UCLA Gets $33M Grant for Youth Mental Health Training

April 12, 2026 - 18:14

A landmark $33 million grant has been awarded to UCLA to dramatically expand training for mental health professionals serving young people in Los Angeles County. The substantial funding is dedicated to addressing a critical shortage in the behavioral health field.

The initiative aims to produce an estimated 2,600 new qualified graduates by 2031. These professionals will include social workers, family therapists, psychologists, and counselors specifically trained to support children, adolescents, and transitional-age youth. The program will focus on increasing both the number of practitioners and the diversity of the workforce to better reflect the communities they serve.

The funding will support existing and new training pipelines across multiple UCLA departments and schools. A key component involves placing trainees directly within community-based organizations and school districts across the county, ensuring practical experience and improving access to care in underserved areas. This large-scale effort represents a significant investment in the long-term mental well-being of the region's youth, aiming to build a more robust and accessible system of care for future generations.