GET INVOLVED

As a Coach

Are you a licensed youth mental health provider in your community? Help school-based mental health staff strengthen their clinical skills through mentorship and support.

To deliver our CBT and Mindfulness program, school mental health professionals receive both foundational training from TRAILS and ten weeks of support from a TRAILS Coach.

TRAILS Coaches lead weekly, small-group video calls to support school staff throughout delivery of the program. As licensed clinicians with deep expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and its role in the TRAILS model, they offer tailored guidance and problem-solving, live opportunities for clinical skill practice, and an experience of professional community.

TRAILS means what it says…this is something that I can invest myself into because they're continuing to invest pretty heavily into others.

Eric VanBuskirk

TRAILS Coach

Benefits of Coaching

TRAILS Coaching is a unique opportunity for mental health professionals interested in deepening their own skills while mentoring others.

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  • Get free training and education credits

    Coaches receive free training in the TRAILS CBT and Mindfulness program and access to other advanced practice opportunities. Continuing education credits are provided for eligible trainees.

  • Earn a stipend

    For independent coaches (not contracted through an agency or school system), TRAILS offers a competitive stipend beginning at $2,000 per coaching group.

  • Build school relationships

    Coaching provides the opportunity to connect with school-based professionals, build leadership skills, and help improve outcomes for students in your state.

  • Expand your professional network

    Throughout the training, consultation, and coaching experience, coaches form new and meaningful connections with other clinicians in their regions, in nearby school systems, and on the TRAILS team.

Becoming a Coach

Applicants who meet the criteria are invited to participate in free TRAILS trainings and consultations, which include free continuing education credits for eligible participants in their state of licensure (CEUs, PDHs, and/or SCECHs).

Required Professional Experience

  • Masters or doctoral-level mental health provider
  • Licensed in your field of practice with no history of disciplinary action
  • Carrier of professional liability insurance
  • Currently employed providing individual clinical mental health services to youth ages 8-18 with at least two years of post-master’s degree experience
  • Able to protect time for training and coaching
  • Committed to providing at least two semesters of coaching support following successful completion of training and consultation
  • Have employer support for participation

The Training Process

  • Step 1: Attend the 6-hour TRAILS CBT and Mindfulness training.
  • Step 2: Complete 10-12 weeks of consultation with a TRAILS Consultation Specialist and complete weekly practice sessions with a youth ages 8–18 for the duration of consultation.
  • Step 3: If recommended by your Trails Consultant to become a TRAILS Coach, attend the TRAILS Coach Protocol Training (2.5 hours total).

Join the TRAILS Coach Network

Visit our Careers page to learn more and view contract opportunities in your state.

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