Welcome to
Valuing and supporting the needs, challenges and gifts of women working in mental health.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
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A NJ-based, supportive organization of mental health professionals who identify as women and whose purpose is to cultivate a diverse, interdisciplinary, culturally sensitive network of professionals to gather and provide opportunities for connection, networking and the expansion of knowledge for professional growth.
A message from NJAWT’s President
Christine M. Valentin, MSW, LCSW
Dearest NJAWT members,
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It is with much excitement and honor that I greet you as NJAWT's President.
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Ten years ago as I was going through some flyers I picked up from a recent networking event, I came across a blurb about an organization called the New Jersey Association of Women Therapists. The blurb announced an upcoming educational and networking event for women therapists. What the event was I cannot recall but I do know that the time of the event was doable, the location was reachable and that it would be my chance - a girl from Queens who recently moved to NJ and started her private practice- to meet with other women who had a similar endeavor.
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So, I jumped on the chance to learn and socialize. That meeting in 2014 was the stepping stone to me then serving on the Board two years later and now in 2023 serving as your current President for the next two years.
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Never could I have imagined that I would find an organization comprised of inspiring and knowledgeable women whom I've come to know personally and who have taught me how to balance work, family and self-care. For 46 years NJAWT has supported women in a variety of ways and I look forward to being a part of that history and adding to how we can continue to support those in the mental health field.
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I would like to take this time to acknowledge the outgoing board, our Advisory committee and everyone in our membership who chipped in when we needed help. This organization, much like raising a child, takes a village. Without each person, we can't continue to strive and thrive for another 48 years.
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Lastly, I want to thank each member who has decided to continue with us for another year for exciting programs and continued virtual and in-person events. Aside from the educational and networking meetings we will be hosting various groups related to clinical practice, expanding a practice and non-clinical gatherings like a movie/book meeting. These are free groups facilitated by NJAWT members and available only to NJAWT members. If you are a member, we hope to see you at one of our events and in one of our groups.
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If you are not a member, we hope you will become a member and participate in one of our many upcoming meetings. To become a member, simply click on the membership tab above in the menu and click apply.
With much gratitude and appreciation,
Christine M. Valentín, LCSW
President, NJAWT
We offer many exciting opportunities to connect, learn and share with other members throughout the year. Please visit our Events Calendar to learn more!
“NJAWT is truly a wonderful organization that lives up to its mission statement. I joined with the desire to meet more professionals to connect and network with and also to advance my clinical knowledge. Both goals have been met in spades. I’ve met incredible women who are not only my colleagues and great resources but have become friends. The programs and support groups have been both interesting and effective in creating opportunities for sharing and learning. I am so happy to be a member and encourage all women therapists to join this great organization of professionals.”
- Anonymous
“NJAWT has been so valuable to me over the last 9 years, especially when I began my private practice and moved to New Jersey. The ability to be part of a community where I can meet Entrepreneurial women within the mental health field and, who in many cases, also have a private practice, has allowed me a chance to network, socialize and learn from others. I am forever grateful for the opportunity this organization has given me to become more familiar with Jersey and to meet other therapists right away.”
- Christine M. Valentin
a native New Yorker
“One of the greatest benefits of being an NJAWT member are the specialized practice groups that meet monthly to share ideas and support each other in our professional practice.”