In the News

Asbury Park Press , “NJ urgently needs mental health and substance use treatment,” Op ed by Debra Wentz, May 29, 2026

New Jersey Spotlight News , “Student mental health program NJ4S must be preserved,” Op ed by Debra Wentz, May 19, 2026

Northjersey.com , “NJ mental health advocates take issue with RFK antidepressant message,” Debra Wentz interviewed, May 8, 2026

Central Jersey.com , “New Jersey Is Replacing Its School Mental Health Program,” NJAMHAA is quoted, April 8, 2026

Northjersey.com , “NJ plans overhaul of student mental health programs. What to know,” Debra Wentz interviewed, March 31, 2026

NJ Spotlight News , “Boost behavioral health funding now or pay much more later” – Op-ed by Debra Wentz, February 16, 2026

NJ.com , “Mental health crisis prompts renewed push for 988 hotline funding in N.J.” Debra Wentz interviewed, January 30, 2026

Northjersey.com , “Got the holiday blues? Here's why holidays don't always feel joyful”, Debra Wentz and Mike Tozzoli, CEO of West Bergen Mental Healthcare, interviewed, December 18, 2025

NJ Spotlight News , “Why other states should follow New Jersey’s lead on Medicaid,” Op-ed by Debra Wentz, November 26, 2025

InsiderNJ.com , “NJAMHAA Underscores the Need to Strengthen the Behavioral Healthcare Workforce,” August 11, 2025

NJ Spotlight , “NJ budget should adequately support mental health and substance use services”, op-ed by Debra Wentz, June 25, 2025

Issues and Ideas Radio , Debra Wentz interviewed about potential funding cuts to 988 services tailored for the LGBTQ+ population, June 13, 2025

NJ Spotlight News , "Q&A: How would Trump cuts affect NJ mental health services?", Debra Wentz interviewed, April 4, 2025

NJ Spotlight News , “Push to give out-of-state health workers temporary NJ license,” Feb. 13, 2025

NJ.com , “Urgent action is needed to fortify N.J.’s mental health safety net,” Op-ed piece by Debra Wentz and Bob Budsock, Jan. 30, 2025

Northjersey.com , “NJ must prioritize mental health and substance abuse treatment funding,” Op ed by Debra Wentz, Nov. 23, 2024

New Jersey Business Magazine , “Positive Work Environments Contribute to Stronger Mental Health”, Oct. 7, 2024

How providers grapple with ongoing issue of loneliness that is exacerbating mental health crisis , Dr. Debra Wentz, President and CEO, NJAMHAA, and members interviewed, May 29, 2024

NJ Now , “Mental health long-term impacts for kids,” Interview with NJAMHAA Board Member Dr. Tara Chalakani, CEO, Preferred Behavioral Health Group, May 5, 2024

NJ Spotlight News , “Mental health and the rise of fentanyl overdoses,” Op-ed by Bob Budsock, NJAMHAA Board Member and Pres./CEO of Integrity House, and Carolyn Beauchamp, Pres./CEO, Mental Health Association in New Jersey, May 3, 2024

MosaicNJ.com , “New Jersey should invest in all its residents’ behavioral health care,” Op-ed by Debra Wentz, April 23, 2024

NJ.com/Star-Ledger , “Thousands of disabled kids and adults denied ‘life-altering’ help in N.J. budget, advocates say,” Debra Wentz quoted, April 21, 2024

NJ Spotlight News , “Advocates, health professionals plead for more money for youth mental health,” Debra Wentz interviewed, April 17, 2024

NJ101.5 , “Is NJ stepping on parents' toes? Controversial youth mental-health bill advances,” Mary Abrams interviewed, February 28, 2024

Northjersey.com , “Sheriff’s death puts spotlight on the most stressful jobs. Here are warning signs to watch”, Debra Wentz interviewed, February 5, 2024

Northjersey.com , “Every NJ resident struggling with mental health deserves recovery, success. Here's how,” Op-ed by Shauna Moses, February 2, 2024

NJ Morning Show , Dr. Tara Chalakani, NJAMHAA Board Member, Talks about Mental Health Issues, January 30, 2024

NJ.com , “ New Jersey must invest to meet the state’s increased behavioral health care needs”, Op ed piece by Debra Wentz, January 22, 2024

New Jersey Business Today , “Reducing the Stigma of Men’s Mental Health”, Dr. Frank Ghinassi interviewed, January 11, 2024

ROI.NJ.com , “Mental health in mind: Expert says holiday season can be challenging time for those grappling with stress, blues and other issues,” Shauna Moses interviewed, January 8, 2024

Northjersey.com , “Do mental health apps work? NJ therapists review BetterHelp, Calm and other options”, Debra Wentz interviewed, January 2, 2024

NJB Magazine. “Holiday Blues Underscore the Importance of Self-Care , ” December 8, 2023

Northjersey.com , “NJ employees are stressed. How to keep the Israel-Hamas War from tearing a workplace apart”, Debra Wentz interviewed, November 14, 2023

Debra L. Wentz , President and CEO of NJAMHAA, was featured on The Think Factory Podcast, Nov. 7, 2023 . She spoke about her remarkable journey from French literature to advocating for mental health and addiction services as she shares her passion for helping others and embracing cultural diversity. Learn about her impactful work, including the Sri Lankan Mental Health Relief Project, and how she turned serendipity and tragedy into a life-changing mission, addressing the stigma around mental health and workforce shortages in the industry.

Debra L. Wentz , who also serves as Executive Director of the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI), was featured in Behavioral Healthcare Executive , highlighting NJMHI as a "model for states to advance behavioral healthcare". (Nov. 2, 2023)

The Trentonian , “Compassion Is Needed to Combat Addiction,” Op-ed by Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA, and Robert J. Budsock, MS, LCADC, President and CEO of Integrity House and a NJAMHAA Board member, October 5, 2023

Asbury Park Press , “Overcoming stigma can literally save lives in New Jersey. Here's how”, Op-ed by Shauna Moses, NJAMHAA's Vice President, Public Affairs and Member Services, September 22, 2023

InsiderNJ.com , “Mental Health Month Focuses on Looking Around and Within to Improve Mental Health,” NJAMHAA’s press release published in its entirety, May 1, 2023

WHYY , “Could adult disability and mental health programs receive more funding in New Jersey’s budget this year? - Lawmakers are considering establishing a yearly cost-of-living rate adjustment for adult disability and mental health services.,” Debra Wentz and member Matt Binder interviewed, April 25, 2023

NJ Spotlight News , “Speed saves: Acting fast is key to preventing teen suicides,” Mary Abrams and members interviewed, March 7, 2023

InsiderNJ.com; “ NJAMHAA Applauds Increased Funding for the Behavioral Healthcare Workforce in Governor Murphy’s Proposed FY2024 Budget,” Statement from Debra Wentz, February 28, 2023

Star-Ledger , “Behavioral health partners help all New Jerseyeans lead better lives,” Op-ed by Debra Wentz, February 27, 2023

Press of Atlantic City , “Fund behavioral care to strengthen individuals and state,” Op-ed by Debra Wentz, February 22, 2023

Burlington County Times , “Why New Jersey needs more mental health professionals - now,” Op-ed by Debra Wetnz, February 14, 2023

Northjersey.com , “Why New Jersey needs more mental health professionals — now,” Op-ed by Debra Wentz, February 14, 2023

NJ Spotlight News , “NJ is short on psychiatrists. Lawmakers take steps to get more,” Mary Abrams and Frank Ghinassi interviewed, December 14, 2022

NJ101.5 , “Signs of the Holiday Blues and how to Cope with Them,” Debra Wentz interviewed, November 17, 2022

NJ101.5 , “Feel Sad? Seasonal Affective Disorder Bac in NJ as Clocks Change,” Debra Wentz interviewed about seasonal affective disorder, November 2, 2022

ROI-NJ , “‘Anxious time in the world’: Need for mental health services for youth remains dire ,” Debra Wentz and several members interviewed, August 10, 2022

Northjersey.com , “ New Jersey’s new budget can increase quality of life for diverse communities ,” Op-ed by Debra Wentz, July 14, 2022

WBGO , “National Suicide Hotline Begins Operation July 16 --- 988, ” Mary Abrams, NJAMHAA's Senior Health Policy Analyst, interviewed, July 12, 2022

Star-Ledger , “Three-digit answer to time of distress: 988,” Mary Abrams interviewed, July 12, 2022

NJ Spotlight News , “Op-Ed: NJ’s opioid settlement money is a chance to make serious changes” by Board Member Robert J. Budsock, July 8, 2022

Bergen Record/northjersey.com , “NJ residents in mental health crisis can get help by dialing 988 starting July 16, ” Mary Abrams interviewed, June 30, 2022

NJ Spotlight News , “There’s a new number to call for crisis and suicide prevention,” Several members were interviewed, June 16, 2022

Debra Wentz , Ph.D., President and CEO of NJAMHAA, sharedr thoughts on how the gun violence epidemic and other crisis are weighing on people’s mental health and offers some ways to seek help and utilize resources on PHL17's In Focus program, June 11, 2022

NJ Spotlight News , “The mental health challenge: Real questions, expert answers,” Highlights of a panel discussion on which Debra Wentz and members Dr. Frank Ghinassi and Dr. Margaret Swarbrick participated, June 8, 2022

"We need to prioritize mental health care , " Op-ed piece by Debra L. Wentz, PhD, Star-Ledger, May 20, 2022

InsiderNJ.com , “Several NJAMHAA Priorities Addressed in Governor Murphy’s Budget Address,” Press release printed in its entirety, March 8, 2022

InsiderNJ.com , “NJAMHAA: Behavioral Health Services Empower Diverse Individuals to Achieve Many Successes,” Press release printed in its entirety, Feb. 16, 2022

NJ Spotlight News , “Suicide hotline will route expert help to caller’s home — without involving police,” Feb. 7, 2022

E.W. Scripps Television Stations , “Ongoing COVID pandemic could be making 'winter blues' more intense,” Debra Wentz interviewed, Jan. 6, 2022

South Jersey Observer.com , “Jewish Family Service Staff Member Moses Gbadebo,” includes mention of Moses receiving a NJAMHAA award, December 7, 2021

NJ Spotlight News , “NJ colleges urged to help students struggling with mental health issues,” Shauna Moses, NJAMHAA’s Vice President, Public Affairs and Member Services, interviewed, Nov. 30, 2021

Star-Ledger , “New Jerseyans with mental health and substance-use needs may lose critical help unless Congress acts,” Op-ed by Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA, Nov. 17, 2021

NJ101.5 , “As Clocks Turn Back, Seasonal Affective Disorder Returns to NJ,” Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA, interviewed, November 8, 2021

NJBIA.org [New Jersey Business and Industry Association] , “NJBIA Receives NJAMHAA’s ‘Making the Business Case’ Award,” October 13 2021

NJ Spotlight News , “Mental health community program works, study says,” Oct. 13, 2021

ROI-NJ , “Report: N.J. becoming leader in behavioral health due to CCBHC model,” Oct. 11, 2021

PHL17 In Focus , “World Mental Health Day: Identifying Signs of Depression and Anxiety,” October 4, 2021

Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network , “Access to Behavioral Healthcare Services Needed in Times of Crisis, Says NJAMHAA,” Full press release published, Aug. 18, 2021

ROI-NJ: "Supply and demand: In mental healt sector , pandemic is straining profession already streched thin by low wages, other factors"; Debra Wentz, Donald Parker and Michelle Borden Interviewed (August 10, 2021)

Courier Post , Letters to the Editor, "More Funds Needed for Mental Health Care", July 5, 2021

NJ.com , Op-Ed: "After COVID, Mental Health and Substance Use Issues Have Grown. We Need More Money to Handle It," June 21, 2021

Insidernj.com , “Self-Care Is Critical for Workers’ Wellbeing, Especially in Health Care,” full press release published, May 27, 2021

Insidernj.com , “Kindness and Support Create Inclusivity for People with Autism,” full press release published, April 7, 2021

Insidernj.com , “Gambling Associated with March Madness Could Be Different during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” full press release published, March 4, 2021

Insidernj.com , “Connect People with Developmental Disabilities to their Communities,” full press release published, March 1, 2021

ROI-NJ , “Murphy’s budget lauded by leading health care associations,” Feb. 24, 2021

ROI-NJ , Op-Ed: “Fiscal 2022 budget must build bridge to better future for Jerseyans,” February 18, 2021

Insidernj.com , Op-Ed: “FY2022 Budget Must Build a Bridge to a Better Future for New Jerseyans,” February 18, 2021

KYW 1060 AM/103.9 FM , “New Jersey Site Offers Mental Health Help with Digital Therapy," February 5, 2021

NJ 101.5 , “Before COVID, Therapy Access Was Already a Problem in New Jersey,” January 19, 2021

InsiderNJ.com , “Focus on Self Care to Enhance Mental Health during Winter,” Dec. 11, 2020

NJ101.5 , “What Happens When Seasonal Affective Disorder Meets COVID-19 Fatigue,” Nov. 2, 2020

Patch (Ridgewood-Glen Rock , NJ), “Ricky Byrd’s ‘Sobering Times’ an Emotional Rock-and-Roll Triumph,” Oct. 14, 2020

InsiderNJ.com , “NJAMHAA: Electronic Health Record Interoperability Program Benefits Substance Use Treatment Providers and Individuals they Serve”, Oct. 19, 2020

KYW Newsradio , “Health experts: NJ teen, young adult suicide rate continues to climb,” October 9, 2020

WBGO , “Mental Health Agencies in NJ Battle Effects of Covid,” Oct. 7, 2020

CentralJersey.com , “Mental Illness Awareness Week has special focus on those coping with effects of COVID-19,” Op-ed, Oct. 2, 2020

NJ.com , “Good job with state budget priorities ,” Letter to the editor, Sept. 29, 2020

InsiderNJ.com , “Final FY2021 Budget Sustains Most Behavioral Health Funding, Adds Investments: Statement from Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc.,” Sept. 29, 2020

njherald.com , “NJ families, advocates urge Murphy to reopen job programs for people with disabilities,” Sept. 22, 2020

NJ Spotlight , “This is how Murphy’s budget allocates $2.4 billion in federal COVID funding,” Sept. 21, 2020

NJ Spotlight , “Overdose deaths in NJ may hit record high,” Sept. 15, 2020

Around Ocean County radio show on WJRZ , Sept. 13, 2020

Politico , “Proposed cuts to New Jersey school-based mental health services ‘unconscionable,’ educators say, Members interviewed, Sept. 9, 2020

The Guardian , “Many Americans face bleak winter as Covid takes toll on mental health,” Sept. 6, 2020

Baristanet.com , “Students to Rally in Response to School Based Youth Services Program Cut from Murphy Budget,” Sept. 3, 2020

InsiderNJ.com , “Governor Murphy’s Proposed FY 2021 Budget to Cut Funding for The Bridge, Inc.’s Imani Center,” Sept. 11, 2020

InsiderNJ.com , “New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies: Cybersecurity Investments Needed to Protect Healthcare Industry, Patients,” Sept. 8, 2020

InsiderNJ.com , “NJAMHAA Works to the Last Minute Advocating for Sustained and Increased Funding for Behavioral Health Services,” August 25, 2020

ROI-NJ , “N.J. Assn. of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies pushing for more funding in budget,” August 24, 2020

NJ.com/Star-Ledger , “Pandemic justifies more for mental health, addiction,” Letter to editor, August 23, 2020

Press of Atlantic City , “Fund mental health care in NJ to counter pandemic stress,” Op-ed, Aug. 23, 2020

NJTV News , “Emotional struggles likely to be part of any learning plan for kids,” August 18, 2020

NJ101.5 , “COVID-19 Raising Concern about NJ Kids Contemplating Suicide,” August 18, 2020

Northjersey.com , “NJ group home residents with disabilities have been isolated too long, advocates say,” August 17, 2020

PHL17 , “Preparing for School and Addressing the Mental Health Impact of COVID19,” August 17, 2020

InsiderNJ.com , “Experts Help Prepare for New School Year, Address Youths’ Mental Health Challenges,” August 15, 2020

ROI-NJ.com , “Mental health providers prepare to deal with wave of COVID-related ills – even as their businesses’ bottom lines crumble,” August 10, 2020

Star-Ledger , “New Jerseyans need more mental health services in this time of COVID-19,” Op-ed, August 10, 2020

Philadelphia Inquirer , “New Jersey’s 2021 budget should expand mental health treatment,” Op-ed, August 6, 2020

NJ 101.5 , “Opioid Deaths Rose More Slowly in New Jersey in June,” Coverage of a panel discussion on July 27, 2020; radio report was on August 2, 2020

Magic 98.3 , “Community Outreach, COVID-19 and Mental Health,” July 21, 2020

Asbury Park Press , “Congress, don't make it harder to afford our medicine,” Op-ed, July 20, 2020

Stigma-Free Zone , “Congratulations to NJAMHAA!”, July 7, 2020

InsiderNJ.com , “National Council for Behavioral Health Recognizes NJAMHAA for Advocacy Excellence,” June 19, 2020

NJ.com , “Fatal shooting of unarmed man by cop during traffic stop raises questions about mental health training, communication,”June 15, 2020

Star-Ledger , “Mental health issues must not take a back seat in the COVID-19 recovery,” Op-ed, June 10, 2020

CentralJersey.com , “How to prioritize mental health during pandemic,” Op-ed, May 27, 2020

NorthJersey.com , “New Jersey says doctors must prescribe Narcan alongside opioids for at-risk patients,” May 22, 2020

Spreaker.com - Mental Health News Radio , “Technology and Compliance Leadership in Mental Health,” May 8, 2020

NJAMHAA mentioned in Ancero Blog Post , May 6, 2020

Asbury Park Press , “Coronavirus: Preparing for the mental health surge to come,” Op-ed, posted online May 3, 2020 and published in print May 8, 2020

InsiderNJ.com , “Mental Healthcare and Substance Use Treatment Providers Need Support during and beyond Pandemic to Continue Serving Vulnerable New Jerseyans,” May 1, 2020

NJBIZ , “Bergen New Bridge Medical Center launches suppression system to help mitigate COVID-19,” April 21, 2020

WABC-TV Eyewitness News , “Coronavirus News: Homeless, addicted and battling COVID-19 – Eva’s Village in New Jersey,” April 15, 2020

Star-Ledger , “Helping those with mental health, addiction issues will help slow the virus,” Op-ed, March 27, 2020

NJTV News , “Bill would bolster mental health services for college students,” March 5, 2020

NJBIZ , “Improving awareness: Businesses are offering more robust employee assistance programs, but some workers remain reluctant to use the services,” Jan. 20, 2020

ROI-NJ , “RWJBarnabas Health names SVP of behavioral health, addiction service line,” Jan. 6, 2020