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Want to apply to the Youth Mental Health Corps? Share your information and interests to find the best Youth Mental Health Corps programs for you.

You must be between 18 and 29 years old to apply to a Youth Mental Health Corps Program
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California Youth Mental Health Corps

In California, one in 13 children suffers from a serious emotional disturbance, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death for young adults aged 15–34. Young people also report significantly higher rates of psychological distress and unmet mental health needs than older adults. To help close these gaps, the California Youth Mental Health Corps will implement a school-based mental health navigator pathway and place members in middle and high schools.

Program start date

Fall 2025

Career Pathways Available

School-based mental health navigator

Program Description

California’s approach will integrate training, credentialing, and employment pathways to build a sustainable pipeline of mental health workers.

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Member Activities

  • Supportive guidance and counseling
  • Health and human services
  • Parent and family engagement
  • College and career readiness
  • Enrichment
  • Academic support

Member Training and Support

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  • AmeriCorps Training Requirements
  • Case-Management & Supportive Guidance Services
  • Trauma Informed Care & Mental Health Awareness
  • Professional Skills Development

Additionally, members will earn one or more of the following certifications:

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid
  • AS+K Suicide Prevention Certification
  • CPR and First Aid Certification

Essential qualifications to participate in the California Youth Mental Health Corps include:

01

Must be 18-24 in 2024

02

Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent

03

Must pass a criminal history check

04

Must be a US citizen, US National, or Legal Permanent Resident

Interested in Applying?

Join the 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.

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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.

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Press Inquiries

For press inquiries, please contact us directly and we'd be happy to assist you.

Resources for Mental Health

California 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

988 (or visit https://988lifeline.org/)

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

The Jed Foundation

Mental health resources for teens and young adults

The Trevor Project

Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth

The Trevor Project - Gaming Industry Lifeline

1-866-488-7386 (Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for gamers)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Provides resources for treatment referrals and mental health information

MentalHealth.gov

U.S. government website with information on mental health topics

A.S.K.

Partnership between Active Minds and MTV