Build a Career in Mental Health

To be eligible to become a Youth Mental Health Academy participant, you must:

• Be enrolled in a public or private high school in Los Angeles County, California at the time of application
• Have a strong interest in mental health
• Commit to completing the entire program, which includes a five-week summer academy (first summer), programming throughout the school year, and a summer internship of up to 6 weeks (second summer).
• Give proof of personal medical/health insurance coverage for the duration of the program
• Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher

The Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) is committed to diversifying the mental health field and strongly encourages applications from students with backgrounds or experiences that are historically underrepresented in mental health careers, as described below. At the same time, we are an inclusive program and welcome all students who meet the general eligibility criteria and are passionate about youth mental health.

We especially encourage applications from students who identify with any of the following:

• Racial or Ethnic Identity: Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander
• Disability: Physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act)
• LGBTQIA+ Identity: You, your parent, or your caregiver identify as LGBTQIA+
• Disadvantaged Background: Were or currently are homeless, sharing housing, living in shelters or other substandard housing, or part of the foster care system
• Geographic Background: Grew up in a:
  • U.S. rural area (as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration)
  • Low-Income or Health Professional Shortage Area (as designated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)
  • Native American reservation
• Federal Support Eligibility:
  • Federal Free & Reduced Lunch Program
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Additional Criteria:
  • Parent or guardian has not completed a bachelor’s degree
  • Experience with the juvenile legal system
  • Parent or caregiver enlisted in the U.S. military

We value diversity in all forms and recognize that many life experiences shape a student’s perspective and commitment to mental health. All eligible students are encouraged to apply.

Youth Mental Health Academy participants receive:

• A paid internship in a mental health-related field
  Not currently available for the 2026–2027 cohort due to funding constraints
• Paid project-based learning experience (up to $1,750 stipend) around mental health issues, symptoms, and treatment, and an introduction to careers related to mental health
• Mentorship from an individual studying or working in a health-related field
• An opportunity to complete a capstone presentation
• Access to a series of workshops throughout the school year to further advance mental health knowledge, prepare for upcoming internships, and increase readiness for college
• Guidance and support in completing college and financial aid applications

During the application period, there will be a link on this page to the online application form. You’ll need to complete the application in full and submit before the deadline. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at [email protected].

The purpose of the Youth Mental Health Academy is to increase representation in the mental health field of groups who have historically lacked access to these careers. The Academy aims to inspire and cultivate a group of young people who will, as they mature, be able to provide high-quality mental health services.

Students in the Academy’s first cohort will be recruited from structurally marginalized populations in Southern California. That includes young people of color, LGBTQIA+ youth, those from isolated and rural communities, and those who have experienced foster care, the juvenile justice system, homelessness, or poverty.

At the Child Mind Institute, when we see a problem that affects children’s mental health, we strive to address it. The Youth Mental Health Academy will move our field towards being more representative and understanding of the populations in need of our services, while inspiring and cultivating the mental health leaders of tomorrow.

The state of California is committed to expanding access to mental health care for all Californians and recognizes that a lack of diverse mental health professionals is a significant barrier to achieving that goal. To address this, the state partnered with the Child Mind Institute to launch a program that reaches underserved and underrepresented communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ youth, and students from rural and low-income backgrounds. Together, we are working to cultivate the next generation of diverse mental health leaders. With each iteration of our program, we continue to grow, adapt, and expand our reach to serve more communities and create a lasting impact.

The Child Mind Institute is the nation’s leading independent nonprofit in children’s mental health. We have assembled a team of experts to design and implement Youth Mental Health Academy activities that build skills, spark passion, and support students on a path to impactful careers.