NJMHI Leadership Academy Gains National Attention – Valuable Cost-Effective Program for all Behavioral Healthcare Professionals

In a report published earlier this year, "The Conference Board recommended a multipronged approach to workforce development that includes expanding education and training opportunities while creating clear career pathways," as stated in a feature on the NJMHI Leadership Academy in Mental Health Weekly (July 20, 2026).

The Academy "reflects those principles by helping participants apply leadership training directly to the work that people are doing," Debra L. Wentz, PhD, Executive Director of NJMHI and President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), was quoted in this article.

"Deemed as a cost-effective solution to workforce development, the Academy pairs behavioral health professionals with mentors and executive coaches from diverse industries, offering what program officials believe is a unique blend of sector-specific guidance and cross-disciplinary insight," the article continued.

 Click here to read this entire article and here for details on the program and applications, which are due August 17, 2026, for the next cohort that will begin in September

Investment in Staff is Low in Dollars and High in Impact

 The fee is only $950 per employee at agencies that are members of NJAMHAA 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 virtually, with their coaches and mentors.

NJMHI hosts additional presentations to further enhance the value of the Academy experience for mentees, as well as the mentors and coaches.

Applications are due by August 17, 2026, to be mentees, mentors and coaches!

Click here for more details – including testimonials - and applications!