Youth Behavioral Health

The Youth Behavioral Health Certificate prepares students for entry level positions supporting the behavioral health needs of children and youth in California (age 0 through 25 years old). Students gain competencies in wellness promotion, behavioral health education, care coordination, non-clinical screening, group facilitation, crisis referral, and individual support. Graduates meet with Wellness Coach I requirements for state certification, which qualifies individuals for entry-level behavioral health roles in k-12 schools and college student services/health centers, along with other behavioral health roles within the community addressing mental health care for at risk youth. 

10 students per academic year. 

Program Goal 1: Address the shortage of mental health professionals in school settings 

• Objective 1.1: Establish educational pathway to meet new behavioral health roles within school systems to expand direct services for youth. 
• Objective 1.2: Assist our community partners to replace existing paraprofessional roles (e.g., Behavioral Aides) with Wellness Coach I positions that require stronger preparation and training. 
• Objective 1.3: Strengthen student outcomes by ensuring that youth (birth through 25 years old) have access to interventions involving a higher level of care. 

Program Goal 2: Increase the number of qualified behavioral health workers along the North Coast and throughout California

• Objective 2.1: Expand the pool of Qualified, entry-level staff who can directly support youth from birth through age 25. 
• Objective 2.1: Train a Qualified entry level behavioral health workforce that meets Ille public health insurance billing authorization standards which will sustainably fund Wellness Coach I positions.

Program Goal 3: Create a stackable academic and professional pathway that integrates well for Social Work and Human Services students.

• Objective 3.1: Create seamless pathway to our partners, Cal Poly Humboldt Social Work Department, for those interested in seeking the Wellness Coach II certification. 
• Objective 3.2: Develop a stackable certificate within the SWHS Department that can be earned by students in their first 2 years of college. 
• Objective 3.3: Position students to pursue advanced study and professional opportunities in behavioral health by aligning certificate pathways with future educational goals. 

Below is the sequencing for the required courses as a certification pathway.