Youth Mental Health Academy
Building Pathways. Advancing Mental Health Careers
Thank you for your interest in applying to the Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) at the Child Mind Institute!
This application is for high school students in Los Angeles County, California.
Important Information
If you participated in the 2025 Youth Mental Health Summer Academy, please do not submit an application. For questions, contact ymhainternships@childmind.org
We are not currently accepting Mentor applications.
About the Program
The Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) is a community-based workforce development program designed for high school students interested in mental health and related fields.
YMHA prioritizes expanding access and opportunity for students from historically and structurally underserved communities, supporting the development of a more diverse and representative behavioral health workforce.
If accepted, students will participate in a project-based, career-connected learning experience, including:
- Mental Health Literacy
- Independent Living Skills
- College and Career Readiness
- Research and Data Exploration
- Capstone Project and Presentation
Through YMHA, students will:
- Build professional, interpersonal, and leadership skills
- Gain exposure to mental health careers and pathways
- Develop a network of peers, mentors, and professionals
- Explore future education and workforce opportunities
Application Eligibility & Timeline
- Application Access:
The application is currently closed to the general public.
Only students affiliated with Bridge Builders Foundation (BBF) partner programs are eligible to apply.
A BBF reference is required for application review. - Final Deadline:
April 23, 2026 - Notification of Acceptance:
All applicants will be notified by May 1, 2026 - Acceptance Confirmation:
Students must confirm participation within two weeks of notification.
Failure to confirm may result in placement on the waitlist.
Application Instructions
- Please complete the application fully and thoughtfully.
- For questions or support, contact: YMHAApplications@childmind.org
Confidentiality Notice
- All information shared in this application will remain confidential.
- Data may be used to inform program improvement and evaluation, but no personally identifying information (e.g., name, address) will be reported.
2026-2027 - YMHA Bridge Builders Application
Youth Mental Health Academy
Building Pathways. Advancing Mental Health Careers
Thank you for your interest in applying to the Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) at the Child Mind Institute!
This application is for high school students in Los Angeles County, California.
Important Information
If you participated in the 2025 Youth Mental Health Summer Academy, please do not submit an application. For questions, contact ymhainternships@childmind.org
We are not currently accepting Mentor applications.
About the Program
The Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) is a community-based workforce development program designed for high school students interested in mental health and related fields.
YMHA prioritizes expanding access and opportunity for students from historically and structurally underserved communities, supporting the development of a more diverse and representative behavioral health workforce.
If accepted, students will participate in a project-based, career-connected learning experience, including:
- Mental Health Literacy
- Independent Living Skills
- College and Career Readiness
- Research and Data Exploration
- Capstone Project and Presentation
Through YMHA, students will:
- Build professional, interpersonal, and leadership skills
- Gain exposure to mental health careers and pathways
- Develop a network of peers, mentors, and professionals
- Explore future education and workforce opportunities
Application Eligibility & Timeline
- Application Access:
The application is currently closed to the general public.
Only students affiliated with Bridge Builders Foundation (BBF) partner programs are eligible to apply.
A BBF reference is required for application review. - Final Deadline:
April 23, 2026 - Notification of Acceptance:
All applicants will be notified by May 1, 2026 - Acceptance Confirmation:
Students must confirm participation within two weeks of notification.
Failure to confirm may result in placement on the waitlist.
Application Instructions
- Please complete the application fully and thoughtfully.
- For questions or support, contact: YMHAApplications@childmind.org
Confidentiality Notice
- All information shared in this application will remain confidential.
- Data may be used to inform program improvement and evaluation, but no personally identifying information (e.g., name, address) will be reported.