2020 California Student Mental Wellness Conference

Funded by SAMHSA and led by the California Department of Education, Project Cal-Well implemented programs statewide and in partnership with three LEAs in Southern California from 2014-2019 to improve student mental health and wellness. School-wide interventions reached 70,000 students annually, increased staffing resulted in more students receiving counseling services on campus, and community collaborations let to increased referrals to outside providers for students in need of more intensive interventions. Moreover, Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings reached nearly 6,000 adults, who were then able to recognize and refer students in need of help. As a result of this combination of services, student report in the California Healthy Kids Survey of school connectedness increased and suicide ideation decreased by the end of the grant. This workshop will share our journey, describe lessons learned, and provide resources for replication.


1. Explain successful school-wide strategies to improve school climate and student well-being.

2. Describe specific strategies to increase students’ and school staff’s awareness of mental health and expand access to mental health services.

3. Receive statewide resources and local tips in replicating this model to your school.