North Carolina
North Carolina’s child and adolescent behavioral health indicators reflect a significant and persistent need, coupled with uneven access to services across regions and populations. Meanwhile, the need for services exceeds available workforce and infrastructure.
Regions
Statewide
Program start date
Fall 2026
Career Pathways Available
• Community Mental Health Navigator
• School-based Mental Health Navigator
Program Description
To help close these gaps, the North Carolina Youth Mental Health Corps will implement a community and school-based mental health navigator pathway and place members in health clinics, community organizations, as well as middle and high schools.
North Carolina’s approach will integrate training, credentialing, and employment pathways to build a sustainable pipeline of behavioral and mental health workers.
Parnters
- App State Public Health Innovation
- PRI Wellness Corps
- WFU AmeriCorps
Certification Pathways
As a North Carolina Youth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through one of two certification pathways:
Community Mental Health Navigator
Serve in health clinics, community organizations, and state operated healthcare facilities helping youth and families navigate and connect to mental health resources, providing near-peer support and check ins with youth, conducting intake interviews with patients, and enrolling and/or referring patients to applicable health and community resources.
School-based Mental Health Navigator
Serve in schools, community organizations, and afterschool programs helping youth and families navigate and connect to mental health resources, providing near-peer support and check-ins with youth, and developing education materials and facilitating training.
Qualifications
To ensure you are eligible to serve, please review the essential qualifications to participate in the North Carolina Youth Mental Health Corps.
Must be 18 - 24 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, North Carolina members will have access to:
A living allowance (as applicable) provided by the AmeriCorps program.
Training and certification fees covered by NC YMHC.
Education Award upon successful completion of service, which can be used for educational expenses at eligible post-secondary institutions, including many technical schools, or to repay qualified students loans.
Transportation/Housing supplement.
Statewide training and professional development events hosted by VolunteerNC.
Training Opportunities
To ensure all members are continuing their training and education, each North Carolina program will help its members develop an individualized training plan aligned with their goals.
All NC YMHC members will receive:
- Community Health Worker Certification
Other training courses that are relevant to specific member service including but not limited to:
- Mental Health First Aid
- Recovery Coach Academy
- Mindfulness Training
- Negotiation/De-escalation
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?
Email VolunteerNC to learn more about the North Carolina Youth Mental Health Corps.
