Community Mental Health Worker Apprenticeship
Paid, state- and federally registered apprenticeship training community mental health workers in crisis response, case management, and outreach
17150 Newhope Street, Suite 507, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Applications accepted online at any time
No experience required
Program Philosophy
Moving Forward Psychological Institute was founded in 2015 in response to growing mental health crises in workplaces, schools, homes, and communities, and a gap in quality, culturally adapted care. Its vision is to prevent crises, save lives, and reduce the costs crises cause. The apprenticeship addresses the community's need for qualified staff in mental health and wellness roles, guided by the values of compassion, acceptance, reassurance, and empowerment.
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Adults hired by a mental health employer who want paid, registered training
Apprentices are employed by their sponsoring employer and complete on-the-job training under a qualified supervisor, alongside 160 hours of related and supplemental instruction delivered by Moving Forward Academy over approximately 12 months. A standard workday is eight hours; specific class days and times are set with the employer.
State Certificate of Completion, paid work experience, crisis response and case management skills
Cost & Outcomes
This is paid training: apprentices are employed by a sponsoring employer and earn an hourly wage starting at $23, rising to $25 as they master competencies over about 12 months.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Registered apprenticeship: approved by the U.S. Department of Labor and the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards
Earn while you learn: apprentices are paid by their employer from day one, starting at $23 per hour and rising to $25 per hour as competencies are mastered
Hands-on crisis training: live simulation-based clinical, crisis prevention, and intervention training, including a 40-hour Active Prevention and Intervention crisis response course
Competency-based design: 19 areas of competency aligned to the Community Mental Health Worker occupation
Culturally adaptive focus: training on cultural humility and working with underserved communities
Mentorship and networking: strong mentorship plus opportunities to shadow industry professionals
Day in the Life
- Work at the sponsoring employer under the supervision of a qualified professional worker
- Conduct community outreach, mental health education, and resource navigation with clients and families
- Practice case management and maintain program records and documentation
- Attend related and supplemental instruction sessions with Moving Forward Academy
- Participate in live simulation-based crisis prevention and intervention training
- Receive mentorship and shadow other mental health professionals
Led by licensed clinicians (Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists); founder Paul Hoang has 20+ years of clinical and crisis response experience
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Balancing full-time paid work with 160 hours of related instruction, and absorbing emotionally demanding crisis and case management work while still building skills. Securing an employer sponsor before enrolling can also be a challenge.
Earning a paycheck from day one while training, practicing crisis response through live simulations, and directly helping community members connect to mental health care and resources with mentors alongside.
Employment Support
Employment from day one: apprentices are hired and paid by their sponsoring employer throughout training
Wage progression: pay increases as apprentices master competencies, up to the $25 per hour professional worker wage
Mentorship: strong mentorship and guidance from qualified professionals
Networking: opportunities to build a professional network and shadow industry professionals
State-recognized Certificate of Completion issued by the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards upon completion
Continuity protection: the apprenticeship committee may transfer an apprentice to another employer in the event of a layoff
How It Works
Secure employment with a participating employer willing to sponsor the apprenticeship (or confirm a current employer will sponsor)
Submit the application on the Community Mental Health Worker Apprenticeship page
Moving Forward Academy team follows up to review qualifications
Sign the written apprentice agreement with the employer and Moving Forward Academy (registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards within 30 days)
Begin on-the-job training and related instruction, starting with a three-month probationary period
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.Yes. Applicants must be hired by an organization and sponsored by their employer, or find a sponsoring employer.
Yes. The employer pays apprentices, starting at $23 per hour and rising to $25 per hour as competencies are completed.
About 12 months, including 160 hours of related and supplemental instruction.
A Certificate of Completion issued by the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards.