Cerritos College is addressing the youth mental health crisis with the support of a $200,000 grant from the Foundation for California Community Colleges, in collaboration with the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). The college is developing a Certified Wellness Coach program aimed at expanding access to behavioral health support for children and young adults.
Mental health challenges among youth have reached unprecedented levels nationwide. TheAmerican Academy of Pediatrics reports rising rates of anxiety and depression among children and adolescents, while a 2024 Los Angeles Times analysis highlights California’s growing shortage of youth mental health professionals. The new program at Cerritos College will help fill that gap by training students to provide early intervention and connect families to critical mental health resources across schools and communities.
The CWC program will train students to deliver entry-level behavioral health services for children and young adults up to age 25. Certified Wellness Coaches will connect students and families to services, reinforce healthy coping strategies, and collaborate with school psychologists, counselors, social workers, nurses, school health centers, and community organizations to create more supportive environments for young people.
In Los Angeles County, the shortage of behavioral health professionals continues to limit access to care, especially in underserved communities. Cerritos College’s existing Mental Health Worker program is one of the few local pathways preparing students for entry-level roles in this field. With the addition of the Wellness Coach certificate, students can start in the Mental Health Worker program, complete targeted Wellness Coach coursework, and apply for HCAI certification in California as a CWC.
According to Salary.com, wellness coaches in Los Angeles earn an average annual salary of about $61,420. This new program offers students a pathway into one of California’s fastest-growing and most rewarding professions, with opportunities for advancement into higher-paying behavioral health careers. The college anticipates offering the new program in fall 2027.
“Cerritos College is uniquely positioned to address the region’s behavioral health workforce shortage,” said Dr. Jaclyn Ronquillo-Adachi, Chair of the Psychology Department. “Through the Certified Wellness Coach program, we will train students to provide vital mental health support where it’s needed most, helping children, young adults, and families access care earlier and build healthier futures.”
For more information about the CWC program, please contact Dr. Jaclyn Ronquillo-Adachi atjronquillo@cerritos.edu.