August 21, 2026 – California is changing how children and young people get behavioral health support across the state, and Certified Wellness Coaches are part of that shift.

Through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, the state has invested more than $4 billion to expand access to behavioral health care, strengthen support in schools and communities, and grow the workforce serving young people.

And that workforce is growing. More than 70,000 people have been supported along behavioral health workforce pathways, including close to 5,000 Certified Wellness Coaches. And the workforce is growing!

The initiative is reaching young people in other ways, too. Digital behavioral health services have supported more than 500,000 children, youth, and families across all 58 California counties.

Want to see the bigger picture?

The CYBHI Legacy Report: Advancing Behavioral Health — From Moment to Movement takes a closer look at what California has built so far, including new pathways to care, youth-designed tools, expanded services, and a growing behavioral health workforce.

See how Certified Wellness Coaches fit into California’s broader effort to support young people and where that work is headed next.

Explore the Legacy Report.

August 18, 2026 – “We really sometimes just need someone to listen, and a Certified Wellness Coach is that person.”

“I have found that the most important thing you can do is remind somebody of who they are.”

“I’m grateful that there is recognition that this is needed. It’s very rewarding work.”

These are just a few things Certified Wellness Coaches are saying about joining California’s newest behavioral health profession. As we reflect on the first two years of the program, it’s inspiring to hear boots-on-the-ground experiences from Wellness Coaches about the young lives that they impact every single day.

Thank you to all the Wellness Coaches who shared their stories for this video, and for the important work that you do!

August 12, 2026 – Read all about youth mental health gains, calm classroom corners, and raising kids to value equality in this month’s News Roundup.

August 5, 2026 – Last year, middle schooler Eli A. was being bullied. One day during lunch, he met the Certified Wellness Coach on campus and asked if he could talk to her.

“A lot of the school goes and talks to her,” Eli told us. “Now there’s less bullies.”

That’s just one way that Wellness Coaches help the young people they serve. Coaches are another trusted adult on campus who listens to the students, and can help parents have peace of mind that someone is dedicated to their child’s mental well-being.

Watch the full video to hear what other young people and parents are saying about Wellness Coaches.

July 31, 2026 – The California Love, California Strong Foundation recently hosted an event at the historic Los Angeles Coliseum.

The Foundation centers belonging and connection across California through self-care, social connection, and service. Certified Wellness Coach Angie M. joined First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and CYBHI Director Dr. Sohil Sud for a youth-centered panel on how behavioral health professionals are supporting mental health statewide.

“While we are increasingly connected through our digital world, too many young people are still facing loneliness, anxiety, and overall mental health struggles,” said the First Partner. “We all share a responsibility to normalize asking for help and show up for young people and families across the state.”

Ready to show up for young people? See if you’re eligible to get certified by clicking here.

July 24, 2026 – At this year’s Power of Partnerships Conference in Los Angeles, we asked Certified Wellness Coaches and California School-based health workers a very important question: Youth today need more… what?

The answers may surprise you.

Looking for ways you can help support the youth in your community?

To learn more about hiring a Certified Wellness Coach, click here.

July 15, 2026 – From phone-free, Gen Z parties to Assembly Bill 1540 moving to restore lifelines for LGBTQ+ youth, your July edition of the monthly news roundup is here!

July 10, 2026 – On Saturday, June 13th, 2026, over 150 participants took part in the Team Uplift and Lambda Omicron annual 5k Run/ Walk event.

The race included sponsors and health screenings for participants, concluding in a family-style cookout post-race. Before the race, the emcee led participants in a group stretch and a motivational word before tackling the steep, but majestic views of Kenneth Hahn Park.

The Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) Community Engagement Team was there, participating in pre-race activities at the CWC table, and creating an opportunity to raise awareness around the Certified Wellness Coach profession, its goals in addressing the mental health crisis among youth, and what a career as a CWC could look like. Race participants were invited to share their morning routines, swag giveaways, or thoughts on mental health.

Michael Reyes, Jr. stopped by the CWC booth to provide some powerful truth about the importance of changing the narrative around Black men’s health:

“Too often as men, we’re told to carry it all in silence. Nobody cares about how you feel, nobody wants to hear you cry, they just want to see the results. This is important because we need to be able to take care of ourselves and our mental, physical, and spiritual health. It’s all important for longevity.”

This is exactly why the CWC teamed up with the 5k Bulldog Run. For a community to be strong, its members cannot be expected to carry their burdens alone or in silence. True health, physical and mental well-being, isn’t about hiding our struggles; it’s about aligning the mind and body, so that we can show up fully for ourselves and the next generation.

By creating spaces where men and youth can openly prioritize their mental well-being alongside their physical fitness, this race wasn’t just building faster runners; it was building community. CWCs know how important strong communities are, so they work tirelessly to help young people cope with the stressors of life. They serve as the trusted adult who listens, checks in, and connects youth with additional resources they may need.

Although Bulldog Run may be over, the wellness journey continues. Connect with Certified Wellness Coaches today to see how we can help you build a career and a more resilient mind.