August 11, 2025
The New Jersey Mental Health Insitute (NJMHI), NJAMHAA's charitable arm, established the NJMHI Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Providers to present opportunities for emerging leaders in the mental healthcare, substance use disorder (SUD) and intellectual/developmental disabilities services fields to advance in their careers and succeed as future leaders. This year-long program effectively prepares future leaders in all positions — clinical, administrative, information technology, legal, finance, human resources, etc. — in mental health, substance use disorder and intellectual/disabilities treatment and support services and other social services organizations for successful professional advancement. In addition to building their skills for future leadership roles, mentees contribute to their organizations’ long-term sustainability and improve the quality and consistency of care provided to the individuals served.
Mentees, Mentors and Executives Share the Value of the Leadership Academy
“This is a great opportunity. I’m grateful for it. I was recently promoted and managing more staff than before. I learned how to speak to my employees so they understand. I also learned how to deal with difficult employees, to empathize and show that I care. These improved skills enabled me to achieve goals earlier than I had planned,” shared Maria Martinez, 2024-2025 Leadership Academy Mentee, Senior Office Manager, CarePlus NJ.
“The Leadership Academy is providing experiences and insights to build leaders of the future for New Jersey’s behavioral health system. Participants in the program are leaders or aspiring leaders with great skills, character and commitment; leaders who can turn challenges into opportunities; leaders who are confident in their ability to do the right thing at the right time for the greater good,” said Kendria McWilliams, MBA, Leadership Academy Mentor, former Chair of the NJMHI Board of Trustees and CEO of Maryville Addiction Treatment Center. “The Leadership Academy is a valuable tool in our toolbox for improving behavioral health care for New Jersey residents.”
“The NJMHI Leadership Academy for Behavioral Health Professionals has been a worthwhile investment for rising stars at Preferred Behavioral Health Group. It offers invaluable education, tools, and mentoring to help launch the careers of emerging leaders. There is no better retention tool than investing in your workforce,” said Tara A. Chalakani, PsyD, LPC, RN, Chief Executive Officer, Preferred Behavioral Health Group, and NJMHI Board Member.
Applications for this Cost-Effective, Impactful Program Are Due August 31, 2025
This year-long program is extremely cost-effective. The fee for mentees is only $950 for NJAMHAA members and only $3,000 for nonmembers. Applications for mentees, mentors and applications are due August 31, 2025 for the next cohort that will begin in September. Details, including additional testimonials on the program’s effectiveness, and applications are available on the NJMHI website.
This is a highly impactful, cost-effective investment to make not only in staff's professional development, but also in your organizations and the individuals you serve!
The fee is only $950 per employee at NJAMHAA member agencies and only $3,000 for nonmembers.
* Each mentee will be matched with a mentor from the behavioral healthcare field and a coach from another industry to benefit from their diverse expertise, perspectives and experiences.
* Mentees will have monthly sessions, either in person or virtual, with their coaches and mentors.
* Plus, NJMHI will host additional presentations to further enhance the value of the Academy experience for mentees, as well as the mentors and coaches.
There are only 20 mentee slots for the next cohort that will begin in September 2025. Applications are due by August 31, 2025.
Please click here for all program details and applications.
