Kentucky
In Kentucky, youth mental health challenges continue to rise, with the 2023 Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey showing that 15% of high school students seriously considered suicide in the past year.
Regions
Statewide
Program start date
Fall 2026
Application Window
07/15/2026 to 12/1/2026
Career Pathways Available
• School-Based Mental Health Navigator
• Peer Support Specialist
• Community Health Worker
Program Description
Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death for youth and young adults in Kentucky, while many communities across the Commonwealth continue to face shortages in behavioral health services and workforce capacity.
To help close these gaps, the Kentucky Youth Mental Health Corps will implement three pathways and place members in middle and high schools, and other community-based organizations serving youth.
Kentucky's approach will integrate training, certifications, credentials, and employment pathways to build a sustainable pipeline of mental health workers.
Partners
- Cabinet for Health and Family Services
- Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities
- Workforce Innovation Boards and Kentucky Career Centers
- Kentucky Department of Education
- Council on Post-Secondary Education
- Family Resource and Youth Service Center
- Kentucky Stats
- Our Minds Matter
- FRYSC AmeriCorps
- Kentucky Health Department Association AmeriCorps
- Partners for Rural Impact
- Kentucky College Coaches
- Recovery Corps
- The Book Works
- Blueprint 502 Urban Conservation Corps
Certification Pathways
As a Kentucky Youth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through three certification pathways:
School-Based Mental Health Navigator
- Serve in middle or high schools, out-of-school time, and community-based organizations as peer or near-peer mental health navigators.
- Earn stackable credentials for future career or education paths.
- Potential to earn a Behavioral Technician Certification and dual credit, and more.
Peer Support Specialist
- Based at nonprofits and health departments as peer support navigators.
- Lived experience in substance use disorders or mental health challenges.
- Work towards a Peer Recovery Support Specialist certification
Community Mental Health Navigator
- Based in local health departments with limited access to mental health services.
- Earn Stackable credentials for future or educational paths.
- Earn Community Health Worker certification.
Qualifications
To ensure you are eligible to serve, please review the essential qualifications to participate in the Kentucky Youth Mental Health Corps.
Must be 18 - 24 years old at start of service
Must have or be working towards a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Must pass a criminal history check
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Legal Permanent Resident
Member Benefits
While all Youth Mental Health Corps members have access to a variety of professional support, financial, and personal supports, Kentucky members will have access to:
Living allowance, and/or the following: signing and/or completion bonus, member assistance fund
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Member Assistance Program enrollment - 24/7 toll-free telephonic access to services, counseling, medical advocacy, financial and legal assistance, life coaching, and more
Professional certifications or credentials
Opportunities to network with other Youth Mental Health Corps members
Personalized career coaching and skill development (e.g., communication, resume writing, interviewing)
Supervised experience in behavioral health service
Training Opportunities
To ensure continuing education and support for the training and education of members, each Kentucky AmeriCorps program will help its members develop an individualized training plan aligned with their goals.
All Kentucky members will receive:
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Question Persuade Respond (QPR)
- Trauma Informed Care
Members may also elect to receive:
- Be There Certificate
- Applied Suiciden Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Psychological First Aid
- Critical Incident Debriefing
School or education-based members will receive:
- Our Minds Matter
- Sources of Strength
Member Engagement & Support
We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment where members can connect, learn, and grow.
Our aim is to equip you with the tools, skills, and experiences necessary to overcome challenges during your service and thrive in your future career.
Interested in Applying?
To learn more about the Kentucky Youth Mental Health Corps, please email cariem.kizziar@ky.gov.
