New York
New York State faces an urgent youth mental health crisis. New York Youth Mental Health Corps (NY YMHC) members have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of youth and young adults while exploring a career in behavioral health.
Program start date
Fall 2026
Application Window
TBD
Career Pathways Available
Peer Support/Recovery Navigator
Program Description
The New York Youth Mental Health Corps will build a service-to-career pathway for young adults who provide peer-to-peer mental health support in various settings through the Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) credential program.
The New York Youth Mental Health Corps aims to increase the number of credentialed YPAs, while creating sustainable career pathways in behavioral health for individuals with lived experience.
Certification Pathways
As a New York Youth Mental Health Corps Member, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a mental health career path through one certification pathway:
Peer Support/Recovery Navigator
By embracing both traditional in-person services and modern virtual/telehealth approaches, members will provide guidance on effectively utilizing technology for mental health support.
Activities may include:
- Support youth engagement in treatment planning.
- Implement and reinforce skills.
- Provide culturally and linguistically competent services.
- Use trauma-informed care approaches.
- Structure activities to develop self-advocacy skills.
- Provide support to young adults transitioning into adulthood.
- Lead support groups, creating safe spaces for youth to share experiences and build resilience.
- Provide personalized interventions, help with goal setting, and conduct regular follow-ups.
- Implement behavioral activation strategies, working with youth to set behavioral goals and monitor progress.
- Use motivational interviewing techniques.
- Support conflict resolution and help youth communicate their needs.
- Employ evidence-based practices, participate in data analysis, and engage in ongoing training and development.
Essential qualifications to participate in the New York Youth Mental Health Corps
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Must be 18 - 24 years old at start of service
Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or Lawful Permanent Resident
Completion of the YPA provisional credential through online modules and progress to the full YPA credential through supervised work experience
Member Benefits
While all Youth Mental Health Corps members have access to a variety of professional support, financial, and personal supports, New York members will have access to:
Living allowance
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Member Assistance Program (MAP), providing mental health resources and counseling services
Emergency Assistance Fund offering up to $500 for individual AmeriCorps members experiencing an emergency to address unexpected financial challenges that would otherwise disrupt their service
Educational credit for prior learning at SUNY Empire State University and the SUNY system
Ongoing career coaching, networking opportunities, and support with post-service job placement
Invitation to attend the Commission’s annual service summit to celebrate AmeriCorps programs and members
Training Opportunities
New York Youth Mental Health Corps AmeriCorps members will receive trainings within a school-based mental health navigator framework, including:
- Earn the YPA credential opening opportunities to gain the YPA Provisional Credential (YPA-P) and YPA Professional Credential (YPA-C)
- Translate YPA-C credentials into 12 college credits if members pursue a behavioral health degree at any SUNY-affiliated school
- Specialized youth mental health training
- Training in social media navigation and digital wellness strategies
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 New York Youth Mental Health Corps and how to apply, visit [TBD] website.
