University Chapter Initiative
Building the Next Generation of Mental Health Leaders
Connecting students to real-world clinical experience, professional mentorship, and a national movement transforming mental health from crisis intervention to prevention.
A national university chapter system connecting students to clinical experience, professional training, and a prevention-focused future in mental health.
From Classroom to Clinical Impact
The New Horizons Foundation's University Chapter Initiative bridges the gap between academic training and real-world clinical practice.
We equip undergraduate and graduate students — particularly those in clinical mental health, counseling, psychology, and related fields — with access to:
At its core, this initiative advances a broader vision: To move mental health from reactive crisis intervention to proactive prevention — through education, access, and early engagement.
A National Student-to-Clinician Pipeline
University Chapters → Training → Clinical Exposure → Workforce Entry → Community Impact
Engagement
Campus Level
Student-led organizations with faculty advisors; leadership and peer connection
Education
Training Layer
Workshops, speaker series, evidence-based learning. Integration with the American Psychotherapy Institute for continuing education pathways.
Clinical Exposure
Applied Learning
Direct interaction with clinicians, case-based discussions, ethical and professional standards
Career Pathway
Transition
Internship and practicum alignment, networking into clinical settings and partner organizations
More Than a Student Organization
Real Outcomes, Not Just Participation
Students who participate in NHF Chapters gain tangible career advantages.
Who This Is For
Graduate Students
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP-aligned programs)
Undergraduate Students
Pursuing psychology, counseling, or behavioral health
Career Explorers
Students exploring clinical or community mental health careers
Prevention Advocates
Future professionals committed to prevention-focused systems
What Is a Chapter?
A New Horizons Chapter is a university-based, faculty-supported student organization affiliated with the New Horizons Foundation.
Each chapter operates independently on campus while aligning with NHF's national mission and programming model. These chapters serve as a bridge between academic training, clinical practice, and workforce development.
Current & Growing Chapters
Our chapter network is expanding across the country. Join the movement.
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
Your University Here
Chapters launching nationwide
Bring a Chapter to Your University
Students and faculty can launch an NHF-affiliated chapter to create structured opportunities for clinical exposure, mentorship, and professional development.
Partner in Building the Future Workforce
NHF Chapters support institutional goals across multiple dimensions.
CACREP-Aligned Development
Student growth aligned with accreditation standards
Practicum Readiness
Internship and practicum preparation for students
Workforce Pipeline
Building the next generation of clinical professionals
Campus Programming
Expanded mental health programming for your campus
The Future of Mental Health Starts Earlier
The current system intervenes too late — at crisis.
We are shifting that model by engaging students before they enter the workforce, creating clinicians who are better prepared, more connected, and prevention-focused.
This is how systems change.
Everything You Need to Launch
NHF provides a complete Chapter Starter Kit to every approved chapter.
Join a Chapter Near You
Interested in joining an NHF Chapter? Let us know and we'll connect you with an active chapter or notify you when one launches at your university.
Ready to Join the Movement?
Whether you're a student, faculty member, or institutional partner — there's a role for you in building the future of mental health.
Each university chapter operates as an independent student organization and is affiliated with the New Horizons Foundation for educational, professional development, and mission-aligned programming purposes.