Youth Policy Accelerator
amplifying youth voices in mental health policy
Mental Health America’s Youth Policy Accelerator (YPA) serves as a platform to ensure that the priorities and voices of young people are at the forefront of national mental health policy discussions.
The YPA brings together a cohort of 10 young leaders who have demonstrated a significant impact on policy and program development. In this first-of-its-kind program, members:
- Learn from established leaders in the field
- Nurture their personal strengths and skills
- Engage with government decision-makers
- Develop comprehensive recommendations and campaigns to propel youth policy priorities
Focus on youth peer support
The inaugural 2023-2024 YPA cohort is dedicated to advancing access to youth peer support programs and services on a national level. This work is informed by their direct experiences in peer support programs and mental health policy advocacy.
Peer support is crucial to expanding lived-experience leadership and non-coercive care in mental health. For more information, read our reports on college mental health peer support programs and expanding youth and young adult peer support services.
1,200+
letters sent to representatives to advance youth peer support policy
1,200+
youth policy town hall attendees
48 states
amplified the voices of people in 48 states
Youth policy town halls
Fostering dialogue, driving change
These interactive, youth-centered events serve as platforms for young people to engage with policymakers, experts, and fellow advocates.
View our past town halls:
Youth policy priorities
Shaping tomorrow's policies today
MHA is committed to elevating the priorities of young people in mental health policy. Through research and collaboration, our youth leaders help us identify and advocate for policies that address the unique needs and challenges faced by youth and young adults.
While there is a lot of change needed in peer support, the YPA selected the following top priorities for 2024:
- Increase peer-to-peer support in schools.
- Invest in youth peer support research.
- Provide Medicaid guidance on youth peer services in schools.
- Require a percentage of block grant funding to go to youth peer support.
Trailblazing the future of youth peer support: A youth-driven policy guide
This report, co-authored by YPA members, highlights the perspectives of young leaders and how we can drive national change. It features policy progress, results from a survey of more than 350 youth peer leaders, and actionable recommendations for national policymakers.
Resources for youth policy advocacy
Stay informed, stay empowered
Join MHA's Advocacy Network to get alerts and take action. Learn how to inform elected officials about critical mental health and substance use issues in your community.