The Ceres Unified School District has been awarded more than $1 million as part of a new state grant to expand mental health services among California’s children and young adults.

California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) introduced the Employer Support Grants to help school districts and other organizations hire and develop certified wellness coaches who can provide non-clinical services that support behavioral health and well-being. Ceres Unified is the only Stanislaus County school district to receive the grant.

In a press release, HCAI outlined a range of services provided by certified wellness coaches to support successful student outcomes – from wellness education in classrooms to individual and group support, screening, care coordination and crisis referral.

CUSD already employs Student Support Specialists who meet the state requirements to be certified as wellness coaches, said CUSD psychologist Christina Alviso. But the certification will allow the district to seek reimbursement from Medi-Cal and private insurers for the health services these individuals provide.

“This is huge for our students and community,” said Alviso. “Wellness coaches teach resilience, self-regulation and healthy coping skills which enhance students’ ability to focus in class, stay motivated, and perform well academically. To add this category of certified individuals is going to have long-term impacts both on the number of students who receive wellness education in our district, and the sustainability of funding for the services that students need.”

According to HCAI, nearly half of the state’s adolescents deal with mental health challenges. Within the CUSD, eight to 10 percent of students receive individual or group support, said Alviso.

She encourages students who are struggling to speak with a teacher or other trusted adult. The district has resources available to support students and families at all 20 of its schools.