Meet the New Rosalynn Carter Fellows for Mental Health Journalism

Founded in 1996, the groundbreaking Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism program awards year-long, non-residential fellowships to journalists to report on a mental health topic of their choice.

Fellows receive a generous stipend, training, networking opportunities, and access to top experts and resources in mental health and journalism.

Mental Health Parity Collaborative

The Mental Health Parity Collaborative is a partnership between The Carter Center’s Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, The Center for Public Integrity, and 20 news outlets in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and the District of Columbia. More than 40 reporters and editors are working to produce stories on mental health care access, parity, and inequities in the U.S.

Our Mental Health
Reporting Guide is Here

The Carter Center Journalism Resource Guide on Mental Health Reporting — available in English, Spanish, and Arabic — supports journalists' efforts to report accurately and effectively on mental health issues, including suicide and addiction and substance use, in ways that do not reinforce stereotypes or perpetuate stigma.

Covers of the guide in Arabic, Spanish and English

Apply now to be
a 2025-2026 fellow

Applications are open from January 31 at noon Eastern through April 2 at 11:59 pm.

  • U.S. applicants qualify for Rosalynn Carter Journalism Fellowships. Apply now
  • International applicants qualify for Mental Health and Climate Change Fellowships.
    Apply now

Meet the Fellows

The Carter Center’s Mental Health Journalism Fellows report on some of society’s biggest mental health challenges during their year-long, non-residential fellowship.

MEET ALL 2024-2025 FELLOWS
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter talks to fellows at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Informed journalists can have a significant impact on public understanding of mental health issues as they shape debate and trends with the words and pictures they convey. They influence their peers and stimulate discussion among the general public, and an informed public can reduce stigma and discrimination."

— Former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter

Recent News

Featured Stories and Program Updates

During a December hearing, Magistrate Judge Alexander Rossario in December 2024 dismissed the charges of several people who had engaged with the program, and kicked out several people who had not. Image: Ted Alcorn

Inside New Mexico’s first diversion program for people who aren’t competent to stand trial

February 11, 2025
Olivia Frausto, now 19, holds a photo of her younger self, taken before she entered West Virginia’s child welfare system. Photo by Jenny Lynn Photography

‘An ecosystem of dysfunction:’ West Virginia still has a child welfare worker shortage, and it’s taking a toll on foster kids and families

February 2, 2025
Judy Utley, right, with her granddaughter Alexis Nadell. Grandparents like Utley, who raised their grandchildren, say the state doesn't offer them enough support. Photo courtesy of Judy Utley.

West Virginia’s foster care system depends on grandfamilies. It does little to support their mental health needs.

February 2, 2025
Photo by Duncan Slade / Mountain State Spotlight

‘They’re all damaged.’ Despite progress, West Virginia is still failing to get foster kids the mental health help they need

February 2, 2025

Language guide for reporting on mental health

The Carter Center Journalism Resource Guide for Mental Health Reporting supports journalists’ efforts to report accurately and effectively on mental health topics, including addiction and substance use, in ways that do not reinforce stereotypes or negative perceptions. This guide can serve as a starting point for new journalists and as a reference guide for experienced journalists.

FREE DOWNLOAD in English and Spanish
 

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