UCLA Will Launch Youth Behavior Health Minor This Winter
The psychology department will debut a program to train undergraduates as wellness coaches for Southern California schools.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Mental Health
Live Poll
Should universities prioritize vocational certification programs to address shortages in professional fields?
Beginning in winter 2026, the UCLA psychology department will launch a new youth behavior health minor to address the local shortage of mental health workers. The program will welcome a cohort of more than 100 students who meet specific academic requirements.
Why it matters
The program was created to establish a direct pipeline between university students and the job market. By consulting with 40 provider agencies and 80 school districts, the department designed a curriculum to address regional mental health needs.
Applicants must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and complete prerequisite coursework in psychology and cognitive science. The minor qualifies graduates for a Certified Wellness Coach II credential.
The players
UCLA
This public research university in Los Angeles operates the psychology department and will house the new minor in Pritzker Hall.
Gavin Newsom
As the Governor of California, he created the Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health in 2022.
The details
Students in the program spend 10 hours per week at local internships and attend a weekly seminar to build hands-on skills. The department developed the curriculum through extensive consultation with school districts and professional behavioral health providers.
Timeline
Winter 2026: The psychology department will launch the new minor.
Spring 2028: Expected graduation date for the first full group of applicants.
Health Landscape
This program aligns with the 2022 Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health, which sought to address student wellness in California. It represents a significant expansion of professional training initiatives following reports of high student depression rates in 2024-25.
The program will increase the number of trained wellness professionals available to support students in Southern California schools. Families may see more certified support staff assisting with behavioral health needs as these students complete their required internships.
The takeaway
Students interested in the minor should prepare to complete 10 hours of internship work weekly alongside their academic load. This certification offers a practical path for those seeking careers in behavioral health support.
Further reading
Find more local resources in the Mental Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Bruin.
Live Poll
Should universities prioritize vocational certification programs to address shortages in professional fields?
