MISSOURI — Mental health support for young people in Missouri could soon look different.
A national initiative called the Youth Mental Health Corps — aimed at addressing growing youth mental health challenges — announced plans to launch in Missouri in 2027.
The program trains young adults between 18 and 29 years old to provide near-peer mental health support to youth in schools, healthcare clinics and community organizations. Leaders say the goal is twofold: help young people access support while building the next generation of behavioral health professionals.
The Youth Mental Health Corps was founded by Pinterest and the Schultz Family Foundation and has been recognized by Fast Company as a “World Changing Idea.”
Program leaders say nearly 1,000 Corps members have already been trained nationwide, impacting more than 44,000 young people and community members through mental health support and service programs.
Missouri is among 11 states planning to launch the program in 2027, joining a growing national expansion. According to organizers, the initiative is expected to reach more than half the country by the 2027–2028 school year.
Governor Mike Kehoe praised the expansion in a statement, saying Missouri is proud to support efforts that strengthen youth mental health resources and help build a behavioral health workforce.
The announcement comes during Mental Health Awareness Month, as concerns surrounding youth anxiety, depression, and access to care continue nationwide.
An independent evaluation by WestEd found that schools participating in the program saw reductions in behavioral referrals, improved attendance, and increased willingness among students to seek mental health support.
Organizers say Missouri’s program will launch through ServMO and will continue developing over the next year ahead of its 2027 rollout.
For more information, visit the program’s website.
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