Outside voices
What people say about the work.
The strongest reviews of the academy come from the people who have done it. The most credible is the California Health Care Foundation's independent evaluation. Both are here.
Hands down the most valuable course I've ever taken. I use the mental health counseling skills I learned in the LCA every day, with my patients but also at home.
An external evaluation
The California Health Care Foundation evaluated the academy in 2025.
Their report concluded that lay counselor training, done seriously, can meaningfully expand the mental health workforce in communities where licensed clinicians are scarce. It also examined how graduates use the material in their working lives.
We think it's the most honest outside look at this academy. We would rather you read it than take our word for any of this.
Read the evaluationIn the press
Five pieces of independent coverage.
- California Healthline Asian Health Center Tries Unconventional Approach to Counseling
- STAT News Amid a dire nationwide therapist shortage, could lay counselors help close the gap?
- the Modesto Bee Severe shortage of mental health clinicians prompts Stanislaus County to try bold approach
- the Steinberg Institute 2023 Steinberg Institute Champions: Elizabeth Morrison & Alli Moreno
- CHCF Blog New Workforce of Lay Counselors Strives to Bridge Mental Health Care Gaps
More graduate stories, on the way.
Over twelve hundred people have come through the academy since 2021. We are gathering their stories and adding them here. If you are a graduate and would like to share, write to Angelica.
Share your story