“The Mental Health Career Program has opened the doors to incredible people and an empowering community. It has given me hope that I can get through this journey of career licensing.” — Julio Cesar Zamarripa, Mental Health Career Program Participant

Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Career Program provides undocumented professionals in California with the career-specific hands-on training, professional development, and mentoring they need to launch their careers in the mental health field. Program participants will receive supervision, training, and mentorship from licensed therapists while gaining hours towards their licensure in California by providing pro-bono mental health services to undocumented individuals.

Program Benefits

• Direct career experience
• Supervised clinical hours accumulation
• One-on-one mentorship and supervision from a licensed therapist
• Professional and leadership development training
• Connection to Immigrants Rising’s network of professionals
• Stipend to support participation in the program

General Requirements

• Have direct knowledge of and personal connection to the undocumented experience (DACA is not required to apply)
• Have completed a master’s degree in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or related mental health field
• Have an unexpired Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT), or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) registration given by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
• Provide proof of malpractice insurance at the start of the program
• Demonstrate commitment to providing mental health services to the undocumented community
• Commit to approximately 15 hours/week (first-year participants) or 20 hours/week (second-year participants) during the program

Read the Program Description & FAQ

The application cycle for 2025-2026 has closed. To receive updates about future Mental Health Career Program opportunities, fill out our Mental Health Contact Form.