The certification website is LIVE!
Join Our Network of Designated Education Programs
HCAI-Designated Education Programs play a big role in shaping the future of behavioral health in California. Join us and help train future Certified Wellness Coaches who will contribute to a healthier California.
How to Become a Designated Education Program
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 certification 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.
What are the benefits of educating Certified Wellness Coaches?
There are many advantages of educating Certified Wellness Coaches, including:
Improved Behavioral Health Services
Educating Certified Wellness Coaches with HCAI enhances California’s behavioral health services. It also aligns with our state goals to support the mental wellness of all.
Funding Opportunities
HCAI offers funding to designated education programs so they can grow. Financial support is also available for educating Certified Wellness Coaches.
Bridge the Gap
Educating Coaches helps to fill gaps in youth behavioral health services in California. This provides additional employment opportunities to your students and supports the success of your organization.
Improved Behavioral Health Services
Educating Certified Wellness Coaches with HCAI enhances California’s behavioral health services. It also aligns with our state goals to support the mental wellness of all.
Funding Opportunities
HCAI offers funding to designated education programs so they can grow. Financial support is also available for educating Certified Wellness Coaches.
Bridge the Gap
Educating Coaches helps to fill gaps in youth behavioral health services in California. This provides additional employment opportunities to your students and supports the success of your organization.
Education Program Requirements
Certified Wellness Coach I Curriculum
Education
- 60 Credits of classroom education.
- 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 challenges.
Field Experience
- 400 hours of supervised field experience.
- Field experience can be accomplished by any combination of internships, practicum hours, and work experience.
Certificate
- A Certified Wellness Coach I certification is granted upon completion of the associate's degree and required field experience.
Certified Wellness Coach II Curriculum
Education
- 120 credits of classroom education.
- Builds on the Certified Wellness Coach I curriculum and prepares graduates with more advanced behavioral health knowledge and skills.
Field Experience
- 800 hours of field experience.
- Field experience can be accomplished by any combination of internships, practicum hours, and work experience.
Certificate
- A Certified Wellness Coach II certification is granted upon completion of the bachelor's degree and required field experience.
Certified Wellness Coach I Curriculum
Education
- 60 Credits of classroom education.
- 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 challenges.
Field Experience
- 400 hours of supervised field experience.
- Field experience can be accomplished by any combination of internships, practicum hours, and work experience.
Certificate
- A Certified Wellness Coach I certification is granted upon completion of the associate's degree and required field experience.
Certified Wellness Coach II Curriculum
Education
- 120 credits of classroom education.
- Builds on the Certified Wellness Coach I curriculum and prepares graduates with more advanced behavioral health knowledge and skills.
Field Experience
- 800 hours of field experience.
- Field experience can be accomplished by any combination of internships, practicum hours, and work experience.
Certificate
- A Certified Wellness Coach II certification is granted upon completion of the bachelor's degree and required field experience.
How to Create an HCAI-Designated Curriculum
Creating an HCAI-Designated curriculum is a collaborative process. We’re here to offer resources to help education programs that offer social work, human services, and addiction studies degrees to align their coursework to our standards. Dedicated HCAI consultants are available to work with you to become program-ready.
If you have any questions, you can send them to CWCEdPrograms@hcai.ca.gov.
How to Create an HCAI-Designated Curriculum
Creating an HCAI-Designated curriculum is a collaborative process. We’re here to offer resources to help education programs that offer social work, human services, and addiction studies degrees to align their coursework to our standards. Dedicated HCAI consultants are available to work with you to become program-ready.
If you have any questions, you can send them to CWCEdPrograms@hcai.ca.gov.
HCAI-Designated Education Program Milestones
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions: Designated Educational Programs
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.
