Maryland Youth Mental Health Corps
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.
Regions
Baltimore County, Western Maryland, Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Program start date
Fall 2025
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.
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Member Activities
YMHC Coordinators in Maryland may:
- 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
Member Training and Support
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.
Essential qualifications to participate in the Maryland Youth Mental Health Corps include:
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
Member Benefits
As a member, you'll get:
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be used to pay for current and future educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs or repay qualified student loans
Access to youth mental health training, career exploration, and peer networking opportunities
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Join the Youth Mental Health Corps
To learn more about Maryland’s Youth Mental Health Corps, please contact parul.kumar@maryland.gov.
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.
Resources for Mental Health
Maryland 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
Crisis Text Line
The Jed Foundation
The Trevor Project
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
MentalHealth.gov