August 11, 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 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, Mentor and Executive Share the Value of the Leadership Academy

      “Participating in the Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals was an enriching experience. My mentor’s insight and encouragement helped me grow both personally and professionally. And my coach’s practical strategies and compassionate coaching style empowered me to approach challenges with clarity. This experience has not only strengthened my leadership skills, but also further renewed my commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve!” said Sandra Rosario, Leadership Academy Mentee 2024-2025, Village by the Shore and NJSNIP Supervisor, Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties.

      “This program is very useful in helping to improve the workforce and retain staff. It helps individuals to be more productive in their organizations or to participate at higher levels,” said Michael Lardieri, LCSW, Leadership Academy Mentor and Senior Vice President, Strategy, Core Solutions.

      “What the Leadership Academy offers is fantastic. It links a person from an agency with others at different organizations who mentor and coach them toward growth. Our staff enjoyed the process of learning from someone outside our agency. Mentors and coaches may say the same things we do to our staff. Those messages are reinforced by coming from someone else. These are critical opportunities to expand staff’s breadth of knowledge and networks of individuals,” said Barrett Young, MS, Chair, NJMHI Board of Trustees; Board Member, NJAMHAA; and CEO, Rescue Mission of Trenton. “The Academy puts not only mentees in a place to learn, but also the mentors. They learn from mentees about what’s missing in the field and what challenges need to be addressed, as well as the positives to build on and reinforce.”

     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.