Join the Youth Council on Mental Health

Apply: Youth Council on Mental Health (YCMH)

We want to hear your voice!

Partners for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH) invites Colorado youth between the ages of 13-19 to join our youth-led, adult-supported advisory council, the Youth Council on Mental Health (YCMH).  YCMH’s vision is to positively shape the future of youth mental health in Colorado. YCMH is made of two teams: The Community Action Team and the Program Innovation Team.  Each team is led by two youth leaders and a youth advisor.

Youth council members will be asked to:

  • Participate in two 1.5 hour virtual meetings each month 
  • Demonstrate a genuine interest in youth mental health
  • Demonstrate a willingness to advocate for all issues related to youth mental health for all youth across the state of Colorado

In addition to work experience, YCMH members will receive: 

  • $45 per month
  • Professional development and coaching opportunities 
  • Access to professionals in behavioral health, social work, public health, and beyond
  • Ongoing opportunities to engage with youth across the state of Colorado to create meaningful change in youth mental health

Keep in mind, we are not asking for professionals in the field of mental health. We only want you to use your voice. This process at first can be challenging, but understand that PCMH is here to support and grow alongside you.

The ideal YCMH member has the following qualities: 

  • Creative
  • Coachable
  • Committed
  • Conscientious
  • Courageous
  • Communicator
  • Collaborative

Preferred skills and experience for YCMH members include, but are not limited to:

  • Lived experience with mental health (personal, family or friend support, or otherwise)
  • Willing to represent a distinct Colorado region; supporting youth across the state of Colorado
  • Committed and driven to support systemic change related to mental health
  • Critical thinking, solution-oriented skills

Application Timeline

Sept. 17, 2023: Application deadline. All applications must be submitted by 11:59pm MT on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Sept. 18-22, 2023: Interviews

Sept. 28: First YCMH council meeting

About Partners for Children’s Mental Health

Partners for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH) is a center within Children’s Hospital Colorado, supported by the University of Colorado School of Medicine. PCMH is focused on improving the youth mental health system in Colorado. PCMH’s vision is a future where all children and youth have the mental health care and support they need to thrive. 

PCMH wants to transform the way professionals work with youth. Our center creates powerful and impactful trainings to help teachers, doctors, therapists, and other professionals support youth with mental health challenges. 

We are committed to ensuring that youth voices are centered in our work. We believe youth need to be involved in making decisions that directly impact them. Youth input is necessary as we seek to increase access to high-quality mental health services for all Colorado youth, and reduce the number of Colorado youth who die by suicide.

Questions? We’re here to answer them! Send an email to info@pcmh.org.

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023-24 YCMH. To be notified about future opportunities to apply and get involved, email info@pcmh.org.