Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 7:09
The UCLA psychology department is introducing a new youth behavioral health minor designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals supporting young people. Set to launch this winter, the program will welcome its first cohort of over 100 students. According to psychology lecturer Alayna Park, the initiative addresses a critical gap in the current healthcare system.
To qualify, applicants must be pre-majors or majors in psychology, psychobiology, or cognitive science with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They also need to have completed introductory and developmental psychology courses. The curriculum combines two upper-division classes on youth behavioral intervention and foundations with a mandatory yearlong internship at community behavioral sites across Southern California.
This minor is very, very, very overdue. We have had a youth mental health crisis for decades that just keeps getting worse and worse.
Data underscores the urgency of the program. The CDC reports that 40 percent of high school students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness in 2023. Meanwhile, the Healthy Minds Study found that 37 percent of college students reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and 32 percent struggled with anxiety. These figures highlight the extreme shortage of accessible care providers.
Operating out of Westwood, UCLA is strategically positioning students to serve their own neighborhoods. Professor Bruce Chorpita, who spearheaded the minor creation, emphasized the goal of matching students with communities they grew up in. The department consulted approximately 40 provider agencies and 80 school districts while designing the curriculum. Following a successful pilot cohort of 36 students last year, the expanded program aims to seamlessly integrate graduates into local schools and clinics.
The development of this minor aligns with broader statewide efforts to expand youth mental health services. In 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom established the Master Plan for Kids Mental Health, which formally recognized Certified Wellness Coach roles as viable entry points into the field. This policy shift allows bachelor degree holders to work directly with families and treatment teams at public institutions.
As applications remain open until Friday, prospective students are encouraged to secure their spot in this pioneering program. By bridging the gap between academic training and real world clinical experience, UCLA is preparing a new generation of caregivers equipped to tackle one of California most pressing public health challenges.
