Nevada
Nevada is experiencing an alarming gap between youth mental health needs and available support.
Regions
Statewide
Program start date
Fall 2026
Application Window
Contact YMHC@nevadavolunteers.org for more information
Career Pathways Available
School-based/Community Youth Mental Health Navigator
Program Description
Approximately 73% of Nevada youth who need treatment for depression do not receive it, placing Nevada among the lowest-ranking states for youth mental health access. At the same time, Nevada has a chronic behavioral health workforce shortage. Nearly 87% of Nevadans live in federally designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas, which comprise 14 of Nevada’s 17 counties.
Nevada Youth Mental Health Corps creates clear pathways from service to career, improving workforce retention, sustainability, and long-term system capacity while supporting youth and their families to navigate referrals and access resources, offer care coordination and support - interventions that are anticipated to reduce mental health workforce shortages, reduce lengthy treatment wait times, and increase mental health prevention services.
Partners
- State of Nevada Governor’s Office
- Office of Apprenticeships
- Department of Education
- Office of Workforce Innovation
- University of Nevada System of Higher Education
- UNLV
- University of Nevada, Reno
- College of Southern Nevada, and a network of
- Community-based organizations
Certification Pathways
As a Nevada Youth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through two certification pathways:
School-based/Community Youth Mental Health Navigator
Youth Mental Health Corps member service activities will include resource navigation and referrals, care coordination support, outreach and engagement, psychoeducation and workshop facilitation, non-clinical mental health navigation and resource coordination, screening and early identification of mental health and behavioral health needs, social-emotional skill building, restorative and attendance focused supports to promote school connectedness, prevention focused programming, and supervised service with standardized training.
Qualifications
To ensure you are eligible to serve, please review the essential qualifications to participate in the Nevada Youth Mental Health Corps.
Must be 18 - 24 years old at start of service
Must have 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, Nevada members will have access to:
Living allowance
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 all members are continuing their training and education, each Nevada host site will help its members develop an individualized training plan aligned with their goals.
Opprotunities may include:
- Mental Health First Aid (certificate)
- Trauma-Informed Care (certificate)
- De-escalation & Crisis Response (non-clinical)
- Motivational Interviewing (foundational)
- Resource Navigation & Care Coordination
- Professional Ethics, Confidentiality & Boundaries
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 Nevada Youth Mental Health Corps and how to apply, please email Nevada Volunteers at YMHC@nevadavolunteers.org.
