Yoga Therapy for Mental Health and Special Populations

A 10-month professional training for yoga teachers preparing to elevate mental health and promote human flourishing!

Learn to apply yoga therapy tools for conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction while gaining skills to support adolescents, seniors, caregivers, and clients in clinical and community settings

Begins January 17, 2026
• 125 or 172 hours
• One weekend per month
• 100% Virtual + Optional In-Studio Hybrid
• Tuition includes studio membership

Ready to Become a Joyologist?

Are you a yoga teacher who feels called to mental health work and wants to understand how yoga can support sustained joy, resilience, and healing across all stages of life?

If you are ready to deepen your skills and learn how to apply yoga therapy tools for conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction — while also learning to work confidently with diverse populations — we invite you to join us for Yoga Therapy for Mental Health and Special Populations, beginning January 17, 2026.

This comprehensive course explores the mental and emotional body through a yoga therapy lens, examining the multidimensional nature of the human mind. You will learn to assess underlying patterns, correlating factors, and common side effects of mental health conditions, and how to skillfully apply yogic practices to support healing, regulation, and resilience.

In addition to mental health foundations, this course prepares you to work with special populations, including adolescents, clients with disabilities, geriatric clients, active seniors, caregivers, family members, and those receiving hospice care. The training also includes a 6-week Yoga Therapy + Lifestyle Medicine program focused on preventing and treating chronic disease, designed for implementation in hospitals, wellness centers, and community settings.

Trainees will also complete an asynchronous Yoga Therapy Business Practices and Professional Development course during June and July, supporting sustainable and ethical integration of yoga therapy into professional settings.

What You’ll Learn

• Assess the mental and emotional body using yoga therapy frameworks
• Understand correlating factors and side effects of mental health conditions
• Apply yogic tools for depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction
• Support nervous system regulation and resilience
• Work skillfully with special populations including adolescents, seniors, caregivers, and hospice clients
• Design therapeutic group and individual sessions
• Integrate Yoga Therapy + Lifestyle Medicine into clinical and community settings

Program Details

• Dates: January 17, 2026 – November 7, 2026
• Format: One full weekend per month
• Delivery: 100% Virtual with optional In-Studio Hybrid
• Total Hours: 125 or 172

Course Tuition

• $500 one-time registration fee
• $325/month for 8 months
• Total tuition: $3,100
• Tuition includes Be The Change Yoga studio membership

Is This Training Right for You?

This course is ideal for yoga teachers and wellness professionals who feel called to mental health work and want a structured, ethical, and supportive pathway into yoga therapy. If you haven’t taken a 300hr YTT yet are are looking to become a Yoga Therapist, take time to meditate upon your 825hr Path Options.

We offer two options for this course:

If you’re a yoga teacher looking to layer on a therapeutic lens, join us for Option #1 where you take the coursework. If you are on the path to becoming a yoga therapist, join us for Option #2 to receive the practicum prep component.

Integrative Medicine and Special Populations

OPTION #1 COURSEWORK

If you are a yoga teacher who would like understand basic yoga therapy practices for mental health conditions and learn how to work with specific populations, we invite you to join us for this module.

  • Course meets one weekend per month for 10 months
  • 100% Virtual with In-Studio Hybrid option
  • One full weekend per month
  • Monthly auto-pay program ($325/mo for 8 months)
  • One-time $500 Registration Fee
  • Total Tuition: $3100
  • Total Hours: 125 hours

Start date: January 17, 2026 – November 7, 2026

Click To View Syllabus
Yoga Therapy for Mental Health and Special Populations w/o Practicum Prep
       
Directors: Katie Allen and Megan McCarver
       
Practicum Directors: Katie Allen and Megan McCarver
       
         
YTMH1: January 17-18, 2026
       
Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Introduction to the Manomaya and Vijnanamaya Koshas, Overview and Assessment – Robert Birnberg Katie 12:30-1:00, Robert 1:00-5:30PM
Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Ayurveda: Aligning the Mind and Habits with the Rhythms of Nature – Arun Deva
Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Katie Allen
         
         
YTMH2: February 14-15, 2026
       
Zoom 3   Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am Boundaries and Ethics of Being a Yoga Therapist – Megan McCarver
Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Yoga Therapy Applications for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Sleep Conditions – Megan McCarver
IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Applications of Yoga Therapy for Anxiety – Megan McCarver
Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Megan McCarver
         
         
YTMH3: March 14-15, 2026
       
Asynchronous   4 To be completed before Saturday Application of Yoga Therapy for Grief and Loss – Cheri Dostal Ryba
IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Yoga Therapy as Lifestyle Medicine – Katie Allen
Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Applications of Yoga Therapy for all Populations Living with Anxiety and Depression – Megan McCarver
Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Megan
         
YTMH4: April 18-19, 2026        
Asynchronous   3 To be completed on / before Saturday morning Application of Guided Imagery Tools for Mental Health Conditions – Amy Harper
Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Manomaya Integration and Professional Practices – Eden Goldman
IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Applications of Yoga Therapy Tools: Meditation – Megan McCarver
Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Katie Allen
         
YTMH5: May 16-17, 2026        
Zoom 3   Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am Introduction to the Anandamaya Kosha – Megan McCarver
Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Applications of Yoga Therapy for Addiction, Working with Groups – Kelsey Delane Troup
IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Applications of Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain – Megan McCarver
Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Megan McCarver
         
YTMH6: June and July, 2025
  13   Asynchronous Business Module – Katie Allen
         
         
YTMH7: August 8-9, 2026        
Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Yoga Therapy Applications for Women’s Health (Fertility + Menopause) – Dhurga Reddy
IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm The Heart Centered Practice of Yoga and Cancer Care – Katie Allen
Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Katie Allen
         
YTMH8: September 12-13, 2026
       
Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm
Annamaya Integration + Yoga Therapy for Clients with Disabilities, Family Members / Care Takers, Children with Special Needs – Tess and Megan
Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm End of Life Care and Yoga Therapy in Hospice – Andrea Deerheart
Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Tess O’Hern
         
YTMH9: November 7-8, 2026
       
Zoom 3   Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am Working with an Integrative Healthcare Team – Tess O’Hern
Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Summary of Yoga Therapy Course Planning for Mental / Emotional / Energetic Bodies Monday – Megan McCarver
Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Integration of Mental / Emotional / Energetic Bodies Through Observation – Megan McCarver and Katie Allen
Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Megan (relating to assessment)
         
         
YTMH Synchronous Hours:     89  
YTMH Asynchronous Hours:
    36  
Total YTMH Hours:     125  
         
Integrative Medicine and Special Populations

OPTION #2 WITH PRACTICUM PREP

You are on the path to becoming a Yoga Therapist, you have completed the previous two modules and are ready to start your practicum hours.

  • Course meets for 10 weekends over 16 months
  • 100% Virtual with In-Studio Hybrid option
  • One full weekend per month + one mid-month 3-hour review + integration class
  • Monthly auto-pay program ($325/mo for 12 months)
  • One-time $400 Registration Fee
  • Total Tuition: $4300
  • Total Hours: 172 hours

Start date: December 8th, 2025 – March 29, 2026

Click To View Syllabus
 
Yoga Therapy for Mental Health and Special Populations with Practicum Prep
       
 
Directors: Katie Allen and Megan McCarver
       
 
Practicum Directors: Katie Allen and Megan McCarver
       
           
15
Practicum Orientation: December 7, 2025
       
  Zoom 3   Sunday 8:30 – 11:30am Intro to Practicum and Clinic – Katie and Megan
  Zoom 2   Sunday 12:30 – 2:30pm Intro to Mental Health and Practicum Applications – Megan McCarver
  Zoom 2   Sunday 3:00 – 5:00pm Practicum Review and Integration of Annamaya and Pranamaya – Tess O’Hern
           
16 YTMH1: January 17-18, 2026        
  Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Introduction to the Manomaya and Vijnanamaya Koshas, Overview and Assessment – Robert Birnberg Katie 12:30-1:00, Robert 1:00-5:30PM
  Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Ayurveda: Aligning the Mind and Habits with the Rhythms of Nature – Arun Deva
  Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Katie Allen
  February 1, 2026        
  Zoom 3   Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm
(12) February 1, 2026 – Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm – Integration, Practicum Preparation and Mentorship – Megan McCarver
           
           
17 YTMH2: February 14-15, 2026        
  Zoom 3   Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am Boundaries and Ethics of Being a Yoga Therapist – Megan McCarver
  Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Yoga Therapy Applications for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Sleep Conditions – Megan McCarver
  IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Applications of Yoga Therapy for Anxiety – Megan McCarver
  Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Megan McCarver
           
           
18 YTMH3: March 14-15, 2026        
  Asynchronous   4 To be completed before Saturday Application of Yoga Therapy for Grief and Loss – Cheri Dostal Ryba
  IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Yoga Therapy as Lifestyle Medicine – Katie Allen
  Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Applications of Yoga Therapy for all Populations Living with Anxiety and Depression – Megan McCarver
  Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Megan
           
19 YTMH4: April 18-19, 2026        
  Asynchronous   3 To be completed on / before Saturday morning Application of Guided Imagery Tools for Mental Health Conditions – Amy Harper
  Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Manomaya Integration and Professional Practices – Eden Goldman
  IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Applications of Yoga Therapy Tools: Meditation – Megan McCarver
  Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Katie Allen
  May 3, 2026        
  Zoom 3   Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm (13) May 3, 2026 – Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm – Integration, Practicum Preparation and Mentorship – Megan McCarver
           
20 YTMH5: May 16-17, 2026        
  Zoom 3   Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am Introduction to the Anandamaya Kosha – Megan McCarver
  Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Applications of Yoga Therapy for Addiction, Working with Groups – Kelsey Delane Troup
  IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Applications of Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain – Megan McCarver
  Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Megan McCarver
  May 31, 2026        
  Zoom 3   Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm (14) May 31, 2026 – Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm – Integration, Practicum Preparation and Mentorship – Megan McCarver
           
21 & 22 YTMH6: June and July, 2026   13   Asynchronous Business Module – Katie Allen
           
           
23 YTMH7: August 8-9, 2026        
  Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Yoga Therapy Applications for Women’s Health (Fertility + Menopause) – Dhurga Reddy
  IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm The Heart Centered Practice of Yoga and Cancer Care – Katie Allen
  Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Katie Allen
           
24
YTMH8: September 12-13, 2026
       
  Zoom 3   Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am Annamaya Integration – Tess O’Hern
  Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Yoga Therapy for Clients with Disabilities, Family Members / Care Takers, Children with Special Needs – Tess and Megan
  Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm End of Life Care and Yoga Therapy in Hospice – Andrea Deerheart
  Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Tess O’Hern
25 October 4, 2026        
  Zoom 3   Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm
(15) October 4 2026 – Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm – Integration, Practicum Preparation and Mentorship – Megan McCarver
           
26 YTMH9: November 7-8, 2026        
  Zoom 3   Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am Working with an Integrative Healthcare Team – Tess O’Hern
  Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Summary of Yoga Therapy Course Planning for Mental / Emotional / Energetic Bodies Monday – Megan McCarver
  Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Integration of Mental / Emotional / Energetic Bodies Through Observation – Megan McCarver and Katie Allen
  Asynchronous   2 To be completed before Sunday Mentorship 2 hours asynchronous Online – Megan (relating to assessment)
           
26 YTMH10: November 22, 2026        
  Zoom 3   Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm (16) November 22, 2026 Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm – Group Practicum Mentorship – Megan McCarver
           
28 YTMH11: January 24, 2027        
  Zoom 3   Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm (17) January 24, 2027 – Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm – Group Practicum Mentorship – Megan McCarver
           
29 YTMH12: February 21, 2027        
  Zoom 3   Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm (18) February 21, 2027– Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm – Group Practicum Mentorship – Megan McCarver
           
30 YTMH13: March 21, 2027        
  Zoom 3   Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm (19) March 21, 2027 – Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm – Group Practicum Mentorship – Megan McCarver
           
31 YTMH14: April 10-11, 2027        
  Zoom 3   Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am (20) April 11, 2027 – Sunday 9:00 – 12:00pm – Integration, Practicum Preparation and Mentorship – Megan McCarver
  IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm Yoga Therapy Marketing and Professional Photography – Katie Allen
  IN-STUDIO + Zoom 5   Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm Trainees Final Presentations
           
           
  YTMH Synchronous Hours:     136  
  YTMH Asynchronous Hours:     36  
  Total YTMH Hours:     172  

Apply Now!

 

Unlimited Yoga Membership

Yoga therapist training students receive a complimentary yoga membership (in-studio + virtual) while enrolled throughout the duration of our training programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the program pre-requisites?

The Applicant must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age;
2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent;
3. Have a 200-hour yoga teaching certificate from a Yoga Alliance registered school;
4. Have at least one (1) year of teaching experience;
5. Have at least one (1) year of personal practice.

To be eligible for enrollment in any of the courses, the Applicant must:

1. Complete the On-line Application;
2. Provide a copy of the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate
3. Pay the registration fee for the course

Is there a requirement to be in-studio?

No, there is no requirement where you have to attend classes in-person. You are welcome to take the entire course remotely via Zoom.

What is the time commitment?

If you are enrolled in Option #1 the course meets one weekend per month for 10 months.

If you are enrolled in Option #2 the course meets for 10 weekends over 16 months as well as one mid-month 3-hour review + integration class on a Sunday morning.

What if I miss a Yoga Therapist Training class?

We understand that life happens, and sometimes you may need to miss a class. Below are the options available for making up missed content:

Make-Up Options

Option 1: Asynchronous Completion

Watch the class recording (available in Google Drive) and complete the related quiz or assignment in Google Classroom.

  • Trainees may complete up to 40% of the program asynchronously in line with IAYT accreditation standards..

Option 2: Attend with the Next Cohort

You may make up missed lectures the following year with the next class.

 

Option 3: Private or Group Mentorship

If you would like additional support or in-depth study, you may schedule a make-up session with an instructor.

  • $55/hour for an individual session
  • $35/hour per person for groups of two or more

Once you’ve completed a Make-Up class, please email

Tiffanie@bethechangeyoga.com

How much does the training cost?

We have developed a monthly auto-pay plan to make tuition more affordable and easier to manage. Tuition includes studio membership at Be The Change Yoga for the duration of the training.

OPTION #1 COURSEWORK

If you are a yoga teacher who would like understand basic yoga therapy practices for mental health conditions and learn how to work with specific populations, we invite you to join us for this module.

  • Course meets one weekend per month for 10 months
  • 100% Virtual with In-Studio Hybrid option
  • One full weekend per month
  • Monthly auto-pay program ($325/mo for 8 months)
  • One-time $500 Registration Fee
  • Total Tuition: $3100
  • Total Hours: 125 hours

Start date: January 17, 2026 – November 7, 2026

 

OPTION #2 WITH PRACTICUM PREP

You are on the path to becoming a Yoga Therapist, you have completed the previous two modules and are ready to start your practicum hours.

  • Course meets for 10 weekends over 16 months
  • 100% Virtual with In-Studio Hybrid option
  • One full weekend per month + one mid-month 3-hour review + integration class
  • Monthly auto-pay program ($325/mo for 12 months)
  • One-time $400 Registration Fee
  • Total Tuition: $4300
  • Total Hours: 172 hours

Start date: December 8th, 2025 – March 29, 2027

Click Here to Download 825hr Pathways Document for Students enrolled in our 300hr YTT

 

Refund Policy

 

  • Our auto-pay program includes a one-time non-refundable registration fee per module and the specified autopay terms for each module.
  • Trainee will receive a full refund (minus the registration fee) if they withdraws from the training at least 3 days before taking any classes by notifying AlcheMe Yoga Therapy / Be The Change Yoga in writing.
  • If trainee chooses to withdraw from the training after the initial start date, they can cancel the monthly auto-pay program. Any tuition paid once classes have been taken is non-refundable.
  • Any unused tuition will remain on trainee’s account for future trainings at then current, a la carte rate, minus a $200 administrative fee.
  • If trainee withdraws from the autopay program and seeks to re-enroll for 825hr certification at a later date, a $200 administrative fee will be required. Trainee will resume autopay at the then current price.
  • If trainee continues enrollment in the auto-pay program but is unable to attend all courses during the 26-month period; they can complete the 26-month autopay program and apply the funds towards future 825hr YTT classes and complete the coursework at a later date.
  • The 825hr Yoga Teacher Training program must be completed within a 4-year period
How do I apply?

If you are interested in taking one course a time, please fill out the application for each module:

If you are interested in completing the entire training and becoming a Yoga Therapist:

Please fill out the application form CLICK HERE and email Katie@bethechangeyoga.com after submission.

In addition, submit your two letters of recommendation (1 personal and 1 professional) using the following Letters of Recommendation Link. We will review your materials and reply in 1-2 weeks. Upon acceptance into the program, you can pay the $600 registration fee. Tuition for month 1 will be due on the first day of class, as trainees become enrolled in the monthly autopay program.