Mentoring plays a vital role in fostering personal and professional growth through the intentional sharing of knowledge, skills, and lived experience. Through structured guidance, encouragement, and professional networking, mentors support mentees in building confidence, navigating career pathways, and achieving their professional goals—creating meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships.
The Mentorship Program is led by JEDI Officer Dr. Chinue Brown, whose work is grounded in a strong commitment to mentoring and community engagement. Dr. Brown believes mentoring allows clinicians to “pay it forward” by supporting individuals at the beginning of their careers in the mental health field. She also views mentorship as a key strategy for advancing inclusivity, belonging, and equity within psychology and mental health professions.
In 2025, the Mental Health Training Collaborative (MHTC) marked its seventh year of mentorship. Originally designed to provide trainees with additional support beyond clinical supervision, the program has expanded in response to growing interest from individuals within and beyond MHTC and Kaiser Permanente. The program offers one‑to‑one mentoring for MHTC participants and a community‑based initiative in partnership with local high schools. Current offerings include virtual mentoring in East Contra Costa County (Dozier Libbey) and in‑person mentoring in West Contra Costa County (Pinole). To date, approximately 400 mentor–mentee pairs have been successfully matched.
Mentorship offers a meaningful opportunity to give back while strengthening individuals and building community. It reflects a shared commitment to professional development, connection, and the belief that collective growth enables us to go further—together.
For more information or to participate in the Mental Health Training Collaborative Mentorship Program, now or in the future, please contact Dr. Chinue Brown at chinue.brown@kp.org.
