NJMHI Offers a Cost-Effective Leadership Academy to Strengthen the Behavioral Healthcare Workforce and Organizations’ Viability

July 9, 2026

According to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis in the Health Resources and Services Administration, 40% of U.S residents live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas, and projected shortages through 2038 are dire, especially as the need for mental healthcare and substance use treatment services is continually increasing. This analysis shows an average projected unmet need of 64% across 11 categories of behavioral healthcare providers. The estimated shortages in most of these categories are at least 50%, and two of them are greater than 90%: psychiatric nurse practitioners (98%), and child, family and school social workers (94%). To help address this situation, the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI) established the NJMHI Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals.

“The ongoing challenges of recruiting and retaining professionals in the behavioral healthcare workforce is resulting in limited access to proven effective services. Many providers also offer non-clinical services to address social determinants of health, which are often significant factors of these health conditions,” said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, Executive Director of NJMHI and President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), which established NJMHI in 2000 to pursue additional endeavors to increase access to behavioral health treatment and support services.

The Leadership Academy presents opportunities for emerging leaders in the mental healthcare, substance use disorder and intellectual/developmental disabilities services fields to advance in their careers. This year-long program is effectively developing future leaders in all positions, including clinical, administrative, information technology, legal, finance and human resources. 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 they serve.

This is a highly impactful, cost-effective investment for behavioral healthcare organizations to make not only in their staff's professional development, but also in their organizations and the individuals they serve.

A Mentee, Coach and Executive Share the Value of the Leadership Academy

"The mentorship and coaching I received helped me navigate one of the biggest professional transitions of my life: moving from an interim CEO role to a permanent one. My mentor and coach helped me learn what it truly means to lead in this role. They guided me in how to grow into it, how to succeed in it, and how to show up for my organization in a whole new way. That's not a small thing, and I truly believe the support I received through this program made a real difference,” said Jennifer Hughes, LCSW, 2025-2026 Leadership Academy Mentee and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity, and I've seen real growth in myself because of it. If you're a leader considering this program, don't hesitate. It's worth it."

“Being a leader or manager requires a lot of a person. We need to make sure that people have the right tools, support and mindset to take on the responsibility successfully. And that’s what this program is designed to do,” said Anne E. Collier, MPP, JD, PCC, Leadership Academy Coach, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Arudia. “As a coach for the NJMHI Leadership Academy, I see how this investment in managers – our future leaders – is resulting in more leadership confidence and skill. The program is well-rounded and structured for maximum impact.”

“The NJMHI Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare 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.

 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 August 17, 2026, for the Next Cohort

The next cohort will begin in September 2026. Applications are due August 17, 2026.

Applications are also being accepted for mentors, who are leaders in the behavioral healthcare field, and coaches, who are experts from different industries.

Click here for all program details, including additional testimonials, and applications.