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California State University, Chico

Wellness Coach

Students relax in the Zen Den

Help meet the growing behavioral health needs of children and youth while earning a state-recognized professional credential.

The Wellness Coach Certificate prepares students to become Certified Wellness Coaches, a new California workforce role designed to support the mental health and well-being of young people in schools, healthcare settings, and community organizations. Through specialized training, you'll learn how to promote wellness, provide support, connect individuals with resources, and help youth build resilience and thrive.

Why Earn the Certificate?

  • Gain a state-recognized credential that complements your degree.
  • Prepare for a growing field focused on youth behavioral health.
  • Develop practical skills in wellness promotion, support, and care coordination.
  • Expand your career opportunities in schools, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and public agencies.
  • Join California's effort to build a more diverse and representative behavioral health workforce.

Who Can Participate?

The Wellness Coach Certificate is available to Chico State students in the Social Work major who meet program requirements.

How to Get Started

Interested in adding the certificate to your academic plan? Contact the School of Social Work at swrk@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6204 to learn about eligibility, required coursework, and enrollment steps.

Becoming a Certified Wellness Coach lets you play a role in improving mental health and well-being of children and youth in California. Certified Wellness Coaches provide care to young people through prevention and early intervention services. These services support overall physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Explore the California Certified Wellness Coach website or watch a video on the program to learn more.

  • Attend Chico State as a Social Work major.
  • Complete a minimum of 800 hours of supervised field experience providing behavioral health services to children & youth age 0-25 in school-linked/school-based organizations, non-profits, community organizations, and/or health centers/clinics
    • Any hours not completed during the BSW program can be completed post-graduation via relevant internship, volunteer, or work experience
  • Apply for certification (application accepted with 300 field experience hours)
  • Visit the Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) website for more detailed information about the Education Pathway

The Wellness Coach Scholarship Program (WCSP) offers a life-changing opportunity to pursue your dream of becoming a Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) and making a lasting impact in your community.

Application Window
The scholarship application window opened January 2 and closes February 13, 2025.

Award Amount
Up $35,000

Other Details

  • No essay required — streamlined online application process
  • Open to students in associate or bachelor’s programs in fields such as Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or Addiction Studies
  • Requires a 12-month service commitment in California after graduation
  • Covers tuition, fees, housing, books, transportation, and dependent care
  • Field experience required (minimum 150 hours for associate level, 300 hours for bachelor’s)
  • Certification is free upon program completion
  • Recipients provide wellness services to children and youth in schools, community centers, and other behavioral health settings

Review the 2025-26 Grant Guide (PDF) for program guidance and requirements.