Shaping the Future of Mental Health Careers

Future Mental Health Professionals (FMHP) was founded with a bold vision: to prepare and inspire the next generation of mental health professionals. Created by mental health professionals, educators, and advocates, FMHP provides high school students with the skills, training, and leadership experiences needed to one day pursue careers in counseling, psychology, social work, and behavioral health.

Why We Created FMHP

Mental health is one of the most critical issues facing our society, yet there is still stigma, misunderstanding, and a shortage of qualified professionals to meet the growing demand for mental health services. Despite the growing awareness of mental health issues, there are very few structured programs designed to prepare youth for careers in mental health. While other career and technical student organizations focus on general healthcare, business, and STEM, FMHP is a program dedicated specifically to mental health careers.

This lack of programs means that students interested in counseling, psychology, social work, and behavioral health often have limited opportunities to gain real-world experience before college. FMHP fills this gap by providing career exploration, training, and leadership development for high school students passionate about mental health so that they can be more intentional and diligent while pursuing their goals.

The Mental Health Crisis & Youth Impact

• 1 in 5 youth in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-24.

• Many schools lack adequate mental health support, leaving students without the help they need.

• Stigma prevents open conversations, discouraging people from seeking professional help.

FMHP exists to bridge this gap by preparing students to become the next generation of mental health professionals and advocates.

Who FMHP is For

FMHP was designed for:
✔ High school students interested in careers in mental health, counseling, psychology, social work, and human services.
✔ Educators looking to integrate mental health career pathways into their school programs.
✔ Community leaders & mental health professionals who want to mentor and support future industry leaders.
✔ Schools & districts aiming to address mental health awareness and workforce development.

The Future of Mental Health Careers

The need for qualified mental health professionals has never been greater. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Mental health-related careers are projected to grow by 22% by 2031—much faster than the national average.
- The demand for counselors, therapists, and social workers continues to rise due to increased mental health awareness and the need for more accessible services.
- Investing in the next generation of mental health professionals will create stronger, healthier communities.