Youth in Transition – Therapists
Provide pro bono counseling for youth transitioning out of foster care in Pennsylvania
Too many teens and young adults leave foster care without consistent mental health support, right when life gets more complex and less structured. Youth in Transition connects motivated young people with licensed volunteer clinicians for free counseling, with coordination and support built in.
Why this program exists
Closing the gap for youth aging out of care
Young people transitioning out of foster care often carry significant stress, grief, and trauma while also trying to navigate school, work, housing, and relationships—often with limited or inconsistent support.
Youth in Transition was created to help close that gap by connecting teens and young adults to free, consistent counseling during this critical life transition. For many youth, having one steady therapeutic relationship can make a meaningful difference during a time when so much else feels uncertain.
As Executive Director Nancy McCullar often notes, the need for flexible, dependable mental health support during this transition is tremendous. Sessions are typically delivered via secure telehealth, allowing clinicians to provide care from their home or office while increasing access for youth.
The goal is simple: offer a young person one reliable, supportive clinical relationship when it matters most.
What volunteering looks like
Designed to be manageable, supported, and meaningful
Volunteering with Youth in Transition is intentionally structured to fit into a working clinician’s life without adding unnecessary administrative burden. Clinicians focus on providing therapy; program staff manage outreach, prescreening, and matching so your time and energy stay centered on clinical care.
Youth are screened for readiness and stability, so the work focuses on ongoing counseling and skills-building rather than high-intensity crisis response. You receive a clear referral description before accepting a client and always have the option to decline based on fit and capacity.
Many clinicians describe this work as a meaningful way to reconnect with the purpose that brought them into the field—offering steady, relationship-based care without the bureaucracy that can so often drain time and energy.
Volunteering is structured to fit into a working clinician’s life without creating extra administrative weight. You provide therapy; program staff handle coordination, prescreening, and matching so your time is focused on clinical work, not logistics.
Please note: Youth always have a voice in the matching process, and therapy moves at a pace that feels right to them
Benefits and requirements
Clear expectations, low friction, real impact
This opportunity is built to respect your time and professional boundaries while creating steady support for youth who are ready to engage.
Flexible time commitment
Many volunteers contribute as little as 2–4 hours per month. Sessions are scheduled directly with the youth in a cadence that works for both of you.
Low administrative burden
No billing or insurance claims are required. Program staff coordinate referrals and help streamline onboarding so you can focus on therapy.
Prescreened, non-crisis referrals
Youth are assessed for readiness and stability before matching. This is not designed as an emergency or crisis-response program.
Support and connection
Orientation is provided, and optional peer consultation opportunities may be available. Staff are accessible if questions arise or you need coordination support.
Clinician requirements
Licensed mental health professionals in Pennsylvania (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT, psychologist) are welcome, including semi-retired or retired clinicians who remain eligible to practice. Malpractice insurance and the ability to provide secure teletherapy are required.
FAQs
Common questions from volunteer clinicians
How do I volunteer as a therapist for foster youth?
Start by reaching out to share your credentials, availability, and preferred populations. A coordinator will schedule a brief conversation to confirm fit and explain how referrals are handled. You’ll receive details about a youth referral before you decide to accept. Once matched, you and the youth set a consistent session time that works for both schedules.
What is the time commitment for Youth in Transition volunteer therapists?
Many clinicians contribute one client slot and as little as 2–4 hours per month, depending on session frequency. The cadence can be weekly, biweekly, or another agreed schedule based on need and availability. Because sessions are typically telehealth, travel time is removed. You can also pause new referrals if your caseload changes.
Will I have support, or am I on my own?
You won’t be on your own—program staff coordinate matching and remain available for questions and logistics. Youth are prescreened for readiness, which helps reduce uncertainty at intake. Orientation is provided so you understand expectations and workflow. Optional peer consultation opportunities may be available to support clinicians who want connection and shared learning.
Do I need to handle billing, paperwork, or insurance?
No—this opportunity is designed to avoid insurance and billing requirements. Documentation expectations are kept minimal and focused on what’s needed for coordination and ethical practice. Program staff handle the matching and administrative coordination so your energy stays on clinical work. If any required forms are needed for onboarding, you’ll be guided through them clearly.
What kinds of concerns do youth typically bring to sessions?
Common themes include anxiety, depression, grief, stress, trust and relationship challenges, and the pressure of major life transitions. Many youth are navigating school or work, housing uncertainty, and the emotional impact of past instability. Therapy can also support goal-setting, coping skills, and healthier decision-making. The work is often deeply meaningful because you may be one of the few consistent supports during a pivotal time.