UCLA receives $33 million grant to expand mental health services

Funding aims to increase access to care and train more mental health professionals in underserved LA communities

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:55pm

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An abstract, ghostly X-ray image of a human brain, the neural pathways glowing against a dark background, conveying the complex inner workings of the mind and the importance of mental health care.This transformative grant will enable UCLA to train the next generation of mental health professionals and expand access to vital services in underserved LA communities.Los Angeles Today

UCLA has announced a $33 million grant from the Ballmer Group to expand youth mental health services and workforce training across Los Angeles. The funding will support expanded academic and clinical training programs, strengthen partnerships with the LA County Department of Mental Health, and provide more opportunities for students and early-career professionals to enter the mental health field.

Why it matters

This investment comes as Los Angeles faces a growing youth mental health crisis, with many communities lacking adequate access to culturally responsive care. By training more mental health professionals and embedding them in underserved areas, the initiative aims to improve overall mental health outcomes for children and families across the region.

The details

The $33 million grant from the Ballmer Group will fund expanded academic and clinical training programs across multiple UCLA departments, including psychology, social welfare, and psychiatry. The initiative will also strengthen partnerships between the university and the LA County Department of Mental Health to enhance community-based care. The funding is expected to provide additional training opportunities, fellowships, and early-career pathways for students and postdoctoral fellows, with a focus on preparing professionals to work in underserved communities.

  • UCLA announced the $33 million grant on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

UCLA

A public research university located in Los Angeles, California.

Ballmer Group

An investment company founded by Steve Ballmer, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, and his wife Connie.

Julio Frenk

The chancellor of UCLA.

Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

The government agency responsible for providing mental health services to residents of Los Angeles County.

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What they’re saying

“UCLA is not just a university in Los Angeles, it is a university of Los Angeles — so it is critical for us to address the growing youth mental health crisis in our community.”

— Julio Frenk, Chancellor, UCLA

What’s next

The initiative is expected to provide additional training opportunities, fellowships and early-career pathways for students and postdoctoral fellows, with a focus on community-based care.

The takeaway

This substantial investment in UCLA's mental health programs will help address critical workforce shortages and expand access to culturally responsive services for young people and families in underserved Los Angeles communities, a crucial step in tackling the region's growing youth mental health crisis.