Background

The UCLA Child & Youth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (COE) is committed to improving the wellbeing of Los Angeles County by creating a robust continuum of workforce development programs. The COE capitalizes on DMH’s service delivery experience and footprint alongside UCLA’s interdisciplinary expertise in mental health prevention training, education, and implementation support to improve both the provision of care and wellbeing in the workplace. The COE’s goal is to optimize and sustain behavioral health services within the communities that need them most.

Prior to July 1, 2026 the UCLA Child & Youth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence functioned as the UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence.

Services Provided

Through guided learning, collaborative learning communities, evidence-based trainings, consultation, coaching, and technical assistance, the COE engages the Los Angeles County workforce in creating stigma-free environments, enhancing employee skill sets, and promoting wellbeing of peer and professional providers. It harnesses extensive expertise from the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, as well as other campus-wide partnerships.

Educational tools and curricula designed by the COE help providers reduce re-traumatization, strengthen resilience, and improve the mental health and wellbeing of children, families, and adults within systems of care.  Using innovative technology, activity-based trainings and seminars, the COE provides professional development opportunities that are accessible at https://learn.wellbeing4la.org/.

Our trainings support:

  • School Based Community Access Platforms
  • Interdepartmental workgroups on trauma informed practices
  • Fellowship for Early Childhood Professionals
  • LGBTQ+ learning initiatives
  • Trauma-responsive and resilience-promoting child welfare systems
  • Professional development opportunities for teachers and school staff
  • Training, consultation, and coaching on building connected and supportive workplace environments

Audience

The COE serves providers across Los Angeles County who support the wellbeing of children, families, and adults. The COE prioritizes interconnection among County agencies and training across systems of care. By elevating the resilience-promoting capacity of systems of care, the COE hopes to help LA County create more healing environments.