Interested in becoming a CMHW? Join us!
We’re very excited to launch our Community Mental Health Worker training program! This unique 12-month program will offer you the opportunity to learn and work directly with patients and colleagues, providing vital services to those in need.
Take a look at the program requirements below. If you’re interested, click here to apply. This will take you to a Qualtrics form through Claremont Graduate University.
Community Mental Health Worker (CMHW) Training Program
HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education & Training (BHWET-Para) Program
The CTRI Community Mental Health Worker (CMHW) Training Program is a no-cost, stipend-supported workforce development program designed to prepare individuals for careers as Community Mental Health Workers.
Funded under the HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Paraprofessionals, the CMHW program develops and expands community-based experiential training to strengthen the behavioral health workforce in high-need communities
PROGRAM PURPOSE
The CMHW Training Program prepares trainees to:
Work in integrated behavioral health and primary care settings
Serve children, adolescents, and transitional-age youth (TAY) who have experienced trauma
Address mental health, substance use, and social determinants of health
Deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS-aligned care)
Function effectively on interprofessional teams
The program directly addresses behavioral health workforce shortages in underserved and high-demand communities.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
CTRI’s CMHW program includes two-tiered structured levels of training:
Level 1: Pre-Service Training (Didactic + Experiential)
Level 1 includes structured coursework and supervised field placements.
Level 2: In-Service Registered Apprenticeship (Optional)
Level 2 provides paid, on-the-job apprenticeship training in partnership with a Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship site.
UPCOMING COHORT
Next Cohort Launch: Fall 2026
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
Format:
Hybrid (virtual + in-person experiential placements)
Evening and weekend course options
Field placements scheduled in coordination with partner sites
Program Commitment
Level 1 trainees commit to:
12 months of structured training
Completion of didactic coursework
Completion of supervised experiential hours
Participation in performance and outcome tracking (including 1-year post-completion employment follow-up)
Program Benefits
Participants will:
· Prepare for entry-level behavioral health and integrated care careers
· Gain hands-on experience in community-based and clinical settings.
· Receive structured mentorship and supervision
· Develop competencies in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care
· Strengthen resume with a recognized CMHW Certificate
· Build a pathway into apprenticeship and long-term employment
Financial Support
· There is no tuition cost to participate.
· Through HRSA BHWET funding
· Eligible trainees will receive stipends and support for all fees and educational supplies.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Meet one of the following: Be U.S. citizens, a non-citizen national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or a qualified alien under federal law
Possess a high school diploma or GED (minimum requirement)
Be interested in behavioral health workforce careers
Commit to serving high-need or underserved communities
Be proficient in English and able to participate in virtual learning
We strongly encourage applications from:
Individuals from underserved communities
First-generation college students
Multilingual applicants
Individuals with lived experience relevant to behavioral health
Community college graduates and transfer students
Ideal Candidate
The ideal CMHW trainee:
Is committed to community service
Understands the connection between mental and physical health
Desires to work with children, youth, and families
Is interested in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care
Seeks a structured pathway into behavioral health careers
CAREER PATHWAYS AFTER COMPLETION
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
Community Mental Health Worker
Behavioral Health Specialist
Peer Support Specialist
Case Manager
Care Coordinator (ECM programs)
School-Based Behavioral Health Aide
Registered Behavioral Health Apprentice
Advanced behavioral health certifications
TMS/CBT/tDCS Technician/ Technotherapist
ESRI/ GIS Tech Professional
The CMHW certificate is stackable and may align with associate or bachelor degree pathways; Trainees will receive academic credits for further studies.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
CTRI’s CMHW program:
Addresses workforce shortages in high-need communities
Expands access to culturally and linguistically appropriate services
Integrates behavioral health into primary care and school settings
Strengthens community-based behavioral health systems
Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in workforce development
Applications open: April 1, 2026
Applications end: June 30, 2026
For more information:
📧 workforce.training@ctris.org
📞 +1(626) 783 -1217
🌐 www.ctris.org
