August 11, 2025
As the behavioral healthcare workforce crisis persists and the demand for
services continues to increase, workforce development has become even more
essential. The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies
(NJAMHAA) features several provider organizations’ innovative programs for
their staff and impactful resources from business partners in the current issue of NJAMHAA News.
“The longstanding difficulties in attracting and keeping members of the workforce in behavioral healthcare, substance use and social services are about to become even more challenging. With a largely flat state budget (which NJAMHAA appreciates, though it does not cover the full cost of care) and federal Medicaid and other cuts that will impact the field greatly, the barriers to recruiting and retaining staff will be unprecedented. But, that said, people still need services and many more individuals will need them in the future,” said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA and Executive Director of the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI).
Leadership Academy Offers a Cost-Effective, Impactful Strategy to Strengthen the Behavioral Healthcare System
This publication also highlights the NJMHI Leadership Academy for
Behavioral Healthcare Professionals. Established in 2000 as NJAMHAA’s
charitable arm to pursue many additional endeavors to increase access to care,
NJMHI created the Leadership Academy to build emerging leaders’ skills and
potential for success in future roles. In addition to supporting the mentees
individually, this enables them to further contribute to their organizations’
long-term sustainability and improve the quality and consistency of clinical
treatment and other support for the individuals served — as well as to serve
more residents of all ages throughout our state.
Since NJMHI launched the Leadership Academy in October 2022, it has been growing in the number of mentees, the variety of roles they are currently in and the future positions they are working to attain, as well as the number and types of mentors (leaders in the behavioral healthcare field) and coaches (leaders in other industries who offer different types of expertise and insights).
The Academy presents opportunities for emerging leaders in all positions — clinical, administrative, information technology, legal, finance, human resources, etc. — in mental health, substance use disorder, intellectual/developmental disabilities and other social services agencies. While building their skills for future leadership roles, mentees contribute to their organizations’ long-term sustainability and improve the quality and consistency of clinical treatment and other support for 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 testimonials on the program’s
effectiveness, and applications are available on the NJMHI
website.
