Iowa Youth Mental Health Corps
One in three Iowa youth report symptoms of depression, and over half the state lives in areas lacking adequate mental health care. The Iowa Youth Mental Health Corps aims to address this crisis by training young adults to support youth in schools and communities.
Partners
Iowa State University, Iowa Public Health AmeriCorps, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC),Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA), Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) Centers, and other youth-serving host sites
Program start date
Fall 2025
Career Pathways Available
Community Health Worker, School Based Mental Health Navigator
Program Description
Members will serve in middle and high schools through Communities In Schools (CIS) and work with students at risk of dropping out. Members will be integrated members of the school community and part of the larger CIS support team on each campus.
School-based mental health navigator
Members engage in mental health promotion, youth support, and navigation under a two-tiered implementation plan. Year 1 focuses on Tier 1 universal prevention strategies; Year 2 expands to Tier 2 targeted interventions for students with identified needs. Members may earn credentials such as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Paraeducator certification.
Community health worker (CHW)
Members complete Iowa’s CHW certification curriculum, including 42 hours of training and two mental health modules developed during Iowa’s YMHC planning grant. Members may also earn credentials in crisis de-escalation and health education.
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Member Activities
Community Health Workers (CHWs) will:
- Conduct intake and assessments
- Provide resource navigation and peer-led outreach
- Assist in case management and follow-up with youth and families
- Deliver group and individual support services
- Engage in community education on youth mental wellness
School-Based Navigators will:
- Deliver school-wide mental health interventions
- Conduct outreach to engage families and promote access to services
- Refer students to higher levels of care as needed
- Develop or deliver curricula and peer-led initiatives
- Serve under the supervision of school counselors or behavioral health professionals
Member Training and Support
All YMHC members in Iowa will receive:
- Youth Mental Health First Aid (via ISU Extension or Iowa HHS)
- Crisis De-escalation Training
- CHW Certificate (through Iowa HHS and DMACC – CHW pathway only)
- Additional credentialing based on career interests (e.g., RBT, Paraeducator)
- Programs will help each member develop an individualized training plan aligned with their goals. Volunteer Iowa will coordinate with programs to ensure participation and support.
Essential qualifications to participate in the Iowa Youth Mental Health Corps include:
Must be 18 - 24 years old at start of service
Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or Lawful Permanent Resident
Member Benefits
Members will support prevention, assessment, interventions, and referrals for youth mental health using a Positive Youth Development framework. They will earn micro-credentials and certifications while receiving career coaching, mentorship, and workforce exposure in behavioral health, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Up to 2 years of supervised experience in behavioral health service
Professional certifications and/or college credit
Personalized career coaching and skill development (e.g., communication, resume writing, interviewing)
Enrollment in the ASC Member Assistance Program for mental health support
Funding per member to support training and wraparound services
Join Youth Mental Health Corps
Want to make a difference in youth mental health? Ignite change and start your career as a Youth Mental Health Corps member.
Become a Community or State Partner
Learn more about how to become a partner to bring the Youth Mental Health to your community or to sponsor a state-wide Youth Mental Health Corps.
Resources for Mental Health
Iowa Youth Mental Health Corps is committed to achieving accessibility of mental health services. While not a substitute for those services, a list of resources has been curated for those in need.
National Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Crisis Text Line
The Jed Foundation
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project - Gaming Industry Lifeline
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
MentalHealth.gov
A.S.K.