Build a Career in Mental Health

The Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) is a 14-month career and workforce development program that introduces high school students to mental health, behavioral health, and related career pathways. Through education, mentorship, professional development, and work-based learning, students build valuable knowledge and skills while exploring their interests and preparing for college and future careers.

YMHA consists of three components:

• Summer Academy
  A five-week academy during the first summer, where students build foundational mental health knowledge, explore career pathways, participate in mentorship and interactive learning, and complete a capstone project.

• Academic Year Programming
  Throughout the school year, students continue mentorship and professional development activities that strengthen college and career readiness and prepare them for their upcoming internships.
• Internship
  During the second summer, eligible students may participate in up to 75 hours of work-based experience at an assigned internship site.

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

• Be 15–18 years old at the start of the program
• Reside or attend school in California at the time of application
• Have a strong interest in mental health, behavioral health, or related fields
• Commit to completing the entire program, which includes a five-week summer academy (first summer), programming throughout the academic year, and an 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 will have the opportunity to:

• Build mental health knowledge and skills through project-based learning during the Summer Academy
• Complete a culminating capstone project
• Participate in professional development workshops through the academic year to further advance mental health knowledge, prepare for upcoming internships, and increase college readiness
• Gain real-world work experience through an internship during the second summer
• Receive mentorship from an individual studying or working in a health-related field
• Explore mental health, behavioral health, and related career pathways
• Build relationships with peers, mentors, and professionals across the mental health field

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].

• Applicants who submit a completed application by the priority deadline will be notified of their application status by March 31, 2027.
• All applicants will be notified by April 30, 2027.
• Applicants placed on the waitlist will receive updates as space becomes available. All final decisions will be communicated by June 15, 2027.

Accepted students will have two weeks from the date of their acceptance notification to confirm their participation in YMHA. Students who do not confirm by the deadline provided in their acceptance email will have their acceptance offer withdrawn and their spot may be offered to a waitlisted applicant. Extensions will not be granted.

Students may indicate their preferred Summer Academy location and whether they prefer in-person or virtual programming during the application process. These preferences help inform placements but are not guaranteed.

YMHA determines final placements based on residential address, proximity to available sites, site capacity, and other placement considerations. Virtual placements are limited and assigned based on capacity and program needs.

In-person programming will be held at assigned colleges or universities, while virtual programming will be delivered online through YMHA’s designated platforms.

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.

The Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) is committed to expanding access to mental health career pathways for students from communities historically underrepresented in the mental health workforce. Through intentional outreach and recruitment, YMHA engage youth from structurally marginalized and system-impacted communities across California. Participating students gain knowledge, mentorship, professional development, and exposure to mental and behavioral health careers, helping them explore their interests and begin to see themselves as part of the field.

At the Child Mind Institute, when we see a problem that affects children’s mental health, we strive to address it. YMHA is moving 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.