Dr. Tara Chalakani Praises Governor’s Investment in Youth Mental Health in State Budget Address

“Gov. Sherrill’s Commitment to Strengthening Youth Mental Health Could Not Come at a More Critical Time”

Eatontown, NJ – Dr. Tara Chalakani, CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health Group, today praised Governor Mikie Sherrill for prioritizing youth mental health services in her state budget address, calling the proposed investments a critical step toward addressing the growing mental health needs facing young people across New Jersey.

Governor Sherrill’s inaugural budget proposal includes significant funding to expand youth mental health initiatives, including increased support for school-based counseling and other services designed to reach young people where they are.

“Governor Sherrill’s commitment to strengthening youth mental health services could not come at a more critical time,” said Dr. Chalakani. “Across New Jersey, families, educators, and providers are seeing the profound impact that anxiety, depression, and trauma are having on young people. By investing in school-based services and expanding access to care, the Governor is taking an important step toward ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive.”

Dr. Chalakani emphasized that early intervention and access to community-based care are essential to improving long-term outcomes for young people.

“Mental health challenges often emerge during childhood and adolescence. When we provide the right support early -- whether through counseling in schools, community programs, or family services — we can change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” she said. “These investments will help providers expand access to care and ensure that more young people receive help before a crisis occurs.”

Preferred Behavioral Health Group, one of the state’s largest nonprofit behavioral health providers, works with the state to serve thousands of children, adolescents, and families each year through outpatient counseling, school-based services, prevention programs, and crisis intervention.

“As a provider on the front lines of this crisis, we know how urgently these services are needed,” Dr. Chalakani added. “Governor Sherrill’s leadership recognizes that supporting youth mental health is not only a health priority, it is an investment in the future of our communities.”

Dr. Chalakani also called on lawmakers in the New Jersey Legislature to support the Governor’s proposal and ensure that these critical resources reach communities across the state.

“Addressing youth mental health requires sustained partnership between state leaders, providers, schools, and families,” she said. “We look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to ensure every young person in New Jersey has access to the care and support they deserve.”

#######