Chapter 1.5 - Behavioral Health Grants - California Health and Safety Code

Sections (1)

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 21, Sec. 44. (AB 116) Effective June 30, 2025.

(a)As a component of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, established pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 5961) of Part 7 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the office may award competitive grants to the entities and individuals it deems qualified to expand the

supply of behavioral health counselors, coaches, peer supports, and other allied health care providers serving children and youth, including individuals at schoolsites.

(b)For the purposes of this chapter, “certified wellness coach” means a new category of behavioral health provider trained specifically to help address the unmet mental health and substance use needs of children and youth. Recognizing that unmet mental health and substance use needs create learning barriers,

certified wellness coaches shall engage and support children and youth in cultural, linguistic, and age-appropriate

services with the ability to refer and link to higher levels of care, as needed. As a member of a care team, a behavioral health professional serving as a certified wellness coach

receives appropriate supervision and coordination from staff who are licensed or who hold a pupil personnel services credential pursuant to Section 44266 of the Education Code, or school nurse services credential pursuant to Section 44267.5 of the Education Code. Training and qualifications include, but are not limited to, psychoeducation, system navigation, crisis

referral, coping skills, and motivational interviewing.

(c)This chapter shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with Section 44270.2 of the Education Code and Section 80049.1 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.