The New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI) launched the Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals in October 2022 to present opportunities for aspiring leaders in the mental healthcare, substance use disorder (SUD) and intellectual/ developmental disabilities (I/DD) services fields to build the management skills that organizations and these fields need, as well as the foundation for them to advance in their careers and succeed in future leadership positions. 

Participation in this cost-effective, year-long program will also help improve staff retention, which will reinforce behavioral healthcare organizations' long-term viability, and improve the quality and consistency of services. These benefits are especially critical as the field has been experiencing a workforce crisis and the demand for services continues to increase. This program helps address the crisis by encouraging staff to continue working in the behavioral healthcare system — in positions that will enable them to further expand and strengthen agencies and the entire workforce while continuing their advancement in these fields.

The Leadership Academy is open to mentees and mentors who are working (and, in the case of some mentors, have worked) in any aspects of the behavioral healthcare field, including clinical, administrative, legal, finance, human resources and information technology. It is also open to coaches in other industries whose different expertise and experience add to the value of this program.

“I have greatly benefited from the Leadership Academy! As a new leader, there is so much to learn. Having the knowledge and support from my coach and mentor has helped me be successful in my new leadership role."Working with my mentor to brainstorm and develop strategies for my team and me to improve how we care for patients and each other has been so beneficial. My coach has given me insightful suggestions for navigating challenges and opportunities. I am especially grateful to network with other Leadership Academy participants as we learn from and support each other. It’s so beneficial to collaborate with others who have similar roles, responsibilities, and experiences. I definitely recommend the Leadership Academy.” - Adiba Saleem, LCSW, Leadership Academy Mentee 2021-2022; Manager, Acute Partial Hospitalization, AtlantiCare

"The workforce crisis impacts not only service delivery, but also relationships, staff morale, ability to recruit new staff - stifles culture. All mentees, mentors and coaches are benefiting personally and professionally." - Kendria McWilliams, MBA, Leadership Academy Mentor; Chair, NJMHI Board of Trustees; CEO, Maryville Integrated Care

 "As a coach for the NJMHI Leadership Academy, I see how this investment in managers - our future leaders - is already resulting in more leadership confidence and skill. The program is well-rounded and structured for maximum impact." -  Anne E. Collier, MPP, JD, PCC, Leadership Academy Coach; Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Arudia

The fourth cohort will begin in September 2025. Applications are due August 2025.

Mentee Fact Sheet          Mentee Application

Mentor Fact Sheet          Mentor Application

Coach Fact Sheet           Coach Application

For additional information, please write to Shauna Moses at smoses@njamhaa.org.