Youth Mental Health Corps

The Youth Mental Health Corps (YMHC) is a national service-to-career initiative designed to address two urgent challenges: the youth mental health crisis and the shortage of behavioral health professionals. Conceived by the Schultz Family Foundation and Pinterest and launched with AmeriCorps, state service commissions, national philanthropies, and corporate partners, the YMHC leverages national service to expand support for youth while creating meaningful career pathways for young adults

Service programs that are part of the Youth Mental Health Corps recruit and train young adults (ages 18–24, or up to 29 for peer support roles) to serve as mental health navigators in schools, youth programs, and community settings. Members provide nonclinical support—such as resource navigation, near-peer mentoring, outreach, and wellness education—while earning certifications, credentials, and career exposure that prepare them for behavioral health roles with economic mobility.

The YMHC strengthens local capacity, expands access to youth mental health supports, and builds a diverse, community connected talent pipeline into the behavioral health workforce. 

Role of State Service Commissions

State service commissions lead the YMHC in their states. They bring partners together, align resources, and ensure programs are high‑quality and responsive to community needs. Commissions coordinate AmeriCorps programs and help build sustainable pathways that connect young adults, especially those with lived experience to meaningful careers in the behavioral health workforce.

Learn more about which states are part of the Youth Mental Health Corps.