The Only Young Adult Mental Health Clinic of Its Kind in Texas and Second Nationwide

Young adulthood is often marked by pivotal transitions — graduating from school, entering the workforce, establishing independence — but it can also bring heightened stress, anxiety, and identity struggles. For many 18- to 29-year-olds, mental health care can feel out of reach or disconnected from the realities of their lives.

UT Health Austin’s Amplify Center within the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences is working to change that.

Care That Meets You Where You Are

The Amplify Center is a youth-focused mental health clinic offering both in-person and virtual care. It was designed to make mental health services more accessible, engaging, and aligned with the needs of today’s young adults. Co-located on Austin Community College’s Eastview Campus, the Amplify Center is especially convenient to students navigating these challenges in real time.

The Amplify Center supports young adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and difficulty focusing. For those with more severe or acute needs, the Amplify Center helps connect them appropriate resources within the broader community.

What sets the Amplify Center apart is its integrated, team-based model of care. Young adults can access therapy, psychiatric consultation, peer support, employment and education coaching, and care navigation — all in one place. This approach eliminates common barriers such as long wait times, complicated referral processes, and the challenge of finding providers who specialize in care for individuals their age.

“We focus on life goals that matter to young adults,” says Jess Goldstein-Kral, PhD, who serves as the Employment and Education Coach for the Amplify Center. “Whether it’s updating a resume, applying for school, or navigating a tough housing situation, we meet young adults where they are — with support that addresses the whole person.”

Early Support, Lasting Impact

Inspired by global models such as Australia’s headspace and Canada’s nationwide Integrated Youth Services initiative, the Amplify Center is one of only two clinics of its kind in the U.S. and the only one in Texas. These programs combine mental health, physical health, and social services to provide early support and connect young people with more complex needs to specialized care.

During its pilot phase from January 2023 to January 2025, the Amplify Center screened 162 young adults and provided care to 131 of them. Most participants enrolled with moderate to severe psychological distress and reported symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and difficulty focusing. For 66% of participants, these symptoms interfered with their ability to attend school, hold a job, or manage relationships. Most clients engaged with at least two types of services during their time in the program.

But with support, change is possible. After receiving care, 72% of young adults reported reduced mental health symptoms. Among those who experienced suicidal thoughts at intake, 85% showed improvement. In addition, 68% said they were able to meet personal goals related to work or education. Mental health distress significantly decreased at both 60- and 180-day follow-ups, and satisfaction with services remained high throughout.

The Amplify Center’s early results suggest that this model is not only effective but also fills a critical gap in youth mental health care nationwide. With 95% of young adults reporting they would recommend the program to a friend, Amplify is building real trust and real impact, one young person at a time.

More Than Mental Health

The Amplify Center’s team-based approach is designed to meet the complex and overlapping needs of young adults who may come in seeking help for a mental health concern while also facing housing instability, medical issues, or academic challenges. Some benefit from just one service, while others receive support across multiple areas.

“One thing I appreciate about the Amplify Center is how we come together to find the best point of entry for support,” notes Dr. Goldstein-Kral. “Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s tied to so many aspects of a person’s life.”

Part of this support includes helping young adults build a foundation for long-term success through mentorship, peer connection, and tools to advocate for themselves beyond their time in the program.

Helping Young Adults Thrive

The Amplify Center doesn’t just offer care; it equips young adults with the skills and confidence to move forward with clarity and purpose. They’re encouraged to explore who they are, what they value, and the kind of life they want to create.

Whether someone needs short-term therapy or long-term goal planning, the Amplify Center provides a safe, welcoming space where young adults feel heard, supported, and empowered.

“It’s such an honor to support young people as they figure out who they are,” shares Dr. Goldstein-Kral. “What do they like? What don’t they like? What lights them up? Watching that unfold is powerful.”

For more information about the Amplify Center or to request an appointment, call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.