The state of California is expanding its Certified Wellness Coach program in 2024. (photo courtesy of cawellnesscoach.org)

The California Department of Health Care Services on Dec. 21 awarded $150 million in grants to 262 organizations, including 26 in Los Angeles, to support the mental health and wellness of children, youth and young adults.

California also introduced the Certified Wellness Coach program and website to support overall physical, emotional and mental well-being, and build a more diverse behavioral health workforce to help children and youth.

“As children across California struggle with mental health challenges, we are building the supports they need – in their schools and communities – to improve their health and well-being,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “These investments are becoming reality through a diverse workforce that is reaching every community. That’s why we are launching a new program to hire coaches in this space and support wellness for all children and young adults.”

With the $150 million in grants, the organizations will support mental health and wellness, improving access to critical behavioral health interventions and services including programs focused on culturally responsive prevention, early intervention, and resiliency and recovery. Approximately $100 million is dedicated for trauma-informed practices and programs mitigate the adverse effects of adverse childhood experiences. Through the award, DHCS is expanding access to trauma-informed behavioral health services.

The other $50 million is dedicated for youth-driven programs to provide a safe space for youth and young adults ages 12-25. The funds will expand youth-driven community center programs where young people can access a variety of services and support in a single location, and other youth-led practices.

“Early intervention programs and practices that aim to address and mitigate the impacts of trauma offer a solution and step in the right direction for California’s children, youth and families,” DHCS Director Michelle Baass said.

The alcove youth drop-in centers, which will launch in the beach cities and south Los Angeles, aims to increase access to affordable mental health and wellness services for youth between the ages of 12 and 25 and their families, including behavioral health, physical health, housing, education and employment support, and linkage to other services. They will provide culturally competent and relevant services for vulnerable and marginalized youth populations, including LGBTQ+, homeless and Indigenous youth. For information, visit mhsoac. ca.gov/initiatives/allcove-youth-drop-in-centers.

The new Certified Wellness Coaches program will work in schools and with community-based organizations, supporting existing clinical staff and care teams to provide wellness promotion, education, support and referral services for youth. The Department of Health Care Access and Information is working with state universities and community colleges to develop curriculum that will be available in fall 2024 for interested candidates with no prior education or experience. The Wellness Coach certificate will initially be free when it is launched in 2024. Annual scholarships will be available to help with educational and related expenses, and employer support grants will be available to assist organizations with hiring coaches.

“The Certified Wellness Coach program is an integral component of our work to reimagine and build a stronger, more effective ecosystem of behavioral health services and supports for children and youth in California,” Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said.

For information, visit gov.ca.gov and cawellnesscoach.org.