journey into the world of addiction recovery is both deeply personal and profoundly transformative. More than a career, his work is a calling—one rooted in his own lived experience with addiction and the powerful lessons that emerged from his healing journey. His role as Program Director at Insight Recovery is built on a foundation of empathy, resilience, and a deep desire to make a positive impact on others facing similar struggles.

“My journey with helping people with addiction first starts from my own battle with addiction and struggle,” Justin shares. “It comes from a place of deep empathy and a desire to make a positive difference. Addiction is such a powerful and complex struggle, and I’ve always believed that every person deserves the chance to heal and create a life they love.”

This firsthand experience gives Justin a unique ability to connect with clients—not just as a clinician, but as someone who has walked in their shoes. He understands the confusion, the pain, and the isolation that addiction can bring. But he also understands the hope and strength that recovery can ignite. His ability to meet clients exactly where they are, without judgment, allows him to create a safe and supportive space where real healing can begin.

“I’d say my initial interest came from seeing firsthand how addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling with it, but it touches families, communities, and even society at large,” Justin explains. “I saw how addiction can trap people in cycles of despair, and that really moved me. I wanted to be part of the solution—not just by offering support but by empowering people to make lasting changes in their lives.”

Rather than viewing his past as something to be left behind, Justin has transformed it into one of his greatest strengths. His story serves as a beacon of hope for clients who may feel stuck or uncertain about their future. He stands as living proof that recovery is not only possible—it’s powerful. His journey demonstrates that it’s never too late to change, and that people can rebuild their lives with purpose and dignity, no matter where they started.

The stories of transformation he witnesses daily are what fuel his continued passion. “There’s something incredibly powerful about witnessing someone’s journey from struggle to strength. The resilience and courage people show in recovery never cease to inspire me,” Justin says. “Also, the understanding that addiction is not a moral failing but a health issue has motivated me to keep advocating for a more compassionate approach to treatment—one that focuses on understanding, care, and long-term healing.”

This belief is at the heart of his work. He understands that recovery is not about punishment or shame—it’s about empowerment and support. Justin is committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction by treating every client with the dignity and compassion they deserve. His approach is rooted in the belief that healing is not only possible—it’s deserved.

“People may hit rock bottom, but with the right support and a solid recovery plan, they can rise up and rebuild their lives,” he shares. “Knowing that I can be part of that journey, even in small ways, keeps me committed to helping others, day in and day out.”

Whether he’s working one-on-one with clients, guiding staff members, or refining the structure of Insight Recovery’s programs, Justin brings a rare and powerful combination of personal insight and professional dedication. He doesn’t just help people recover—he helps them rediscover who they are at their core, beyond the pain of addiction.

His life is a testament to the idea that some of the most powerful leaders are those who have turned their personal trials into purpose. And now, through his work at Insight Recovery, Justin continues to light the way forward for others—proving that healing, hope, and transformation are possible for anyone, no matter how dark their starting point may be.

A Multifaceted Background in Addiction Treatment

Justin holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Sacred Heart University and is currently pursuing his LADC II license, which will make him a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in the state of Massachusetts. His professional journey spans across every level of addiction care, including:

  • Recovery Support Specialist (RSS)
  • Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP and EVIOP)
  • Acute Treatment Services (ATS)
  • Clinical Stabilization Services (CSS)
  • Continuing Care Coordination

This breadth of experience has equipped Justin with a deep understanding of the recovery process, from initial detoxification to long-term maintenance. As Program Director at Insight Recovery, he uses that knowledge to continuously elevate the quality of care provided and ensure that every client receives compassionate, individualized support.

A Passion Aligned with The Mission of Insight Recovery’s Mission

Justin’s personal beliefs about healing and transformation are perfectly aligned with Insight Recovery’s mission: to treat every person as a whole human being, not just a diagnosis. His approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and the belief that lasting change is possible for everyone—regardless of their history or the depth of their addiction.

“Seeing people as whole human beings—not defined by their addiction but as individuals with unique strengths and stories—is something I connect with strongly,” says Justin. “Change often comes when people are treated with compassion, respect, and the right kind of support.”

For Justin, the journey into addiction recovery work started from his own personal experience battling addiction. He understands firsthand the deep empathy needed to support someone in their healing process, which fuels his ongoing commitment to the field. This shared experience allows him to connect with clients in ways that feel authentic and genuine.

“Addiction is such a powerful and complex struggle,” Justin shares. “I’ve always believed that every person deserves the chance to heal and create a life they love. I’ve seen how addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling with it, but it touches families, communities, and even society at large. I wanted to be part of the solution, not just by offering support but by empowering people to make lasting changes in their lives.”

In his day-to-day work, Justin fosters this philosophy by creating safe, non-judgmental spaces for clients to be heard. He doesn’t just guide treatment with evidence-based practices; he actively listens and ensures individuals are seen as more than their struggles. “Recovery isn’t a straight line,” Justin notes. “What works for one client may not work for another, and that’s where the flexibility of my approach comes in. I always make sure to adapt to meet the needs of the individual.”

Breaking the stigma around addiction and mental health is one of Justin’s greatest passions. He believes that when individuals feel isolated by the stigma associated with their struggles, they’re less likely to seek help. “It’s incredibly important that people know they’re not alone,” he emphasizes. “We need to ensure that every person feels accepted and supported, no matter where they are in their journey.”

A Personalized, Strength-Based Approach to Recovery

Justin’s approach to helping clients goes far beyond traditional treatment models. He tailors care to the unique needs, goals, and lived experiences of each individual. This personalized philosophy allows clients to feel truly seen and supported as they move through their recovery journey.

“The first step is always about creating a safe and non-judgmental space where people feel seen and heard,” Justin explains. “Without trust, recovery can be much harder.”

Justin’s ability to deeply connect with clients is rooted in his belief that recovery is a highly personal journey. Instead of just focusing on the struggles associated with addiction, he highlights the inner strength, resilience, and untapped potential within each individual. He emphasizes the power of recognizing these strengths early in the process. “I focus on actively listening to each person’s experiences, struggles, and goals so they can feel supported from the start,” Justin shares. “When people are able to recognize their own strength and resilience, it lays a foundation for lasting change.”

By using a strength-based approach, Justin empowers his clients to believe in their own ability to heal. He believes this empowerment is crucial for sustainable, long-term recovery. “It’s not about telling someone what to do; it’s about collaborating with them to set realistic and meaningful goals that fit into their life,” Justin explains. “Whether it’s creating healthy habits or repairing relationships, every success—no matter how small—is an important milestone in recovery.”

A Leader and Mentor for the Insight Recovery Team

As Program Director, Justin not only supports clients but also plays a vital role in leading the team at Insight Recovery. He helps shape the clinical programming, supervises care delivery, and ensures that the center’s core values of compassion, integrity, and excellence are upheld in every aspect of treatment.

“My role puts us in an incredibly impactful position to shape the future of addiction recovery programs,” he says. “Embracing the latest research, best practices, and the individual needs of clients will allow us to lead a program that truly changes lives.”

What sets Justin apart as a leader is his ability to lead with heart. He creates an environment where staff and clients alike feel part of a unified mission. Justin’s leadership goes beyond day-to-day management; he fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, which enhances both client care and staff engagement.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a team where we all share the common goal of helping people heal and reclaim their lives,” he says. “I’m not just overseeing a program; I’m creating a space where everyone—staff and clients alike—feels like they belong. That sense of unity is powerful and really sets Insight apart from other centers.”

One of the things Justin is most passionate about is creating a family-like atmosphere within the team. He believes that when everyone feels valued and connected, it not only improves the quality of care but also inspires a more holistic and supportive environment. “When your work doesn’t feel like work, it’s a clear sign that you’re doing something deeply meaningful and aligned with your values,” Justin reflects. “At Insight, we’ve created an environment where everyone is able to bring their own unique stories and experiences to the table. That’s a powerful foundation for healing.”

Creating a Healing Space Built on Trust and Love

One of the most powerful aspects of Justin’s impact at Insight Recovery is his ability to create a deeply healing environment where clients feel truly seen, heard, and valued. In the world of addiction treatment, emotional safety isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Many clients arrive burdened by years of shame, guilt, trauma, or the feeling that they’ve been misunderstood or judged. Justin understands this weight intimately, and he meets each person with compassion, patience, and an open heart.

He recognizes that healing can only happen when trust is established, and that begins the moment someone walks through the door. “When clients feel supported without fear of judgment, they are more likely to open up, which accelerates their healing process,” he shares. It’s not just about listening—it’s about how he listens. With genuine curiosity, respect for each individual’s journey, and an unwavering belief in their capacity to recover, Justin helps clients feel safe enough to share even their most painful truths.

His approach is deeply relational, grounded in empathy and human connection. Whether it’s offering a comforting word during a tough session or simply holding space for silence when words are hard to find, Justin’s presence communicates one clear message: you are not alone.

This environment of trust becomes the foundation for real, sustainable change. Clients begin to reconnect with parts of themselves they thought were lost—hope, resilience, strength. They start to believe that recovery is not just possible, but worth fighting for. And that’s when transformation takes root.

By fostering this kind of emotionally supportive atmosphere, Justin helps turn Insight Recovery into more than a treatment center—it becomes a home for healing, where love, trust, and human connection lead the way.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth and Hope

Justin is especially excited about what lies ahead—not only for Insight Recovery but for the field of addiction treatment as a whole. With research continually advancing and public understanding of mental health and substance use disorders growing, he sees a promising shift toward more holistic, integrated, and compassionate models of care. This evolution, he believes, is essential to delivering treatment that genuinely transforms lives.

“The field is moving in such a hopeful direction,” Justin explains. “We’re learning more every day about trauma, co-occurring disorders, and the importance of tailoring care to the whole person—not just the symptoms. And that’s exactly the kind of approach we’re embracing at Insight.”

At the heart of his vision is a commitment to continual growth. Justin is passionate about staying at the forefront of best practices—whether that means incorporating new evidence-based modalities, strengthening trauma-informed care, or finding more ways to involve families in the healing process. To him, recovery isn’t a static path; it’s a dynamic, evolving journey, and Insight Recovery is committed to walking that path alongside every client, with curiosity, humility, and heart.

“We are already seeing firsthand the profound difference a strong, compassionate program can make,” says Justin. “Clients feel like they’re receiving the most current and comprehensive treatment available, giving them a greater chance of success in their recovery.” He envisions Insight as a leader in shaping what addiction treatment can and should look like—a place where clinical excellence and human connection work hand in hand.

But it’s not just the clinical innovation that fuels Justin’s passion—it’s also the people. He’s deeply proud of the inclusive, uplifting culture Insight has created, both for clients and for the staff who support them. “When your work doesn’t feel like work,” he says, “it’s a clear sign that you’re doing something deeply meaningful and aligned with your values.”

That culture of purpose is something Justin helps nurture every day. He understands that when team members feel supported, empowered, and seen, it directly impacts the level of care they’re able to provide. A healthy team creates a healing environment, and that ripple effect is felt by every client who walks through the doors.

Looking ahead, Justin’s vision remains clear: to build a treatment community where recovery is possible for everyone, where stigma is replaced with compassion, and where every individual is met with the dignity they deserve. “Ultimately, this work is about restoring hope,” he says. “When someone comes to us feeling broken or lost, we want them to leave with the belief that their future is worth fighting for.”

Through his leadership, Insight Recovery continues to grow as a place where healing isn’t just a goal—it’s a lived, shared experience. By helping clients rediscover their strength and create a new sense of purpose, Justin is playing a vital role in redefining what recovery can look like—and inspiring others to believe in it, too.

Meet Justin in Person at Insight Recovery

At Insight Recovery Treatment Center, we believe every member of our team is a vital part of our clients’ success. If you or a loved one is looking for addiction treatment guided by compassion, evidence-based care, and genuine connection, we invite you to connect with us and learn more about the programs led by Justin Coffey and our dedicated staff.

To explore our treatment options or meet more members of our incredible team, visit our About Us page or contact us today.

Medically Reviewed by Richard Trainor, Co-Founder and Clinical Director

Richard Trainor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, has over eight years of experience treating behavioral and substance use disorders. Specializing in co-occurring disorders, he has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. As Clinical Director at Insight Recovery Treatment Center, Rich’s personal recovery journey and leadership inspire clients and staff to achieve lasting change.
 
Learn more about Richard Trainor, Co-Founder and Clinical Director

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