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NYMHCA Mentoring Program

Mission

The NYMHCA Mentoring Program is committed to continuing our mission of supporting, promoting, and advocating for mental health counselors across New York State by creating an intentional and inclusive space for professional development. This program connects students, recent graduates of mental health counseling programs, or current counselors seeking the guidance of more seasoned colleagues with experienced licensed professionals to foster growth, confidence, and connection at every stage of a counselor’s journey.

We believe that effective mentoring, like counseling, is grounded in meaningful relationships built on mutual trust, respect, commitment, and shared learning. Through these relationships, we aim to cultivate a community of support that honors diverse identities, experiences, and pathways within the counseling profession.
Jessenia Ramirez, LMHC-D
Mentoring Program Coordinator
mentoring@nymhca.org

Goals of the Mentoring Program

Goal 1: Support graduate students, recent graduates, and current mental health counselors in navigating the transition from training to professional identity and practice.

Goal 2: Create opportunities for current counselors - at any stage in their careers - to seek mentorship and gain insight on navigating different elements of the counselor experience from more seasoned colleagues.

Goal 3: Foster meaningful, inclusive relationships among mental health counselors across New York State that encourage professional growth, peer support, and a strong sense of community.
Defining Mentoring
What Is Mentoring?
  • Collaborative Relationship-Building: A respectful, non-hierarchical connection grounded in mutual learning, shared professional values, and a commitment to growth
  • Professional and Emotional Support: Space to explore clinical identity, ethical dilemmas, applications, interviews, and challenges navigating the counseling field - without judgment
  • Knowledge Sharing: Seasoned professionals offering guidance, perspective, and resources based on experience, while remaining open to learning from mentees’ lived experiences and evolving perspectives
  • Culturally Responsive Practice: Awareness and validation of the diverse identities, backgrounds, and professional pathways of both mentors and mentees
  • Goal-Oriented Conversations: Mentoring pairs working together to identify personal and professional development goals and checking in regularly to support progress
  • Flexible, Accessible Engagement: Virtual, structured meetings with space for adaptability, clarity, and consistency - honoring both parties’ time and boundaries
What Isn't Mentoring?
  • Not clinical supervision or evaluation: Mentoring is not a substitute for licensed supervision or formal clinical oversight
  • Not one-sided advice-giving: The relationship is not a top-down dynamic; mentees are not passive recipients, and mentors are not all-knowing authorities
  • Not a therapeutic relationship: Mentoring is not therapy, nor a space to process personal mental health concerns and if mentees are deemed to benefit from counseling, mentors can provide referrals
  • Not exclusion: The program welcomes practicing NYMHCA counselors from all stages of their career with all identities who seek connection and guidance, and values diverse paths within the profession"
Eligibility Requirements
Mentors
  • Licensed mental health counselor in New York State for at least two (2) years
  • Current NYMHCA member
  • Committed to fostering a supportive, respectful, and growth-oriented mentoring relationship
Mentees
  • Must be one of the following:
    • A current graduate student in a mental health counseling program
    • A recent graduate or pre-licensed counselor
    • A currently practicing counselor seeking guidance from a more experienced colleague
    • A current NYMHCA member
    • Open to engaging with a mentor in a consistent and collaborative way
Roles and Expectations
Mentors
  • Must be a NYMHCA member in good standing
  • Abide by the AMHCA Code of Ethics
  • Serve as a supportive guide, not a supervisor or therapist
  • Participation is voluntary
  • Commit to the agreed timeframe and monthly contact
  • Build a relationship rooted in mutual respect and openness
  • Contact NYMHCA if support or re-matching is needed
Mentees
  • Must be a NYMHCA member in good standing
  • Mentorship is for professional development, not clinical supervision
  • Be engaged, communicative, and proactive
  • Take ownership of their goals and growth
  • Commit to the agreed timeframe and monthly contact
  • Build a relationship rooted in mutual respect and openness
  • Contact NYMHCA if support or re-matching is needed
Time Commitment and Timeline
  1. Mentoring pairs commit to a relationship lasting at least 6 months, and no more than 1 year from their first meeting
  2. Pairs agree to connect at least once per month via phone, video, or another mutually convenient method, in addition to two networking events with their program cohort
  3. Meeting schedules and formats reflect each person’s capacity while honoring clear communication and mutual respect
Mentor Benefits
  • 10% NYMHCA Convention discount
  • 10% off NYMHCA CEU webinars
  • Spotlight interview in the NYMHCA newsletter
  • "Mentor of the Month" social media feature
  • Digital badge to use on social media and email signature

Apply to be a Mentor or Mentee Today!

Mentor Application
Mentee Application
Confidentiality Disclaimer
All participants are expected to maintain confidentiality in accordance with the AMHCA Code of Ethics. The NYMHCA Mentoring Program is designed to facilitate the sharing of professional knowledge and experience between licensed and pre-licensed or growing professionals. While NYMHCA may collect and hold information about participants’ credentials and qualifications, it does not verify, endorse, or guarantee the qualifications, competence, or services of any mentor or mentee. Participation in this program does not immediately constitute a professional endorsement or recommendation by NYMHCA. Mentoring relationships are intended solely for professional development and peer support and are not a substitute for clinical supervision, therapy, or any formal professional service.

    New York Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization and a state chapter of
    the American Mental Health Counselors Association.
    The NYMHCA Institute, Inc. is an affiliated but separate 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization.

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