According to the University of South Florida's Mental Health Department of Laws and Policy, "We promote excellence in professional training by providing leadership and opportunities that enhance development and personal growth." Located in an engaged learner-centered environment, students and professionals are trained to be intellectually and ethically informed. The program promotes leadership skills and creative thinking, while developing skills related to behavioral health applications, and advanced knowledge in community and justice settings.
A study was done to verify the need for an increase in mental health leadership training. Training as it is perceived by state directors of mental health and mental retardation/developmental disabilities programs were surveyed to explore related issues. Results confirmed perceptions of need, provided insights and showed ways training could be provided to states.
The book "Principled Leadership in Mental Health Systems and Programs" was published by William A. Anthony and Kevin Ann Huckshorn in response to a need for greater understanding about leadership training. According to findings, "staff at all levels can become the 'CEO' in their own spheres of influence." This book provides the template. While the authors focus specifically on the mental health field, the principles they reveal in "Principled Leadership" are critical, and completely relevant to effective leadership in any organization.
The Chicago School claims that it is the leader in the clinical psychology national degree programs, highlighting supervision and leadership in community health courses. These courses make up the graduate program in counseling psychology, which help develop the essential diagnostic, therapeutic and consultative skills that professionals need. This leadership training is used to work with a variety of emotional and psychological conditions appearing in diverse populations.
"A great leader draws differently upon the quiver of knowledge depending on the situation and is able to be flexible and creative in their use," states the publication promoted by the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership Training. This publication examines the programs provided in multiple countries, and coalesced the information into a resource guide. These countries include England, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and the United States. This became the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership Training.