Excel Behavioral Health is part of the Excel Treatment Centers network.
If you are looking for personalized solutions for your mental wellbeing, let Excel Behavioral Health help with our world-class mental health treatment programs in New Jersey.
Hoarding disorder can feel overwhelming, isolating, and at times impossible to manage, but there is hope. At Excel Behavioral Health in Dover, NJ, we specialize in treating hoarding disorder with compassion, evidence-based practices, and individualized care. Our goal is to help you regain control, reduce the emotional and physical burdens of hoarding, and create a safer, more manageable environment for yourself or your loved one. Whether you’ve been living with hoarding behaviors for years or are just beginning to recognize their impact, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.
Hoarding is often misunderstood and frequently overlooked, which can make those affected feel even more alone. At Excel Behavioral Health, treatment starts with empathy. You deserve care that meets you where you are and helps you build toward a healthier, more secure future, without shame or judgment.
Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition marked by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. This often leads to the accumulation of items that congest and clutter living areas, severely limiting their use and increasing health and safety risks. Hoarding is not simply a habit—it’s a complex psychological issue often tied to anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Hoarding can affect people of all ages, from young adults to seniors, and it often worsens over time without proper treatment. Individuals may struggle to distinguish what is valuable or necessary, leading to extreme stress around discarding even broken or unusable items. At Excel Behavioral Health, we understand the emotional pain and confusion that can accompany hoarding, and we’re committed to helping clients make meaningful changes that improve both their living spaces and their quality of life.
Recognizing the signs of hoarding disorder is the first step toward healing. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
Even objects that others view as worthless are kept in large quantities.
A strong emotional attachment to items or fear of needing them later.
Rooms become unusable due to the overwhelming presence of items.
Emotional responses may include panic, guilt, or indecision.
Refusing to engage in social interaction or avoiding guests due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
Disagreements about clutter can lead to strained relationships.
These symptoms can significantly impact your ability to live comfortably and maintain healthy relationships. If you or a loved one displays these signs, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. At Excel Behavioral Health, we’re here to guide you toward a healthier, more balanced life.
No two individuals experience hoarding in the same way, which is why we offer a range of personalized treatment options. At Excel Behavioral Health, we match each client with the level of care that best suits their needs, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
Inpatient treatment is ideal for individuals whose hoarding behaviors pose a serious risk to their health, safety, or day-to-day functioning. This 24/7 program provides a highly structured and supportive environment to stabilize acute symptoms and initiate in-depth emotional work. With access to trained professionals around the clock, clients are guided through intensive therapy and behavior modification strategies designed to promote lasting change. Our inpatient setting eliminates daily stressors and distractions, enabling clients to focus fully on their healing.
For individuals whose living conditions are no longer safe or functional, inpatient care can provide an essential reset. It also offers caregivers a chance to find relief while their loved one receives focused attention and care.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a comprehensive, full-day treatment option for individuals who need strong therapeutic support while returning home in the evenings. This level of care is well-suited for individuals transitioning out of inpatient treatment or those who require more intensive support than outpatient care. PHP includes daily therapy sessions, skill-building workshops, and psychiatric oversight tailored specifically for hoarding-related behaviors. It helps clients practice decluttering techniques and improve decision-making around possessions in real-life settings.
Clients in PHP benefit from consistency and structure, while still being able to apply the skills they have learned to their everyday environments. It’s a vital step toward sustainable recovery.
Excel Behavioral Health’s IOP enables clients to participate in several hours of therapy and support each week, allowing them to balance their everyday responsibilities. IOP is ideal for individuals who benefit from structure and accountability but do not require full-day care. Treatment includes group therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and exposure-based interventions aimed at reducing anxiety around discarding items. This flexible model supports steady progress while promoting autonomy and responsibility.
IOP is often recommended for clients with milder clutter issues or as a step-down from PHP. It allows clients to continue addressing emotional triggers while reinforcing practical skills.
Outpatient care is designed for clients in the maintenance or early recovery phase of hoarding disorder. It offers weekly therapy sessions and ongoing support for individuals managing mild symptoms or continuing to make progress after higher levels of care. This program enables clients to address emotional challenges, practice new behaviors at home, and receive feedback from professionals in a non-judgmental environment. Family involvement and home-based goals are often integrated to ensure continued momentum.
Outpatient services can also serve as long-term support, providing a safety net as clients build independence and maintain their recovery.
Therapeutic Counseling and Behavior Modification
Our treatment programs are grounded in evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). These approaches help clients challenge distorted beliefs about possessions and gradually face the anxiety associated with discarding them. We also focus on emotional regulation and self-compassion, key tools for long-term recovery.
Medication Management and Psychiatric Care
While medication is not always required, some clients may benefit from psychiatric support, especially if hoarding behaviors are linked to co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. Our psychiatric team works collaboratively with you to develop a safe, effective medication plan when needed. Any medication decisions are made with transparency and careful consideration of your individual needs.
A Nonjudgmental Community of Support
Shame and secrecy often keep people stuck in the cycle of hoarding. At Excel Behavioral Health, we prioritize creating a safe, stigma-free space where you can be honest about your challenges. Our clients frequently report feeling a profound sense of relief when they realize they’re not alone. Recovery is nurtured in community, and we’re here to provide the compassion, validation, and accountability you need to move forward.
Starting treatment for hoarding disorder can feel overwhelming, especially if clutter has taken over your life or caused tension within your family. That’s why our team at Excel Behavioral Health takes a gentle, personalized approach to every case.
Our team will answer your questions and guide you through your treatment options with care and discretion.
We conduct comprehensive assessments to understand your symptoms, history, and goals, then create a plan tailored specifically to your needs.
Led by experienced clinicians, sessions focus on reducing anxiety, restructuring thought patterns, and gradually facing the challenges of letting go.
Treatment may involve practical skills training, family therapy, and real-time coaching around decluttering decisions.
We help you build a plan for sustained recovery at home, including follow-up therapy, community support, and continued goal setting.
You don’t have to carry the weight of hoarding alone. At Excel Behavioral Health in Dover, NJ, we’re committed to helping you reclaim your life, one step at a time. With a compassionate, experienced team and a range of treatment options, we’ll help you find a path forward that’s rooted in dignity, empowerment, and change.
If hoarding disorder is impacting your safety, relationships, or peace of mind, please contact us today. Our team is here to provide the clarity, support, and tools you need to start your recovery journey. Let Excel Behavioral Health be your partner in healing.
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