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30 years later: One therapist’s career dream rediscovered

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Learn more about the career accelerator and see if you’re eligible to join the program. Applicants are not given preference based on race, ethnicity, sex, or other protected personal characteristics.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Celebrating the people behind the care this Labor Day

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Recognized for nursing excellence and exceptional care

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Magnet recognition joins a growing list of national recognitions earned by Los Angeles Medical Center, including being named one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals and Best Cancer Hospitals by Newsweek and a Best Regional and High-Performing Hospital by U.S. News & World Report.

“Magnet redesignation recognizes the strength of our nursing practice and the collaborative clinical environment that supports outstanding patient outcomes,” said Harsimran Brara, MD, area medical director, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. “We’re proud of our nurses, physicians, and care teams whose dedication, innovation, and partnership continue to elevate the care experience for every patient.”

During the Magnet appraisal process, nurses, physicians, leaders, and interprofessional partners demonstrated the culture of excellence that distinguishes Los Angeles Medical Center. Their commitment to collaboration, evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and innovation helps ensure exceptional care for patients and contributes to healthier communities.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center has awarded Magnet designations to the following Kaiser Permanente facilities in Southern California:

2026 — Riverside Medical Center earned Magnet with Distinction
2026 — Moreno Valley Medical Center earned Magnet with Distinction
2025 — Woodland Hills Medical Center earned Magnet with Distinction
2023 — Fontana Medical Center
2023 — Panorama City Medical Center
2023 — Baldwin Park Medical Center
2022 — West Los Angeles Medical Center
2022 — Ontario Medical Center
2021, 2026 — Los Angeles Medical Center
2021, 2026 — Downey Medical Center
2018, 2023 — Anaheim Medical Center
2017, 2021 — Irvine Medical Center

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Kaiser Permanente and UH Mānoa expand mental health workforce

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

Connecting water safety and healthy living

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

Kaiser Permanente and Risant Health Q2 2026 financial update

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

The importance of childhood vaccinations

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

Accelerating growth in the mental health care workforce

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

Kaiser Permanente commits $25 million to Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

Cortney Eisses named regional president of Kaiser Permanente in Colorado

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

Our stroke and heart care earn national recognition

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

New Rock Creek urgent care opens for members

Fri, 7 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

Mile High United Way awards our work in the community

Thu, 6 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

Kaiser Permanente tops 2026 Colorado Top Doctors list

Wed, 5 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.

Want to hear more stories from the career accelerator?

Program overview

Akilah Martin

Ale Cisneros Zavala

Blume Regis

Karen Torres

Kaylah Keitt

Sarah Smith

]]>

37 Kaiser Permanente hospitals recognized by U.S. News & World Report

Tue, 4 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

When Melandie Smith-Austin earned her master's degree in clinical psychology, she never imagined it would take more than 30 years to get her license.

After graduation, she worked full-time in child welfare and completed her training hours at night. She was on track to become a licensed therapist.

But becoming a therapist wasn’t the only thing on her plate. She got married. She wanted to start a family. A full-time job, a baby, and the long road to licensure didn’t all fit.

The license had to wait.

But the goal never went away.

“It was something I started and didn’t finish,” she said.

Where many get stuck

Smith-Austin isn’t alone. Many people earn a master’s degree in mental health but never get licensed.

There are real world issues that make it hard to finish the licensing process, including:

Low pay while logging clinical hours
Busy schedules and family demands
Complex requirements that vary by state
The pressure of high-stakes exams

How Kaiser Permanente is helping

Across the country, communities need more mental health care, but there aren’t enough licensed clinicians to meet the demand.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to create the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator.

It helps graduates complete the steps to licensure so they can start caring for patients. Participants get:

Up to $10,000 over 2 years for things like exam fees, clinical supervision, or professional development
Exam prep, training, and mentorship
A peer community for asking and answering questions and sharing advice

Since 2023, the program has grown to 7 states. People in the program have already cared for more than 40,000 patients. The goal is to enroll 1,000 people by 2028.

Community support can make a difference

For Smith-Austin, joining the career accelerator meant she didn’t have to do it alone.

The program gave her structure, support, and a community. It helped her stay focused and follow through.

Before joining the accelerator, she had signed up for an important exam 3 times. Each time, she rescheduled.

“It was anxiety,” she said.

After joining the accelerator, she set another exam date. This time, she took it.

She passed. She celebrated with her peers in the program.

It’s never too late

Today, Smith-Austin is working toward her license and providing direct care. She is also earning her doctorate in social work.

She wants to make a difference in every part of mental health care: for the people who need it, the places that provide it, and the policies that shape it.

Her story is also a message to others. It’s not too late to start again.