Maryland
Nearly 40% of Maryland students report feeling sad or hopeless, while the state faces a critical shortage of behavioral health professionals. Maryland’s Youth Mental Health Corps trains young adults to mentor peers and expand access to school- and community-based behavioral health support.
Partners
AmeriCorps Maryland programs include Equity Now and Improve Your Tomorrow
Maryland Corps/Service Year Option host site partners include Backpack Healthcare, BMore Accountable, Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore, Community Mediation of St. Mary’s County, VineCorps, the Y of Central Maryland, among others.
Regions
State-wide
Program start date
August/September 2026
Career Pathways Available
• Mental Health Navigator
• Peer Support/Recovery Specialist
• Community Health Worker
Program Description
The Maryland Youth Mental Health Corps aims to expand access to mental health services across the state while creating meaningful, supported pathways into behavioral health careers. Members will serve in schools and community-based organizations, focusing on promoting student well-being, peer support, and mental health education.
The Maryland Youth Mental Health Corps includes Members from AmeriCorps Maryland programs and Maryland Corps/Service Year Option host site partners.
Certification Pathways
As a Maryland 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
Members in the School-based Mental Health Navigator pathway are encouraged to pursue aligned training opportunities during service.
Activities may include:
- Train students in Teen Mental Health First Aid
- Promote mental health awareness through school- and community-wide events, campaigns, and outreach
- Attend team and organizational meetings as peer advocates alongside youth to elevate youth voice and support collaborative planning
- Provide structured peer supports to students, under the supervision of licensed professionals
- Support data collection to help track program impact and inform ongoing service efforts
- Help mental health clinicians and support staff with service coordination, engagement efforts, and administrative tasks
Peer Support/Recovery Specialist
Members in the Peer Support/Recovery Specialist pathway are encouraged to pursue the Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist state certification during service.
Activities may include:
- Provide individual peer support and mentoring to youth navigating recovery, stress, or systems involvement
- Facilitate or assist with peer support groups, recovery check-ins, or wellness clubs
- Support trauma-informed school or community mental health initiatives
- Assist youth in navigating referrals and accessing mental health, substance use, or case management resources
- Collaborate with school counselors, social workers, community health workers, and/or clinicians
- Help develop or share resource materials, toolkits, or youth-friendly wellness content
- Track peer support activities and contribute insights to help shape youth-centered programming
Community Health Worker
Members in the Community Health Worker pathway are encouraged to pursue the Maryland Community Health Worker Certification during service.
Activites may include:
- Conduct outreach and engagement with youth (ages 13–24) through schools, afterschool sites, health centers, or youth programs
- Build trusted relationships with youth to promote social-emotional well-being and reduce stigma around mental health
- Assist with referrals and navigation to in-house or community-based mental health services
- Support mental health awareness events, workshops, or wellness campaigns
- Help develop and/or facilitate group activities related to emotional regulation, social-emotional learning (SEL), and peer connection
- Collaborate with school staff, counselors, case managers, or health educators
- Maintain confidentiality and assist with program data collection, referrals tracking, and basic administrative tasks
WES MOORE
Governor of Maryland
Qualifications
To ensure you are eligible to serve, please review the essential qualifications to participate in the Maryland Youth Mental Health Corps.
The Maryland Youth Mental Health Corps includes Members from AmeriCorps Maryland programs and the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program. Specific program qualifications may differ.
Must be 18 - 24 years old at start of service
Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Interest or lived experience in behavioral health, psychology, social work, human services, or related fields preferred
Training Opportunities
Members may receive specialized training in:
- CPRS and/or CHW certification courses
- Teen Mental Health First Aid
- Motivational Interviewing
- Check-in Check-out
- Child and Adolescent Development
- QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention
- Botvin Life Skills Training
Members will also participate in professional development, coaching, and wraparound supports throughout their term.
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?
Apply today through the Maryland Corps/Service Year option program to become a Maryland Youth Mental Health Corps Member (employee) or Partner (employer). There is no separate application for the Maryland Youth Mental Health Corps.
