Youth Mental Health Corps

In just one year, the Youth Mental Health Corps has shown what’s possible when young people lead the way in tackling our nation’s mental health crisis. WestEd took a deep dive into our first year, visiting schools, clinics, and community sites, talking with members and partners, and analyzing the data. The findings are powerful: 🟠 Near-Peer Connections Matter: When support comes from someone who feels relatable, students open up. That trust changes everything. 🟣 One Model, Many Contexts: From rural Minnesota to urban Texas, YMHC’s adaptability makes it possible to thrive anywhere while staying true to our mission. 🟠 Immediate Support + Long-Term Impact: Students are getting help when they need it, and members are stepping into the behavioral health workforce with skills, certifications, and purpose. We’re proud of this early impact and even more excited for what’s ahead. Year 2 is already underway in 7 new states. Read the full Year One impact report below. #YMHCxWestEd #YMHCYear2 #MentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthSolutions

In its first year, the Youth Mental Health Corps deployed 317 members across 172 service sites, serving over 16,000 young people in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, and Texas! This year, that impact will extend to California, Iowa, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Virginia as Corps members bridge the gap in mental health support while gaining valuable on-the-job experience to prepare for careers in behavioral health. And the momentum continues to grow — seven more states will join in fall 2026, bringing the total engaged to 18. An independent assessment by WestEd of the YMHC's first year finds that the YMHC, co-created by the Schultz Family Foundation and Pinterest, is making a measurable difference in schools and communities. This early impact wouldn't be possible without our incredible supporters: Dream Machine Innovation Lab, Mae Philanthropies, Pivotal Ventures, and The Starbucks Foundation . Thank you for your commitment to youth mental health – here's to #YMHCYear2! Learn more about the YMHC's 2025-2026 plans: https://lnkd.in/gCGVGitk

2024-25 Colorado Youth Mental Health Corps member, Josiah Sanchez, shares about his experience serving in the Corps, highlighting how he made his classroom a safe place where students felt free to share about their mental health struggles. After a year of the YMHC being active in Lake Middle School in Colorado, the staff reported a cultural shift, with students being more proactive about seeking out mental health support. Interested in bringing the YMHC impact to your community? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ezk2dADN

In The Youth Mental Health Corps' inaugural year, 56 YMHC members served their communities at 18 service sites across Michigan, one of four inaugural states. Across the state, Michigan Corps' members made an incredible impact, including: ✅ 35 YMHC members completed certification pathways ✅ 5 implementing organizations coordinating diverse placement settings ✅ 10,819+ community members served in inaugural year Learn more about the Michigan YMHC chapter: https://lnkd.in/e-D-sNTW

At The Youth Mental Health Corps, we train and empower young adults to become trusted, compassionate mental health navigators in their communities. As part of national service through the YMHC, our members: 💜 Build connections in schools and communities 🧡 Help reduce stigma around mental health 💜 Guide youth toward mental health resources 🧡 Receive training, certifications, and hands-on experience in the behavioral health field This National Suicide Prevention Month, we’re reminded that showing up—listening, trusting, and caring—can be life-saving work. Are you ready to make a difference and grow your career in mental health? Learn more about serving as a Youth Mental Health Corps member: https://lnkd.in/d79bxUvT 

At The Youth Mental Health Corps, we believe every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe. Our members work every day in schools and community organizations to build trusted connections, share life-saving resources, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Small actions can save lives, whether starting a conversation, recognizing the signs, or guiding someone to professional support. We’re training the next generation of behavioral health leaders to show up with compassion, knowledge, and a commitment to making mental health care more accessible for all. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. 📞 Call or text 988 for free, confidential support, available 24/7.

During our webinar, Leading the Charge: Youth-Powered Solutions for Mental Health, Josiah, a 2024/2025 Corps member who served in Colorado, shared about his experience serving in the Youth Mental Health Corps. Josiah highlighted the professional development, the joy of connecting with the youth, and the feeling that he truly made a difference in students' lives as some of the highlights of his experience. Check out the full webinar and learn more about the impact we made during year one: https://lnkd.in/eewgDDFB 

Are you or someone you know interested in pursuing a behavioral health career? Youth Mental Health Corps members have the opportunity to pursue various certification pathways that lead to careers in the field, gain on-the-job experience, and make connections with industry professionals. Learn more about serving as a Youth Mental Health Corps Member: https://lnkd.in/d79bxUvT 

DYK: By the end of 2025, over 500 Youth Mental Health Corps members will be serving in over 200 nonprofits and schools across the country. Interested in supporting the expansion and sustainability of the YMHC? Learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available at https://lnkd.in/eB7d98YB

Alise Marshall, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs & Global Impact, at Pinterest, is part of a main stage panel at #APA2025! Leaders in mental health advocacy will come together to share their insights, research, and tested strategies for empowering and uplifting not only the youth who are facing mental health struggles, but also the adults in their lives working to support them. Learn more about the panel discussion "How to Help a Generation Heal," here: https://lnkd.in/e5S4ZJ-u