“With its 75-year history, NJAMHAA is recognized as an influential voice and powerful force for its members, enabling NJAMHAA to achieve successful resolutions across a diverse spectrum of programs and services, including behavioral health, health care and the social determinants of health,” stated NJAMHAA President and CEO Debra L. Wentz, PhD, and FY2026 Board Chair Anthony Comerford, PhD, in NJAMHAA’s FY2026 Annual Report, A Legacy of Impact: Building a Stronger Tomorrow.
Just a few examples of the many advocacy successes achieved in FY2026 are:
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Restored funding for New Jersey Statewide
Student Support Services (NJ4S) in the FY2027 State Budget
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Reversal of the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration’s plans to terminate certain grants in January
2026
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Other funding preserved and increased in state
and federal budgets
§ Extension of managed care transition policies and telehealth parity reimbursement
NJAMHAA’s impact is made possible from members sharing their expertise and experiences through discussions at practice group and council meetings, as well as Membership Meetings. Of the many examples shared in the Annual Report, particularly notable contributions from members are insights that led to the Department of Health retracting what would have been a new requirement for 51% of care to be provided face to face; and a portion of opioid settlement funds being allocated to continue enrollment in the New Jersey Statewide Initiative and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Initiative.
The annual report also features testimonials about the value
of these groups and of other member services, which include:
§ Conferences,
webinars and other learning/training opportunities
§ Services
from the IT Project
§ The New Jersey Mental Health Institute Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals – Applications for mentees, mentors and coaches are due August 17, 2026, for the fifth cohort that will begin in September. Click here for details on this cost-effective program and links to the applications.
“The lives of children, youth and adults throughout New Jersey have been profoundly enhanced by the services that all our members provide and through the impact of our joint advocacy initiatives. We must forge ahead in unison to ensure that everyone always has opportunities to flourish in every aspect of their life,” Dr. Wentz stated.
Join NJAMHAA to Continually Strengthen the Behavioral Healthcare System and your Organizations’ Viability!
NJAMHAA offers several types of membership:
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Provider Organizations
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Business Partners (e.g., technology,
pharmaceutical and staffing companies)
§ Individuals (e.g., providers in private practice, consultants, retirees, students)
Click here for details on membership and links to applications.
