Mentorship Program

USP Academy

Empowering future mental health leaders

A transformative mentorship program dedicated to nurturing Black and Brown undergraduate students in New York City who aspire to build meaningful careers in mental health.

Applications re-open July 1

Our Mission

Building the next generation of diverse mental health leaders

The USP Academy was started to address a critical gap: Black and Brown communities are underrepresented both as patients who receive quality mental health care and as providers who deliver it. By investing early in talented students of color, we aim to grow a lineage of culturally competent clinicians who pay it forward.

"Our goal is not only to recruit excellent, culturally competent providers but also to destigmatize mental health and perpetuate a strong lineage of mentors who pay it forward."

— Dr. Nana Asabere, USP Academy Director

What We Offer

Four pillars of the program

Guidance & Clarity

Weekly 1:1 mentorship with an experienced USP clinician to navigate your academic and career path.

Education & Exposure

Monthly workshops covering therapy modalities, career panels, and the full landscape of mental health professions.

Skill Development

Build communication, empathy, active listening, and cultural competence: skills that define excellent clinicians.

Networking & Support

Access to a professional network of peers and clinicians that continues supporting you long after the program ends.

Program Commitment

What to expect as a fellow

30-45

minutes
twice a month

1:1 mentor meetings

12 sessions / year

Monthly events & workshops

Who Can Apply

Eligibility criteria

Black and Brown students: Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Alaskan Native, or Pacific Islander
Strong interest in pursuing a career in mental health
Preference for first-generation college students
Enrolled at a four-year university or community college in New York City
Ability to attend in-person events at 138 W 25th Street, NYC
Preference for students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds

Program Leadership

Meet the people behind the Academy

USP ACADEMY PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Nana Asabere, MD

Dr. Asabere is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Union Square Practice and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center. She is passionate about raising enthusiasm for careers in mental health and has a demonstrated track record of developing innovative programming to improve mental health outcomes for minoritized individuals and their communities. She views building a diverse and inclusive mental health workforce as vital to this mission.

UNION SQUARE PRACTICE COFOUNDER

Jonathan Fader, PhD

Dr. Fader is the co-founder of Union Square Practice and former team psychologist for the NY Football Giants and the NY Mets. He brings many years of experience building and deploying programs targeted at addressing health care disparities.