Shoutout the Community Mental Health Worker program, by Children’s Bureau New Orleans
Children’s Bureau New Orleans offers a level of health care that is really led by young people. Through research, program adaptations, and strong partnerships, the Community Mental Health Worker model embeds peer support and healing-centered approaches where youth already are.
A response to youth voicing the need for more peer-led services
launched in 2022 as a three-year pilot, after one year of research and program design
a new model of non-clinical support was developed and embedded alongside clinicians in Workforce Development partnerships
The CMHW role combines peer support specialist and community health worker roles
CMHWs create a more accessible entry point into mental health-focused programming
they provide outreach, education, client engagement, mental health screening, trauma-informed strategies for connection to care, and peer-led group interventions
they also support young people once they are in treatment
Pilot results were strong
Over 300 youth accessed care
Partner organizations reported improved program engagement
75% of youth who completed therapy showed reduced trauma-related symptoms
As of July 2026, CMHWs have served over 450 young people across multiple partnership sites
“The Youth Master Plan is a critical tool for creating services and service delivery systems that work for the young people and families who need them. It centers the voice and the needs of youth in conversations where it is often lost.”
— Dr. Berre Burch
Deputy Director of Clinical Services, Children’s Bureau New Orleans
Key Investments
Primary funder is the Conrad N Hilton Foundation, with a second three-year investment awarded January 2026
United Way via RECAST
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation is funding a pilot of the CMHW + clinician model in two local high schools
Exploring additional funding to resume services of CMHW + clinician model at Hotel Hope and Boys Town Louisiana
Barriers & Addressing Challenges
Medicaid in Louisiana is very limited in reimbursement for peer support services
Despite significant growth in this area, there remains high levels of stigma around accessing mental health support
The CMHW model is intended to be responsive to challenges and barriers when they arise. In the first three years Children’s Bureau shifted the model several times to better fit the needs of partners and young people.
How the CMHW program is Youth Master Plan Aligned:
✓ YOUTH VOICE
Youth Development Public Awareness Campaign (YV1)
Expanding Youth Decision Making Opportunities (YV3)
✓ HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Caregiver Mental Health (HWB 2)
Healing-Centered Trainings on Youth Safety, Agency & Well-Being (HWB3 + 4)
Cultural Competence in Health Care (HWB5)
✓ SAFETY & JUSTICE
Culturally Appropriate Prevention Approaches (SJ1)
Shoutout from the Shoutout
Partnering is key to the success of the CMHW model because care is embedded into partner sites where young people are already engaged and other needs are being met.
The clinician + CMHW model is embedded in the following organization:
Cafe Reconcile
YEP
New Orleans Career Center
Next Level NOLA
Trombone Shorty Foundation
George Washington Carver HS
Walter L. Cohen HS
Hotel Hope
More partners:
CALM Nola
Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD)
PLAAY South
Center for Evidence to Practice
