Skilled Nursing and Post-Acute Rehabilitation Care Across the Northeast
Atlas Healthcare Group is a Lakewood, New Jersey-based post-acute care operator with approximately 33 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care centers across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Founded in 2018 by Phil Bak and Sam Goldberger, Atlas built its portfolio through a disciplined acquisition strategy, growing from a healthcare consulting practice into one of the larger regional operators in the Northeast in under eight years. Its facilities specialize in subacute and post-operative care, respiratory and pulmonary programs, cardiac rehabilitation, orthopedic recovery, and neurological care, alongside long-term residential services for individuals who need ongoing nursing support.
The company's approach centers on clinical depth paired with a personalized recovery experience. Atlas describes its commitment as addressing the physical, emotional, and psychosocial dimensions of care together rather than treating the clinical and human elements separately. Each Atlas facility maintains relationships with local hospitals and physician groups to support smooth transitions from acute care settings into post-acute rehabilitation.
Families considering an Atlas Healthcare Group community can explore individual listings, ratings, and care options at Senior Care Finder's Atlas Healthcare Group directory or visit the company's official website at theatlashcg.com.
Company at a Glance
- Headquarters: Lakewood, New Jersey
- Founded / Experience: Founded 2018 (consulting inception); first facility acquisitions began 2019; approximately 7 years of operational experience as of 2026
- Current Leadership: Phil Bak, Founder and CEO; Sam Goldberger, Founder and COO
- Portfolio Size: Approximately 33 communities (as of September 2026; portfolio is actively growing)
- States / Markets Served: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey
- Care and Lifestyle Options: Skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation, long-term care, assisted living (select NJ locations), memory care (select locations), independent living (select locations), respiratory care, respite care; services vary by location
- Official Website: theatlashcg.com
Senior Living and Care Options
Skilled nursing and short-term post-acute rehabilitation are the core services across the Atlas Healthcare Group network. Most Atlas facilities serve patients recovering from joint replacement surgery, cardiac events, stroke, and other medical conditions that require structured rehabilitation before returning home. Long-term care is available for individuals who need ongoing nursing supervision.
Clinical specialties extend across the portfolio to respiratory and pulmonary care, cardiac rehabilitation, neurological and brain injury recovery, orthopedic rehabilitation, wound care, CHF management, telemetry monitoring, bariatric care, IV therapy, dysphagia management, and hospice and palliative care. Outpatient therapy is available at select locations for individuals living independently nearby. More detail on clinical specialties is available at Atlas Healthcare Group clinical specialties.
A subset of Atlas communities in New Jersey also offers assisted living, memory care, and independent living, creating options for individuals at different points in their care journey. Respite stays are available at select facilities. Services, specialty programs, and residential care types vary by location; families should confirm the specific offerings of any individual facility before making a decision.
What Makes Atlas Healthcare Group Different?
From Consulting to Regional Network: Built by Operators Who Know the Industry from the Inside
Atlas Healthcare Group did not begin as a facility operator. Phil Bak and Sam Goldberger founded the company in 2018 as a healthcare consulting practice, working inside the long-term care industry before acquiring their first facilities in 2019. That background shaped the company's approach: rather than expanding opportunistically, Atlas builds operational infrastructure before entering new markets. In under eight years, the company grew from zero to approximately 33 facilities across four states, adding geographic depth in each phase rather than scattering the portfolio. This trajectory reflects a management team with firsthand knowledge of what post-acute operations require at the facility level.
What respiratory care is available at Atlas Healthcare Group facilities?
Respiratory care is one of the clinical areas in which Atlas Healthcare Group has invested beyond what a general skilled nursing facility typically provides. Atlas at Cedar Grove Respiratory and Nursing in Williamstown, New Jersey, operates as a dedicated respiratory and nursing center with 24/7 respiratory therapy availability, serving patients with complex pulmonary conditions including COPD, chronic respiratory failure, and ventilator-dependent needs. Portfolio-wide, pulmonary disease care and COPD management are listed among Atlas's documented clinical specialties, positioning multiple facilities as referral destinations for hospital patients discharged with ongoing respiratory needs.
Broad Clinical Depth for Medically Complex Patients
Atlas Healthcare Group's clinical specialty list covers a wide range of post-acute needs beyond standard rehabilitation: cardiac care, neurological and brain injury recovery, orthopedic rehabilitation, wound care, telemetry monitoring, CHF management, bariatric care, enteral and parenteral nutrition, IV therapy, dysphagia management, and hospice and palliative care. This breadth positions Atlas facilities as rehabilitation destinations for patients discharged from acute hospital settings with specialized clinical requirements, not only routine post-surgical recovery.
Hospital Referral Relationships and Smooth Transitions from Acute Care
A post-acute operator's referral relationships with hospitals and physician groups affect how quickly a patient can transition from an acute hospital stay to a skilled nursing facility, and what continuity of clinical information looks like across that handoff. Atlas Healthcare Group emphasizes cultivating relationships with hospitals and physicians in each of its operating markets. This positioning matters most for families navigating an unexpected or time-pressured discharge situation, where access to an established, referral-ready facility can meaningfully shorten the transition timeline.
Regional Concentration That Supports Operational Oversight
Atlas Healthcare Group's portfolio is concentrated in the Northeast, with the deepest presence in New Jersey where the company was founded. Regional concentration allows for shared administrative resources, consistent regional management oversight, and closer monitoring of individual facility performance than a nationally scattered portfolio typically permits. For families in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, or Massachusetts, the concentration also means that local referring physicians and discharge planners are more likely to have direct familiarity with Atlas as a discharge destination.
Signature Programs and Services
Atlas at Cedar Grove Respiratory and Nursing
Atlas at Cedar Grove Respiratory and Nursing in Williamstown, New Jersey, operates as a standalone specialty center focused on complex respiratory and nursing needs. The facility maintains 24/7 respiratory therapy staffing to serve patients with ventilator dependency, COPD, chronic respiratory failure, and pulmonary disease. It is among a limited number of facilities in southern New Jersey combining this level of respiratory specialization with skilled nursing oversight. Availability of this specialty program is specific to the Cedar Grove location; other Atlas facilities offer pulmonary care as a clinical specialty but not necessarily at the same program depth.
Life at an Atlas Healthcare Group Community
Atlas Healthcare Group describes its communities as featuring upscale amenities and interactive programming alongside individualized therapy. Individual facility experience varies across a 33-location network, but residents across the portfolio generally have access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions, daily activity programming, dining services, and common areas designed for social engagement.
Outpatient therapy is available at select Atlas facilities for individuals living in the surrounding community who need ongoing rehabilitation without an inpatient stay. Families should contact the specific Atlas location they are considering to confirm available amenities, activity calendars, dining programs, and supplemental services before making a decision, since what any individual community offers may differ meaningfully from what neighboring facilities provide.
What Residents and Families Say
Public review information for Atlas Healthcare Group reflects the variation typical of a large multi-state network. Individual facilities have received positive feedback for compassionate nursing and therapy staff, attentive rehabilitation teams, and clean, well-maintained environments. As with any operator of this scale, experience at individual locations is shaped by local leadership, staffing levels, and specific care needs.
In September 2026, Hoodline reported that workers at two New Jersey Atlas facilities (Waterfront Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Raritan and Birchwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Cranford, both acquired in 2021) are seeking contract negotiations through 1199SEIU, citing concerns about staffing and compensation at those locations. These concerns are specific to those two facilities and have not been reported across the broader network.
CMS quality data for individual Atlas facilities shows a range of ratings by location. As an example, Birchwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Cranford held a 5-star overall CMS rating as of late 2025, driven by 5-star quality measures and 4-star inspection results, though its staffing component rated 3 stars. Families are encouraged to review CMS Care Compare data and state inspection reports for the specific facility they are considering, as ratings and staffing conditions can change between inspection cycles.
Leadership
Phil Bak, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Phil Bak co-founded Atlas Healthcare Group in 2018 after approximately ten years working in long-term care operations. He grew up in Lakewood, New Jersey, and his operational background in post-acute care informed the company's facility-first expansion approach.
Sam Goldberger, Founder and Chief Operating Officer. Sam Goldberger co-founded Atlas Healthcare Group alongside Phil Bak and serves as Chief Operating Officer. A licensed nursing home administrator, Goldberger brings hands-on long-term care management experience to Atlas's day-to-day operations.
See the full leadership team for the complete and most current roster.
Recent News, Growth, and Recognition
Atlas Healthcare Acquires Six Massachusetts Nursing Homes from Whittier Health Network
In March 2025, Atlas Healthcare Group completed the acquisition of six skilled nursing facilities from Haverhill-based Whittier Health Network, significantly expanding its Massachusetts presence. The transaction included Hannah Duston Healthcare Center in Haverhill (renamed Haverhill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center), Port Healthcare Center in Newburyport, Masconomet Healthcare Center in Topsfield, Nemasket Healthcare Center in Middleborough, Oak Knoll Healthcare Center in Framingham, and Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion. The acquisition followed Atlas's 2024 entry into Massachusetts and brought the company's total Massachusetts portfolio to more than eight facilities.
WHAV: Haverhill nursing home sells to N.J. firm (March 2025)
Atlas Healthcare Group Expands into Maryland with Three Facility Acquisitions
In December 2023, Atlas Healthcare Group completed the acquisition of three skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in the greater Baltimore area, including locations in Towson, Roland Park, and Rossville, Maryland. The expansion marked the company's entry into a fourth state and extended its post-acute care footprint south of its core New Jersey and Connecticut markets.
Atlas Healthcare Group company history (company announcement)
Atlas Healthcare Adds Connecticut and Massachusetts Facilities in 2024
Throughout 2024, Atlas Healthcare Group completed three additional acquisitions: Suffield House Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Connecticut (May 2024), Shrewsbury Rehabilitation and Nursing at Southgate in Massachusetts (June 2024), and Hathorne Hill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Danvers, Massachusetts (August 2024). The acquisitions continued a consistent growth pace that has added an average of several facilities per year across the Northeast since 2019.
Atlas Healthcare Group company history (company announcement)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atlas Healthcare Group?
Atlas Healthcare Group is a post-acute care operator based in Lakewood, New Jersey, founded in 2018 by Phil Bak and Sam Goldberger. The company operates approximately 33 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care facilities across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Massachusetts.
Where is Atlas Healthcare Group headquartered?
Atlas Healthcare Group is headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey.
Who owns and operates Atlas Healthcare Group?
Atlas Healthcare Group was founded by Phil Bak (CEO) and Sam Goldberger (COO), who continue to lead the company. Both founders bring long-term care operations and administration experience to their roles.
How many communities does Atlas Healthcare Group operate?
As of September 2026, Atlas Healthcare Group operates approximately 33 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care facilities. The portfolio has grown steadily through acquisitions since the company's first facilities were added in 2019.
Which states does Atlas Healthcare Group operate in?
Atlas Healthcare Group operates in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. New Jersey has the largest concentration of facilities. The company expanded into Connecticut in 2022, Maryland in late 2023, and Massachusetts in 2024 and 2025.
What types of care does Atlas Healthcare Group offer?
Atlas Healthcare Group offers skilled nursing, short-term post-acute rehabilitation, long-term care, respiratory and pulmonary care, assisted living (at select New Jersey facilities), memory care (at select locations), and respite stays. Specific care types vary by facility; families should confirm what a particular location offers before making a decision.
Does Atlas Healthcare Group specialize in respiratory care?
Yes. Atlas at Cedar Grove Respiratory and Nursing in Williamstown, New Jersey, operates as a dedicated respiratory and nursing center with 24/7 respiratory therapy staffing, serving patients with complex pulmonary conditions including COPD and ventilator-dependent needs. Pulmonary care and COPD management are also listed as clinical specialties across the broader Atlas network.
Does every Atlas Healthcare facility offer the same services?
No. Services, care types, specialty programs, and staffing models vary by location. Assisted living and memory care are available at some New Jersey facilities but not across the full portfolio. Families should contact the specific community or confirm with Senior Care Finder to verify what services are offered at their chosen location.
What do reviews say about Atlas Healthcare Group communities?
Reviews of Atlas Healthcare Group facilities vary by location, which is typical for a network of this size. Some communities receive positive feedback for compassionate staff and skilled rehabilitation teams. As with any multi-site operator, experience is shaped by local leadership, staffing, and the specific needs of each resident. Families are encouraged to review CMS Care Compare data and state inspection reports for the individual facility they are considering.
How do I find an Atlas Healthcare Group community near me?
Families can browse the full list of Atlas Healthcare Group communities on Senior Care Finder's parent-company directory or search by location at theatlashcg.com/locations/. Senior Care Finder listings include care types, ratings, and contact information for each individual facility.
Does Atlas Healthcare Group offer short-term rehabilitation?
Yes. Short-term rehabilitation is a core service across the Atlas network. Facilities provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy to patients recovering from joint replacement surgery, stroke, cardiac events, orthopedic injuries, and other conditions that require structured rehabilitation before returning home.
How do I schedule a tour at an Atlas Healthcare Group facility?
To schedule a tour at an Atlas Healthcare Group community, visit the individual facility's page on Senior Care Finder to connect with the community directly, or contact Atlas Healthcare Group through theatlashcg.com/contact/.
Explore Atlas Healthcare Group Communities
Atlas Healthcare Group operates approximately 33 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care communities across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Families evaluating post-acute or long-term care options in the Northeast can review individual community listings, ratings, care types, and contact information for each Atlas facility at Senior Care Finder's Atlas Healthcare Group directory.
Services, staffing, pricing, specialty programs, and the day-to-day residential experience vary by location across the Atlas network. Senior Care Finder encourages families to review current inspection data, speak with staff and residents at the specific facility they are considering, and confirm care availability and pricing before making a decision.
Atlas Healthcare Group is a paid Senior Care Finder partner. Partner status does not replace the need for families to independently evaluate individual communities, services, pricing, licensing information, and recent reviews.
Company information, leadership details, programs, recognition, and news were reviewed using publicly available sources. Information last reviewed September 2026.
