October 13, 2026 – Who or what should a child or young adult turn to when they are experiencing sadness, depression, or a conflict that is causing anxiety?
That’s a question many are pondering across the country as states face increasing challenges with behavioral health care workforce shortages. A recent EdSource article revealed that more than 200 schools and school districts across at least 19 states have deployed an artificial intelligence chatbot to fill coverage gaps in mental health services for students. The chatbot talks to students about their daily challenges and flags school counselors when students are in crisis.
Some people might say that kids and young adults grew up in a digital era, so turning to an AI platform for guidance or support comes naturally to them. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 21 reported using AI chatbots for mental health advice, according to a June 2026 JAMA Pediatrics study. Of those who had turned to a chatbot, 63.3% said they had told no one.
But what about human connection? Can an AI chatbot notice when a student who normally says hello suddenly won’t make eye contact? What about hearing hesitation or emotion in a student’s voice?
Research underscores the importance of that human connection. In a nationally representative CDC survey, 22% of high school students who felt strongly connected to others at school reported poor mental health during the previous 30 days, compared with 40.1% of students who did not feel connected. The CDC defines school connectedness, in part, as students’ belief that adults at school care about them as individuals.
In California, nearly half of adolescents struggle with mental health challenges, according to a 2021 UCLA Center for Health Policy Research study. In 2024, California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) introduced a new support role in California aimed at helping children and youth through age 25 who are experiencing behavioral health challenges.
The Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) profession is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health.
Today, there are more than 5,200 Certified Wellness Coaches across the state spanning both urban and rural settings, providing non-clinical services including wellness promotion and education, screening support, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral support.
Wellness Coaches can help strengthen connection by becoming a consistent, trusted presence in a young person’s life. They can notice changes over time, listen without judgment, and connect students with additional support when needed. They are passionate about supporting youth and equipping them with the tools and skills they need to navigate their mental and behavioral health.
It’s important to emphasize that the CWC role is meant to be a valuable member of the care team. They are not meant to replace any current positions, but to provide support and even relieve pressure on other senior professionals to focus on high-need cases. CWCs are also supervised by Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credentialed staff and consult with the school’s clinical staff if a student needs a higher level of support.
AI tools are here to stay, and carefully vetted platforms with appropriate safeguards may provide valuable support. But technology cannot replace the trust that develops when a young person sees the same caring adult over time. Certified Wellness Coaches can help create that connection, giving young people someone to turn to before a difficult situation becomes a crisis.
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