Riverside County Wellness Collaborative

Description:  Art and play offer powerful, developmentally appropriate ways to support students’ emotional expression, self-regulation, coping skills, and overall wellness. This training introduces practical, school-based strategies that incorporate creative, play- and art-based strategies to support student engagement, connection, and social-emotional development within a variety of school settings. Participants will explore intentional, trauma-responsive activities for use in individual, group, classroom, and wellness-based settings, and learn ways to collaborate with educators and families to reinforce these supports across environments. 

Participants will:

• Learn how to use art and play-based strategies to support student engagement, emotional regulation, resilience, and overall wellness across school-based settings.
• Explore trauma-informed techniques to create safe, responsive, and inclusive spaces that foster creativity, connection, and self-expression.
• Gain confidence in selecting materials and implementing developmentally appropriate creative interventions within individual, group, classroom, and wellness-based settings.

MTSS Focus: Tier 1,2,3 

Intended Audience: This session is ideal for wellness coaches, school counselors, school psychologists, educators, administrators, and mental health professionals. 

Attendee Limit: 70 

Cost: No Cost

Participate in this training to learn about Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based, person-centered approach that strengthens motivation and supports behavior change. This session explores the foundational principles of motivational interviewing, including the Spirit of MI, the Stages of Change Model, and the Four Fundamental Processes of MI. Through interactive learning and practice, participants will learn how to engage students experiencing ambivalence, resistance, and barriers to change. The training emphasizes collaborative, strengths-based communication strategies that promote self-efficacy, engagement, and positive outcomes in school-based and clinical settings.

Participants will:

• Identify four key principles of the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing: Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment.

• Recognize four fundamental processes of Motivational Interviewing: Engaging, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning.

• Develop an understanding of the five stages of change and describe the primary characteristics of each stage: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance.

Series Overview
The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) School Mental Health Pathway Training Series helps Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), county partners, and providers implement coordinated, compliant, and sustainable schoolbased mental health services. Participants learn the full CYBHI pathway—from early identification to reimbursement—while building shared understanding, clear roles, and strong cross-system. coordination to better support student mental health.

Training Design Principles

• Pathway-based sequencing to reduce risk and confusion
• Clear distinction between roles
• Practical tools that can be immediately applied
• Emphasis on compliance, sustainability, and equity
• Designed for cross-sector participation

Session Scope & Sequence

• Session 1
  Pathway Overview & System Framing
  April 29, 2026, 1–2 p.m. | Zoom
• Session 2
  Step 1: Identification
  May 13, 2026, 1–2 p.m. | Zoom
• Session 3
  Step 2: Referral & Initial Assessment
  August 19, 2026, 1–2 p.m. | Zoom
• Session 4
  Step 3: Medical Necessity (Mild to Moderate)
  September 16, 2026, 1–2 p.m. | Zoom
• Session 5
  Step 4 & 4.1: Consent & Required Notice to Consumers
  October 21, 2026, 1–2 p.m. | Zoom
• Session 6
  Step 5 – Service Delivery
  November 18, 2026, 1–2 p.m. | Zoom
• Session 7
  Step 6 – Documentation
  December 9, 2026, 1–2 p.m. | Zoom
• Session 8
  Step 7 – Reimbursement
  January 27, 2027, 1–2 p.m. | Zoom

Stronger Together for Student, Staff, and Community Well-Being

A countywide learning community bringing together education, healthcare, higher education, and community partners to strengthen school-based mental health and wellness systems across Riverside County.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Updates & Information
  Stay informed on mental health initiatives, policy updates, CYBHI updates, and more.
• Legislative & Policy Updates
  Receive brief legislative and policy updates impacting school-based mental health.
• Peer Learning & Networking
  Share strategies, success stories, and solutions with partners across the county.
• Expert Insights & Tools
  Learn from experts and access resources to strengthen your programs and systems.
• Actionable Takeaways
  Leave each meeting with ideas, tools, and next steps you can implement.

This training equips school staff with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to implement impactful school-wide campaigns focused on suicide prevention, drug prevention, and overall wellness. Grounded in SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness, the session integrates self-care practices and resilience-building strategies to support districts, staff, and students. Participants will leave with resources and a customized action plan to help create a healthier, more supportive school environment where both students and staff can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Key Learning Areas: 

• Learn how to plan and organize effective school-wide campaigns.

• Explore self-care and resilience-building strategies to help staff and students manage stress, navigate challenges, and strengthen overall wellness.

• Learn about building community partnerships and identify ways to sustain efforts beyond campaign weeks.