June 25, 2025

Though the passage of the FY2026 State Budget is anticipated within the next several days, NJAMHAA is persevering in its advocacy for significantly increased funding for behavioral healthcare and the workforce.

"Legislators must keep New Jerseyans’ mental well-being front of mind as they finalize the budget," stressed Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO, in an op-ed piece, NJ budget should adequately support mental health and substance use services, published in NJ Spotlight News (June 25, 2025). Dr. Wentz began the article with the following: "When you, a loved one, a neighbor or colleague seek help, perhaps in a crisis, will you be able to access the mental health and/or substance use treatment and supports you need? Many can attest to how difficult a task that has been for some time. Providers of these services are being reimbursed at levels that do not cover the actual costs of care. Program capacities are shrinking, and many providers are evaluating if they must close programs as their operating losses have grown." She continued with details of the challenges providers are contending with, including specific issues related to the move of outpatient behavioral health programs to Medicaid managed care; the extremely high and increasing prevalence of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in all populations; high staff turnover rates; and difficulty recruiting new employees. "Providers estimate a 33% increase in reimbursement rates would be needed to cover the full costs of behavioral health services but, recognizing the limits of the state’s revenues, have asked for just an 8% increase, or $43.2 million in state funds. Investment in services for both children and adults simply must be a priority of New Jersey’s fiscal year 2026 budget," Dr. Wentz stated. Click here to read this entire article.