The Youth Mental Health Corps is a multi-sector partnership designed to address the youth mental health crisis and the mental health workforce shortage.
Our History
The YMHC, conceived by the Schultz Family Foundation and Pinterest, was developed in consultation with hundreds of experts and practitioners to address the youth mental health crisis and the behavioral health workforce shortage. Launched in partnership with AmeriCorps, America Forward/New Profit, and state service commissions, and supported by other nationally-based philanthropies, corporate sponsors, and state funds, the YMHC utilizes the power of AmeriCorps and national service to support the mental health and wellbeing of youth while creating meaningful career pathways for young adults.
Why We're Here
The Youth Mental Health Corps is a unified, multi-sector partnership designed to address the youth mental health crisis and the mental health workforce shortage in the United States. The Youth Mental Health Corps will consist of mental health navigators who are trusted young adults serving in select schools and communities. Its goals are to:
Meet youth where help is most acutely needed: schools, afterschool programs, community health centers, and youth centered organizations.
Offer young people interested in addressing our nation’s youth mental health crisis with an opportunity to provide peer support while obtaining quality training, skills, experiences, and credentials to start a career in behavioral health.
Increase the capacity of schools, community-based organizations, community health clinics, and behavioral health organizations to respond to the growing youth mental health crisis and provide support for the most vulnerable youth.
Share best practices on healthy social media use, digital safety and wellbeing and online safety with youth, school and community-based organizational staff, parents/care providers, and community members.
The Solution
The YMHC is designed for young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 to serve as peer mental health navigators in schools, community organizations, and health clinics. Members have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and training and earn a certification and/or higher education credit, all while serving in communities with limited access to mental health resources.
By recruiting member from the very communities they serve, the program ensures YMHC members bring a deep personal connection and understanding that uniquely position them to support youth mental health and wellness and immediately increase the capacity of service organizations.
Our Partners
State Partners
YMHC operates in partnership with state service commissions, host organizations, and local leaders to ensure the program is community-driven and responsive to regional needs. Four states have already launched a Youth Mental Health Corps as of Fall 2024, with hundreds of members already making an impact across 165 service sites. Applications for additional states to join the Youth Mental Health Corps are open until February 2025.
Seven states have received grants to design their Youth Mental Health Corps for intended launch in Fall 2025.
Funding Partners
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Strategic Partnerships
We have created partnerships with Peer Health Exchange, Americas Service Commissions and Inside Track to provide additional support to state service commissions and members.
The Youth Mental Health Corps welcomes media inquiries as we strive to raise awareness and support for youth mental crises. Our initiative will leverage the power of national service as a bridge to career pathways to simultaneously address the youth mental health crisis and empower young adults with promising and meaningful careers. By highlighting member stories, program insights, and innovative approaches, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of mental health challenges facing today’s youth.
For media requests, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact us at: press@youthmentalhealthcorps.org