The certification website is LIVE!
Spread The Wellness.
Right now, nearly half of California’s youth are struggling with their mental health and well-being. There’s never been a better time to become a California Certified Wellness Coach. A strong and diverse workforce means a healthier California.
Learn MoreSpread The Wellness.
Right now, nearly half of California’s youth are struggling with their mental health and well-being. There’s never been a better time to become a California Certified Wellness Coach. A strong and diverse workforce means a healthier California.
What is a Wellness Coach?
There is an urgent need to support the mental health needs of California’s children and youth. Certified Wellness Coaches (Coaches) provide care to young people through prevention and early intervention services. These services support overall physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
About Becoming A CertifiedWellness Coach Check Your Eligibility
How can a Certified Wellness Coach benefit your program or community?
Today’s mental health crisis is negatively impacting children and youth in California. Certified Wellness Coaches can create real change. Coaches can make a positive difference in schools, health care programs, and community organizations because they can help the young people they serve have better, happier lives.
For Employers
How to Become an HCAI-Designated Education Program
Becoming an HCAI-Designated Education Program opens doors to actively shape California's behavioral health care available to young people. Educating future Certified Wellness Coaches will help to spread wellness for a healthier California.
Become an Education Program
About CYBHI and the Master Plan for Kid’s Mental Health
The goal of California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is to ensure that children and youth have access to support for their mental health and well-being. This multibillion-dollar investment is part of California’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health.
With the funding from CYBHI, the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is responsible for training more people to work in behavioral health. This includes training professionals, such as Certified Wellness Coaches, to support children and youth from diverse backgrounds.
Currently, HCAI is engaging with various groups to support these efforts. These groups include children, families, community members, school experts, government officials, and partners from other agencies.
Evaluate Your Readiness to be a Certified Wellness Coach Employer
Verify candidate certification
You will need the candidate’s first name, last name and certificate ID number.
Bring on Certified Wellness Coaches to your staff!
Meet Requirements
Reach out to HCAI to discuss your program’s level of alignment with HCAI’s educational requirements.
Apply for Designated Approval
Work with HCAI to formalize a process to ensure your candidates will meet learning outcome requirements and will be workforce ready.
Receive HCAI Program Designation
Receive your HCAI Program designation and stand out as a recognized leader in supporting mental health wellness.
Enroll Certified Wellness Coach Candidates
Enroll candidates to become Certified Wellness Coaches dedicated to supporting mental health wellness for California’s youth.
Meet Requirements
Connect with HCAI to discuss your program’s level of alignment with HCAI’s education requirements. Programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Design a Curriculum
Offer an HCAI-designated curriculum that meets education program requirements.
Receive HCAI Program Designation
Receive your HCAI Program designation and stand out as a recognized leader in supporting mental health and wellness.
Enroll Certified Wellness Coach Candidates
Enroll candidates to become Certified Wellness Coaches dedicated to supporting mental health wellness for California’s youth.
How to Become a Certified Wellness Coach
Explore Steps
How to Hire a Certified Wellness Coach
Explore Steps
Evaluate Your Readiness to be a Certified Wellness Coach Employer
Verify candidate certification
You will need the candidate’s first name, last name and certificate ID number.
Bring on Certified Wellness Coaches to your staff!
How to Become a Designated Education Program
Explore Steps
Meet Requirements
Reach out to HCAI to discuss your program’s level of alignment with HCAI’s educational requirements.
Apply for Designated Approval
Work with HCAI to formalize a process to ensure your candidates will meet learning outcome requirements and will be workforce ready.
Receive HCAI Program Designation
Receive your HCAI Program designation and stand out as a recognized leader in supporting mental health wellness.
Enroll Certified Wellness Coach Candidates
Enroll candidates to become Certified Wellness Coaches dedicated to supporting mental health wellness for California’s youth.
Meet Requirements
Connect with HCAI to discuss your program’s level of alignment with HCAI’s education requirements. Programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Design a Curriculum
Offer an HCAI-designated curriculum that meets education program requirements.
Receive HCAI Program Designation
Receive your HCAI Program designation and stand out as a recognized leader in supporting mental health and wellness.
Enroll Certified Wellness Coach Candidates
Enroll candidates to become Certified Wellness Coaches dedicated to supporting mental health wellness for California’s youth.
Testimonials
Training and growing a system with Certified Wellness Coaches allows our tiered model (Multi-Tiered System of Support) to be more responsive to the growing needs of our students.
Our California youth need more support.
When I think of a Wellness Coach, I think of someone that is there for people.
Training and growing a system with Certified Wellness Coaches allows our tiered model (Multi-Tiered System of Support) to be more responsive to the growing needs of our students.
Our California youth need more support.
When I think of a Wellness Coach, I think of someone that is there for people.
Certified Wellness Coach Requirements
Education Pathway
APPLICANT TYPE
Recent graduates
DEGREE PROGRAM
- Social Work
- Human Services
- Addiction Studies
Certified Wellness Coach I
FIELD EXPERIENCE
400 hours*
(application accepted with 150 hours)
DEGREE
Associate degree
from any accredited California Community College
Certified Wellness Coach II
FIELD EXPERIENCE
800 hours*
(application accepted with 300 hours)
DEGREE
Bachelor’s degree or higher
from any accredited California college or university
Workforce Pathway
APPLICANT TYPE
Professionals currently working in Wellness Coach-like roles
DEGREE PROGRAM
- Social Work
- Human Services
- Addiction Studies
- Child Development/Early Intervention
- Psychology
- Sociology
Certified Wellness Coach I
FIELD EXPERIENCE
1,000 hours†
of related experience
DEGREE
Associate degree
from any accredited U.S. program
Certified Wellness Coach II
FIELD EXPERIENCE
2,000 hours†
of related experience
DEGREE
Bachelor’s degree or higher
from any accredited national college or university
*
Education Pathway: Any hours not completed during degree program can be completed post-graduation via relevant internship or work experience.
†
Workforce Pathway: Experience must be in mental health, substance use/addiction, social work, and/or child welfare school-linked/school-based organizations, non-profits, community organizations, and/or clinics/health centers.
| Education Pathway | Workforce Pathway |
|---|
APPLICANT TYPERecent graduates
DEGREE PROGRAM
|
APPLICANT TYPEProfessionals currently working in Wellness Coach-like roles
DEGREE PROGRAM
|
Certified Wellness Coach I
FIELD EXPERIENCE400 hours*
DEGREEAssociate degree |
Certified Wellness Coach I
FIELD EXPERIENCE1,000 hours†
DEGREEAssociate degree |
Certified Wellness Coach II
FIELD EXPERIENCE800 hours*
DEGREEBachelor’s degree or higher |
Certified Wellness Coach II
FIELD EXPERIENCE2,000 hours†
DEGREEBachelor’s degree or higher |
|
* Education Pathway: Any hours not completed during degree program can be completed post-graduation via relevant internship or work experience. |
† Workforce Pathway: Experience must be in mental health, substance use/addiction, social work, and/or child welfare school-linked/school-based organizations, non-profits, community organizations, and/or clinics/health centers. |
Back
Program Milestones
Visit this page or sign up via email to view key upcoming dates for Certified Wellness Coach candidates, employers and designated education programs.
Candidate Certification Website Launched
February 2024
Apply now for Wellness Coach Certification.
Get Certified
Certified Wellness Coach Scholarships
August 2024
Scholarship applications closed on August 16, 2024.
New Certified Wellness Coach candidates enter HCAI-Designated Education Programs
Fall 2024
Find a designated education program near you.
Wellness Coach Certification website launched
February 2024
The application period closed mid-March, 2024.
Employer Support Grant awarded
July 2024
Grants awarded to 64 school-linked and school-based organizations to hire Certified Wellness Coaches. Grants will run through June 2026.
LinkedIn Group Launched
September 2024
Looking to hire Certified Wellness Coaches? Join this professional group to be connected with CWCs in search of employment.
Candidate Certification Website Launched
February 2024
Schools within the Cal State or California Community College Systems and private nonprofit universities can reach out to our team to determine level of alignment.
Certified Wellness Coach candidates enter HCAI-Designated Education Programs
Fall 2024
First cohort of designated programs begin educating students.
Program Milestones
Visit this page or sign up via email to view key upcoming dates for Certified Wellness Coach candidates, employers and designated education programs.
Candidate Certification Website Launched
Apply now for Wellness Coach Certification.
Get Certified
February 2024
Certified Wellness Coach Scholarships
Scholarship applications closed on August 16, 2024.
August 2024
New Certified Wellness Coach candidates enter HCAI-Designated Education Programs
Find a designated education program near you.
Fall 2024
Wellness Coach Certification website launched
The application period closed mid-March, 2024.
February 2024
Employer Support Grant awarded
Grants awarded to 64 school-linked and school-based organizations to hire Certified Wellness Coaches. Grants will run through June 2026.
July 2024
LinkedIn Group Launched
Looking to hire Certified Wellness Coaches? Join this professional group to be connected with CWCs in search of employment.
September 2024
Candidate Certification Website Launched
Schools within the Cal State or California Community College Systems and private nonprofit universities can reach out to our team to determine level of alignment.
February 2024
Certified Wellness Coach candidates enter HCAI-Designated Education Programs
First cohort of designated programs begin educating students.
Fall 2024
Have More Questions?
What is the difference between a Wellness Coach and other community health roles?
Who could benefit from the services of a Wellness Coach? Who could benefit from hiring a Wellness Coach?
What is the goal/purpose of the Wellness Coach program?
Who is behind the program?
What is the cost of education to become a Wellness Coach?
When can I enroll in an HCAI-Designated Education Program?
What are my career opportunities as a Wellness Coach?
What is the average salary for a Certified Wellness Coach?
What is the difference between the Workforce Pathway and the Education Pathway?
What is the difference between a Certified Wellness Coach I and Certified Wellness Coach II?
Why should I hire a Certified Wellness Coach?
What kinds of organizations should hire Certified Wellness Coaches?
What if my employees want to become Certified Wellness Coaches?
Besides California Community Colleges and Cal State Universities, can other organizations apply to become HCAI-Designated Education Programs?
How can my college or university become an HCAI-Designated Education Program?
What's in the curriculum?
Who can become a Wellness Coach?
How much does the certificate cost?
How can I verify a potential employee is a Certified Wellness Coach?
What is a Wellness Coach? What do they do?
What is the salary range for Certified Wellness Coaches?
An associate degree is required to become a Wellness Coach I and a bachelor degree is required to become a Wellness Coach II. The cost of the education is dependent on the program. You can learn more about the requirements by clicking here.
Scholarships will be available beginning in 2024 to offset the cost for students to complete their education program.
The Wellness Coach role is part of a broader initiative called the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. The Department of Health Care Access and Information is responsible for developing the Wellness Coach role and will be the certifying entity.
The Wellness Coach role is a new, certified position to increase our state’s overall capacity to support the growing behavioral health needs of our youth. It is designed to help build a larger and more diverse and representative behavioral health workforce in California that has the training and supervision needed to engage directly with young people where they live, study and work.
Wellness Coaches will offer non-clinical services that support youth behavioral health and well-being, such as wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. The model will supplement and support existing behavioral health roles, fill gaps in the current behavioral health workforce, and create a larger and more diverse workforce with whom youth can connect.
Certified Wellness Coaches can help young people aged 0-25 and their families who are looking for support with their mental well-being.
Schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations can also benefit greatly by hiring a Certified Wellness Coach. Coaches help support their students, patients, and members.
A Certified Wellness Coach focuses on promoting behavioral health and wellness for children and youth aged 0-25. They offer non-clinical support through wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. There are two certification levels, Certified Wellness Coach I, and Certified Wellness Coach II, which require an associate's or bachelor's degree, respectively. While they can operate in a wide variety of settings, they will work primarily in school-based and school-linked settings.
On the other hand, other community health roles deal with broader health issues and generalized support. This includes chronic diseases and social factors. They do this through advocacy, education, and connections to services. They can be found in places like health care, social services, and communities. These roles also have different certification and training paths.
Entry into the Certified Wellness Coach I education program is for those with little or no experience in behavioral health or related fields. Candidates are eligible to apply for certification upon completion of their associate's degree in a qualifying subject and completing the minimum hours of field experience. The primary scope of practice for these individuals is wellness education, life skills, linkage to care, and supporting universal mental well-being for children and youth.
Entry into the Certified Wellness Coach II education program is for those who already have an associate's degree in a related field or are completing a bachelor's degree at a California university. Candidates are eligible to apply for certification upon completion of their bachelor's degree in a qualifying subject with specified competencies and completing the minimum hours of field experience. The primary scope of practice for these individuals builds on the Wellness Coach I scope, including supporting individuals and small groups in goal setting, life skills, and coping skills.
These two levels make sure that Certified Wellness Coaches can help a wide range of people in the community, from basic support to specialized assistance.
Salaries differ based on experience, work environment, and employment type, like agency, union, or private practice.
Being a Certified Wellness Coach can be a job all on its own. And it can also be a starting point that gives you job and training benefits if you want to move up in your career by learning more and getting further education.
A wide range of organizations serving children and youth can benefit from hiring a Certified Wellness Coach. This includes schools, health care organizations, community groups, and others.
- Schools: Support student well-being and create a positive learning environment.
- Health Care Programs: Integrate health and wellness into patient care, improving overall health outcomes.
- Community Organizations: Provide wellness education and support to community members, fostering a culture of well-being.
- Nonprofits: Enhance their services by enhancing the mental wellness of their students populations.
- Government Agencies: Implement behavioral health programs and initiatives, particularly for youth.
- Corporations: Promote employee well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity.
- Health Clinics: Complement clinical services with wellness and recovery support.
- Rehabilitation Centers: Assist individuals in their journey to recovery and well-being.
- Youth Programs: Provide mentorship and guidance for young people facing mental health challenges.
- Social Services Agencies: Offer holistic support to students, supporting mental wellness on an individual level.
You can help fill gaps in youth mental health services in California by hiring a Certified Wellness Coach. You’ll also be giving children and youth important behavioral health and mental wellness support. This can help your organization thrive.
Hiring a Certified Wellness Coach is a great choice for your organization. It's important to know that these Coaches don't provide clinical treatment. Instead, they help fill gaps in youth services in California. They give important behavioral health support, promoting mental well-being. This can make a big difference to both your clients and your organization.
The curriculum for Certified Wellness Coaches comprises two different learning paths: Certified Wellness Coach I and Certified Wellness Coach II. Each one is designed to meet specific educational and skill development needs.
For Certified Wellness Coach I:
- You'll complete an Associate's Degree in topics related to mental health and behavior.
- You'll also complete 400 hours of field experience.
- Prepares graduates with foundational knowledge and skills to work in positions that focus on wellness promotion and education, care coordination, and screening for basic behavioral health needs.
When you finish this program, you'll get an associate’s degree and be a Certified Wellness Coach I.
For Certified Wellness Coach II:
- This path is more in-depth. You'll complete a bachelor's degree in more advanced mental and behavioral health topics.
- You'll also do 800 hours of field experience.
- Builds on the Certified Wellness Coach I curriculum and prepares graduates with additional expertise to support individuals and small groups, including goal setting, life skills, and coping skills.
After completing this program, you'll get a bachelor’s degree and be a Certified Wellness Coach II.
Both paths make sure Certified Wellness Coaches are ready to help a wide range of people and communities. They can provide basic support and more specialized help too.
Beginning now, colleges and universities with social work, human services, addiction studies, or related programs can start matching their courses with HCAI training needs. To kick start the process, collaborate with HCAI consultants. Connect with our HCAI Certified Wellness Coach team for more guidance.
Private nonprofit universities with human services, social work, or addiction studies programs can also become HCAI-Designated Educational Programs by following the same process as California State Universities.
An associate degree is required to become a Wellness Coach I and a bachelor degree is required to become a Wellness Coach II. The cost of the education is dependent on the program. You can learn more about the requirements by clicking here.
Scholarships will be available beginning in 2024 to offset the cost for students to complete their education program.
The Wellness Coach role is part of a broader initiative called the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. The Department of Health Care Access and Information is responsible for developing the Wellness Coach role and will be the certifying entity.
The Wellness Coach role is a new, certified position to increase our state’s overall capacity to support the growing behavioral health needs of our youth. It is designed to help build a larger and more diverse and representative behavioral health workforce in California that has the training and supervision needed to engage directly with young people where they live, study and work.
Wellness Coaches will offer non-clinical services that support youth behavioral health and well-being, such as wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. The model will supplement and support existing behavioral health roles, fill gaps in the current behavioral health workforce, and create a larger and more diverse workforce with whom youth can connect.
Certified Wellness Coaches can help young people aged 0-25 and their families who are looking for support with their mental well-being.
Schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations can also benefit greatly by hiring a Certified Wellness Coach. Coaches help support their students, patients, and members.
A Certified Wellness Coach focuses on promoting behavioral health and wellness for children and youth aged 0-25. They offer non-clinical support through wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. There are two certification levels, Certified Wellness Coach I, and Certified Wellness Coach II, which require an associate's or bachelor's degree, respectively. While they can operate in a wide variety of settings, they will work primarily in school-based and school-linked settings.
On the other hand, other community health roles deal with broader health issues and generalized support. This includes chronic diseases and social factors. They do this through advocacy, education, and connections to services. They can be found in places like health care, social services, and communities. These roles also have different certification and training paths.
Entry into the Certified Wellness Coach I education program is for those with little or no experience in behavioral health or related fields. Candidates are eligible to apply for certification upon completion of their associate's degree in a qualifying subject and completing the minimum hours of field experience. The primary scope of practice for these individuals is wellness education, life skills, linkage to care, and supporting universal mental well-being for children and youth.
Entry into the Certified Wellness Coach II education program is for those who already have an associate's degree in a related field or are completing a bachelor's degree at a California university. Candidates are eligible to apply for certification upon completion of their bachelor's degree in a qualifying subject with specified competencies and completing the minimum hours of field experience. The primary scope of practice for these individuals builds on the Wellness Coach I scope, including supporting individuals and small groups in goal setting, life skills, and coping skills.
These two levels make sure that Certified Wellness Coaches can help a wide range of people in the community, from basic support to specialized assistance.
Salaries differ based on experience, work environment, and employment type, like agency, union, or private practice.
Being a Certified Wellness Coach can be a job all on its own. And it can also be a starting point that gives you job and training benefits if you want to move up in your career by learning more and getting further education.
A wide range of organizations serving children and youth can benefit from hiring a Certified Wellness Coach. This includes schools, health care organizations, community groups, and others.
- Schools: Support student well-being and create a positive learning environment.
- Health Care Programs: Integrate health and wellness into patient care, improving overall health outcomes.
- Community Organizations: Provide wellness education and support to community members, fostering a culture of well-being.
- Nonprofits: Enhance their services by enhancing the mental wellness of their students populations.
- Government Agencies: Implement behavioral health programs and initiatives, particularly for youth.
- Corporations: Promote employee well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity.
- Health Clinics: Complement clinical services with wellness and recovery support.
- Rehabilitation Centers: Assist individuals in their journey to recovery and well-being.
- Youth Programs: Provide mentorship and guidance for young people facing mental health challenges.
- Social Services Agencies: Offer holistic support to students, supporting mental wellness on an individual level.
You can help fill gaps in youth mental health services in California by hiring a Certified Wellness Coach. You’ll also be giving children and youth important behavioral health and mental wellness support. This can help your organization thrive.
Hiring a Certified Wellness Coach is a great choice for your organization. It's important to know that these Coaches don't provide clinical treatment. Instead, they help fill gaps in youth services in California. They give important behavioral health support, promoting mental well-being. This can make a big difference to both your clients and your organization.
The curriculum for Certified Wellness Coaches comprises two different learning paths: Certified Wellness Coach I and Certified Wellness Coach II. Each one is designed to meet specific educational and skill development needs.
For Certified Wellness Coach I:
- You'll complete an Associate's Degree in topics related to mental health and behavior.
- You'll also complete 400 hours of field experience.
- Prepares graduates with foundational knowledge and skills to work in positions that focus on wellness promotion and education, care coordination, and screening for basic behavioral health needs.
When you finish this program, you'll get an associate’s degree and be a Certified Wellness Coach I.
For Certified Wellness Coach II:
- This path is more in-depth. You'll complete a bachelor's degree in more advanced mental and behavioral health topics.
- You'll also do 800 hours of field experience.
- Builds on the Certified Wellness Coach I curriculum and prepares graduates with additional expertise to support individuals and small groups, including goal setting, life skills, and coping skills.
After completing this program, you'll get a bachelor’s degree and be a Certified Wellness Coach II.
Both paths make sure Certified Wellness Coaches are ready to help a wide range of people and communities. They can provide basic support and more specialized help too.
Beginning now, colleges and universities with social work, human services, addiction studies, or related programs can start matching their courses with HCAI training needs. To kick start the process, collaborate with HCAI consultants. Connect with our HCAI Certified Wellness Coach team for more guidance.
Private nonprofit universities with human services, social work, or addiction studies programs can also become HCAI-Designated Educational Programs by following the same process as California State Universities.
Have More Questions?
How much does the certificate cost?
Who can become a Wellness Coach?
What's in the curriculum?
How can my college or university become an HCAI-Designated Education Program?
Besides California Community Colleges and Cal State Universities, can other organizations apply to become HCAI-Designated Education Programs?
What if my employees want to become Certified Wellness Coaches?
What kinds of organizations should hire Certified Wellness Coaches?
Why should I hire a Certified Wellness Coach?
What is the difference between a Certified Wellness Coach I and Certified Wellness Coach II?
What is the difference between the Workforce Pathway and the Education Pathway?
What is the average salary for a Certified Wellness Coach?
What are my career opportunities as a Wellness Coach?
When can I enroll in an HCAI-Designated Education Program?
What is the cost of education to become a Wellness Coach?
Who is behind the program?
What is the goal/purpose of the Wellness Coach program?
Who could benefit from the services of a Wellness Coach? Who could benefit from hiring a Wellness Coach?
What is the difference between a Wellness Coach and other community health roles?
How can I verify a potential employee is a Certified Wellness Coach?
What is a Wellness Coach? What do they do?
What is the salary range for Certified Wellness Coaches?
View All FAQsAn associate degree is required to become a Wellness Coach I and a bachelor degree is required to become a Wellness Coach II. The cost of the education is dependent on the program. You can learn more about the requirements by clicking here.
Scholarships will be available beginning in 2024 to offset the cost for students to complete their education program.
The Wellness Coach role is part of a broader initiative called the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. The Department of Health Care Access and Information is responsible for developing the Wellness Coach role and will be the certifying entity.
The Wellness Coach role is a new, certified position to increase our state’s overall capacity to support the growing behavioral health needs of our youth. It is designed to help build a larger and more diverse and representative behavioral health workforce in California that has the training and supervision needed to engage directly with young people where they live, study and work.
Wellness Coaches will offer non-clinical services that support youth behavioral health and well-being, such as wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. The model will supplement and support existing behavioral health roles, fill gaps in the current behavioral health workforce, and create a larger and more diverse workforce with whom youth can connect.
Certified Wellness Coaches can help young people aged 0-25 and their families who are looking for support with their mental well-being.
Schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations can also benefit greatly by hiring a Certified Wellness Coach. Coaches help support their students, patients, and members.
A Certified Wellness Coach focuses on promoting behavioral health and wellness for children and youth aged 0-25. They offer non-clinical support through wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. There are two certification levels, Certified Wellness Coach I, and Certified Wellness Coach II, which require an associate's or bachelor's degree, respectively. While they can operate in a wide variety of settings, they will work primarily in school-based and school-linked settings.
On the other hand, other community health roles deal with broader health issues and generalized support. This includes chronic diseases and social factors. They do this through advocacy, education, and connections to services. They can be found in places like health care, social services, and communities. These roles also have different certification and training paths.
Entry into the Certified Wellness Coach I education program is for those with little or no experience in behavioral health or related fields. Candidates are eligible to apply for certification upon completion of their associate's degree in a qualifying subject and completing the minimum hours of field experience. The primary scope of practice for these individuals is wellness education, life skills, linkage to care, and supporting universal mental well-being for children and youth.
Entry into the Certified Wellness Coach II education program is for those who already have an associate's degree in a related field or are completing a bachelor's degree at a California university. Candidates are eligible to apply for certification upon completion of their bachelor's degree in a qualifying subject with specified competencies and completing the minimum hours of field experience. The primary scope of practice for these individuals builds on the Wellness Coach I scope, including supporting individuals and small groups in goal setting, life skills, and coping skills.
These two levels make sure that Certified Wellness Coaches can help a wide range of people in the community, from basic support to specialized assistance.
Salaries differ based on experience, work environment, and employment type, like agency, union, or private practice.
Being a Certified Wellness Coach can be a job all on its own. And it can also be a starting point that gives you job and training benefits if you want to move up in your career by learning more and getting further education.
- Escuelas: Para apoyar el bienestar de los estudiantes y crear un entorno positivo de aprendizaje.
- Programas de atención de salud: Para integrar la salud y el bienestar en la atención al paciente, mejorando los resultados generales de salud.
- Organizaciones comunitarias: Para proporcionar educación sobre bienestar y apoyo a los miembros de la comunidad, fomentando una cultura de bienestar.
- Organizaciones sin fines de lucro: Para mejorar los servicios potenciando el bienestar mental de los estudiantes.
- Agencias gubernamentales: Para implementar programas e iniciativas de salud conductual, especialmente para los jóvenes.
- Corporaciones: Para promover el bienestar de los empleados, reducir el estrés y mejorar la productividad.
- Clínicas de salud: Para complementar los servicios clínicos con apoyo para el bienestar y la recuperación.
- Centros de rehabilitación: Para ayudar a las personas en su recuperación y bienestar.
- Programas para jóvenes: Para proporcionar orientación y guía a jóvenes que se enfrentan a problemas de salud mental.
- Agencias de servicios sociales: Para ofrecer soporte holístico a estudiantes, apoyando el bienestar mental a nivel individual.
Contratar a un Instructor de Bienestar Certificado es una excelente opción para tu organización. Es importante saber que estos Instructores no proporcionan tratamiento clínico. Sino que ayudan a llenar los vacíos en servicios de salud para los jóvenes de California. Proporcionan un importante apoyo a la salud conductual, promoviendo el bienestar mental. Esto puede hacer una gran diferencia en tus clientes y en tu organización.
A wide range of organizations serving children and youth can benefit from hiring a Certified Wellness Coach. This includes schools, health care organizations, community groups, and others.
- Schools: Support student well-being and create a positive learning environment.
- Health Care Programs: Integrate health and wellness into patient care, improving overall health outcomes.
- Community Organizations: Provide wellness education and support to community members, fostering a culture of well-being.
- Nonprofits: Enhance their services by enhancing the mental wellness of their students populations.
- Government Agencies: Implement behavioral health programs and initiatives, particularly for youth.
- Corporations: Promote employee well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity.
- Health Clinics: Complement clinical services with wellness and recovery support.
- Rehabilitation Centers: Assist individuals in their journey to recovery and well-being.
- Youth Programs: Provide mentorship and guidance for young people facing mental health challenges.
- Social Services Agencies: Offer holistic support to students, supporting mental wellness on an individual level.
You can help fill gaps in youth mental health services in California by hiring a Certified Wellness Coach. You’ll also be giving children and youth important behavioral health and mental wellness support. This can help your organization thrive.
Hiring a Certified Wellness Coach is a great choice for your organization. It's important to know that these Coaches don't provide clinical treatment. Instead, they help fill gaps in youth services in California. They give important behavioral health support, promoting mental well-being. This can make a big difference to both your clients and your organization.
The curriculum for Certified Wellness Coaches comprises two different learning paths: Certified Wellness Coach I and Certified Wellness Coach II. Each one is designed to meet specific educational and skill development needs.
For Certified Wellness Coach I:
- You'll complete an Associate's Degree in topics related to mental health and behavior.
- You'll also complete 400 hours of field experience.
- Prepares graduates with foundational knowledge and skills to work in positions that focus on wellness promotion and education, care coordination, and screening for basic behavioral health needs.
When you finish this program, you'll get an associate’s degree and be a Certified Wellness Coach I.
For Certified Wellness Coach II:
- This path is more in-depth. You'll complete a bachelor's degree in more advanced mental and behavioral health topics.
- You'll also do 800 hours of field experience.
- Builds on the Certified Wellness Coach I curriculum and prepares graduates with additional expertise to support individuals and small groups, including goal setting, life skills, and coping skills.
After completing this program, you'll get a bachelor’s degree and be a Certified Wellness Coach II.
Both paths make sure Certified Wellness Coaches are ready to help a wide range of people and communities. They can provide basic support and more specialized help too.
Beginning now, colleges and universities with social work, human services, addiction studies, or related programs can start matching their courses with HCAI training needs. To kick start the process, collaborate with HCAI consultants. Connect with our HCAI Certified Wellness Coach team for more guidance.
Private nonprofit universities with human services, social work, or addiction studies programs can also become HCAI-Designated Educational Programs by following the same process as California State Universities.
An associate degree is required to become a Wellness Coach I and a bachelor degree is required to become a Wellness Coach II. The cost of the education is dependent on the program. You can learn more about the requirements by clicking here.
Scholarships will be available beginning in 2024 to offset the cost for students to complete their education program.
The Wellness Coach role is part of a broader initiative called the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. The Department of Health Care Access and Information is responsible for developing the Wellness Coach role and will be the certifying entity.
The Wellness Coach role is a new, certified position to increase our state’s overall capacity to support the growing behavioral health needs of our youth. It is designed to help build a larger and more diverse and representative behavioral health workforce in California that has the training and supervision needed to engage directly with young people where they live, study and work.
Wellness Coaches will offer non-clinical services that support youth behavioral health and well-being, such as wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. The model will supplement and support existing behavioral health roles, fill gaps in the current behavioral health workforce, and create a larger and more diverse workforce with whom youth can connect.
Certified Wellness Coaches can help young people aged 0-25 and their families who are looking for support with their mental well-being.
Schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations can also benefit greatly by hiring a Certified Wellness Coach. Coaches help support their students, patients, and members.
A Certified Wellness Coach focuses on promoting behavioral health and wellness for children and youth aged 0-25. They offer non-clinical support through wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. There are two certification levels, Certified Wellness Coach I, and Certified Wellness Coach II, which require an associate's or bachelor's degree, respectively. While they can operate in a wide variety of settings, they will work primarily in school-based and school-linked settings.
On the other hand, other community health roles deal with broader health issues and generalized support. This includes chronic diseases and social factors. They do this through advocacy, education, and connections to services. They can be found in places like health care, social services, and communities. These roles also have different certification and training paths.
