If you're passionate about mental health and you want to make a real impact, Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, offers powerful ways to turn your interests into advocacy. In this article, discover Psi Chi resources, financial support, and community to help you grow as a mental health professional and advocate.
What is Psi Chi—and who can join?
Psi Chi was founded in 1929 to recognize and promote excellence in psychology. With chapters around the world, the Society connects students and professionals who are committed to advancing psychological science and service. To join, you’ll need to be majoring or minoring in psychology or a related field, have completed a certain number of psychology courses, and meet GPA requirements. Graduate students and faculty are also eligible to join. Once you’re inducted, you’ll gain lifetime membership and access to a wide range of programs and opportunitiesopens in new window—including those focused on mental health advocacy. Learn more about joining hereopens in new window.
Apply for and support a mental health advocacy scholarship
If you’re looking to take your advocacy to the next level, consider applying for the Christian Ladd Hall Scholarship for Mental Health Advocacyopens in new window. This annual $3,000 scholarship recognizes a Psi Chi student member pursuing a career in mental health advocacy. It also offers an additional $1,000 to host a mental health advocacy event in the recipient’s community.
Even if you’re not ready to apply, you can help support the scholarship by donating or raising fundsopens in new window. Many chapters also organize Pie for a Purpose service projects or awareness campaigns that contribute directly to this program. It’s a meaningful way to ensure future advocates—like you—have the resources they need to make a difference.
Tap into Psi Chi’s mental health resources
Psi Chi offers a growing collection of mental health contentopens in new window that you can use to educate yourself and others. These resources are designed to be practical and evidence-based, so you can feel confident sharing them with your peers or using them to guide your chapter’s programming.
You might find inspiration for a presentation, discover strategies for self-care, or learn how to support someone in crisis. Whatever your advocacy goals, Psi Chi’s mental health library is a great place to begin. Publication opportunitiesopens in new window to expand the library are also available.
Host chapter events
One of the most effective ways to advocate for mental health is by volunteering to organize local events through your Psi Chi chapter. As examples, you could host a mental health awareness week, invite guest speakers to chapter meetings, or lead workshops on stress management, coping skills, or mindfulness. Check out this chapter activityopens in new window to support veterans’ mental health! Some chapters nominate and elect a specific mental health awareness officer each year and may even partner with campus counseling centers or student organizations to create safe spaces for open conversations.
Chapter events don’t have to be large or elaborate. Even a small gathering can spark meaningful dialogue and help reduce stigma. If you’re not sure where to start, Psi Chi’s online resources can help members plan and promote an event.
Why your voice matters
Mental health advocacy isn’t reserved for faculty and alumni—it starts with students like you. By hosting events, sharing resources, applying for scholarships, or simply engaging in informed and respectful conversation, you’re helping to build a culture of caring and understanding.
Psi Chi is here to support you every step of the way. So if you’ve ever felt called to speak up, educate others, or create change, now’s your chance. Your voice matters—and with Psi Chi, it can go even further.
About the author
Bradley Cannon serves as Psi Chi’s assistant director of communications and managing editor of Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research. He holds a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and was honored with an honorary bachelor’s in psychology from Winthrop University in 2024. Outside of work, Bradley enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, and their energetic new puppy.
