Youth Mental Health Academy

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

• Be enrolled in a public or private high school in California at the time of application
• Be from a structurally marginalized community (see next question for details)
• Have a strong interest in mental health
• Commit to completing the entire program, from June 2024 through July 2025 (5-week project-based learning in summer of 2024 + programming throughout the school year + up to 6-week internship in summer 2025)
• Give proof of personal medical/health insurance coverage from June 2024 to July 2025
• Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher

YMHA aims to diversify the mental health field by providing opportunities to students from marginalized communities as defined below.

If you are not sure if you qualify, or you believe your situation deserves additional consideration, we encourage you to go ahead and apply!

Students only need to meet one of the following:

• Racial or Ethnic Group: Black or African American, Hispanic, Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islanders
• Disability: Physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• Identity: You, your parents, or your caregiver identify as LGBTQIA+
• Disadvantaged Background: Were or currently are homeless, share housing, live in shelters, or other substandard housing; were or currently are in the foster care system.
• Grew up in one of the following areas:
  • U.S. rural area, as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-designated Low-Income and Health Professional Shortage Areas
  • Native American reservation

• Federal Support Programs: Were or currently eligible for
  • Federal Free & Reduced Lunch Program
  • Federal Pell grants
  • Support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

• Other criteria:
  • Parent or guardian has not completed a bachelor’s degree
  • Have been in the juvenile legal system
  • Have one or more parents or caregivers enlisted in the U.S. military

Youth Mental Health Academy participants receive:

• A paid internship in a mental health-related field
• Paid project-based learning experience (up to $2,000 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

We are now accepting applications for the 2024 program.

Apply now

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 and its leaders are committed to improving access to mental health care for all Californians and recognize that a shortage of diverse healthcare providers presents a significant barrier to achieving that goal. That’s why they are committed to bringing this program to structurally marginalized communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth. Together with experts from the Child Mind Institute they’re taking steps to cultivate tomorrow’s diverse mental health leaders.

The Child Mind Institute is the leading independent nonprofit in children’s mental health. They have convened a team of experts to design and implement Youth Mental Health Academy activities.