Chalakani earns DEI Award at NJAMHAA annual meeting

Dr. Tara Chalakani, the CEO of the Preferred Behavioral Health Group, was presented with a Transformational Leadership in DEI Award by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies at its annual membership meeting last week.

“As a board member of NJAMHAA, I’m thrilled to be part of their transformative work in advocating for increased access to behavioral health and addiction services for all New Jerseyans,” Chalakani said. “I’m humbled to be recognized for increasing diversity, equality & inclusion in our industry, and I will continue working to ensure every individual has an equal opportunity to reach his or her full potential.”

Chalakani, a proud Latina, leads a dynamic and diverse organization that provides comprehensive and compassionate behavioral health services and substance use services to individuals and communities across the lifespan in New Jersey.

She has a growth-minded and strategic vision for improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of care, while fostering a trauma-informed and stigma-free culture within and beyond her organization.

NJAMHAA highlighted advocacy achievements and recognized several individuals whose significant contributions helped make NJAMHAA’s impact possible during the Annual Membership Meeting themed: “Transformational Leadership … with Powerful Results.”