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Human Development Department

Certified Wellness Coach

What is a Certified Wellness Coach?

HCAI Wellness Coach BadgeBecoming a lets you play a role in supporting the mental health and well-being of children and youth in California.

Today’s mental health crisis is negatively impacting children and youth in California. Certified Wellness Coaches can create real change. Coaches can make a positive difference in schools, health care programs, and community organizations because they can help the young people they serve have better, happier lives.

Our program has been formally designated by the California State Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) as offering an approved curriculum aligned with Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) competencies. Students who complete the required coursework and fieldwork are eligible to apply for certification upon graduation from ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ with a BA in Human Development – Counseling Services Concentration.

Want more information and program updates?

Watch this short video for more information about the unique role of a Certified Wellness Coach.

If you would like additional information, and to receive updates, .

How to Become a Certified Wellness Coach

  • Graduate from ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ with a BA in Human Development (Counseling) taking Wellness Coach Training Program electives.
  • Complete a minimum of 800 hours of supervised field
    experience through any combination of hours from field
    practicum in their degree, internship hours, or work
    experience. (Upon graduation, applications are accepted with 300 hours completed. Any hours not completed during degree program can be completed post -graduation via relevant internship or work experience.)
  • Watch this 4-minute video for an overview of wellness coaching

Additional Resources

Ready to Get Started?

Complete the Sign-Up Form below. Once you've signed up, we will add you to our Cougar Courses page, where you will be able to access resources and communicate more easily with the CWC team.

Financial Support is Available!

SWIFT Programs Scholarship

Students who are admitted to a SWIFT Health Program at CSU San Marcos (accelerated, 3-year B.A. in Human Development), may also submit a request for a SWIFT Scholarship.

Learn more about the SWIFT Scholarship

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training

We are excited to offer another opportunity for you to participate in a Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training.

Learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents.

  • Friday, June 12 | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | SBSB 4119 
  • Must complete the approximately 2 hour self-paced module prior to in-person training (details to follow)
  • Presenter: Dr. Sabrina Liu
  • Light breakfast and lunch provided
  • Please . RSVP Deadline: June 1st, 2026

Have Additional Questions?

Contact Us

Yvonne Villalobos Cope
Yvonne Villalobos Cope
CWC Program Support Coordinator, Certified Wellness Coach Program
yvillalobos@csusm.edu

Yvette Granados

Yvette Granados
CWC Fieldwork Support Coordinator, Certified Wellness Coach Program
ygranados@csusm.edu