WellSpaces
Transforming the approach to student mental health and emotional well-being in Orange County schools.
WellSpaces
There are many ways to partner with CHOC to enhance the health and well-being of children in our community.
At CHOC, now part of Rady Children’s Health, we know a child’s health goes beyond the physical. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) to create WellSpaces — safe, dedicated areas in schools that support the mental and emotional health of students as a part of our ongoing commitment to improve pediatric mental health.
Launched in 2019, the WellSpace Initiative has grown to 50+ spaces across 17 school districts, reaching thousands of kids and teens. Each WellSpace is designed to increase access to care, provide early support, and equip students, families, and educators with the tools to strengthen youth wellness.
Core Benefits of WellSpaces
- Access & prevention: Meeting students where they are with school-based education, early intervention, and care connections.
- Support & referrals: Identifying students in need and linking them to school-based mental health professionals.
- Education & empowerment: Equipping students, parents, and educators with tools and resources for mental health and resilience.
How Students Use WellSpaces
WellSpaces are flexible to meet a variety of needs: a calming break before exams, restorative circles that build belonging, or simply a safe place to reset. Data shows their impact — 41% of students entered reporting a negative mood, while 78% left with improved outlooks. While under the supervision of specially trained district-hired staff, students can expect to find a range of activities, educational material, and coping tools for stress reduction and emotional regulation that are expert-selected and evidence-based. While Wellspaces are not a replacement for regular, ongoing medical and/or mental health care needs, they offer a foundation for lifelong mental wellness skills. Many visit independently, while others come through peer or teacher recommendations. It is important to note that WellSpaces do not provide services such as diagnostics, therapy, or any other services which would require parental consent.
A Look Inside Our Spaces
See if your school has a WellSpace: Map View | List View
WellSpaces FAQ
How can I apply for my school to get a WellSpace?
We look forward to receiving your information through the completion of our Interest Form, hosted by our partners at the Orange County Department of Education. Once we have received your submission, your organization will enter a queue until appropriate funding for partnership has been identified.
How long does it typically take to install a WellSpace?
Once a site has been identified as a good fit for WellSpace partnership, installation can be as quickly as three months to over a year’s time, depending upon a site’s construction needs and availability for installation.
Are CHOC staff embedded in my site’s WellSpace?
WellSpace sites are staffed and supervised by the site’s personnel. We recommend that the staff in the WellSpaces are equipped with knowledge of understanding and supporting mental health. Prior to installation of a physical WellSpace, sites do receive a free Trauma-Informed Care presentation for their staff. Additional mental health programming may be available to optimize the utilization of the WellSpace.
Who is responsible for supplying replenishment to the WellSpaces?
We do not typically cover the cost of replenishment of the space’s originally supplied resources (e.g., snacks, tea packets). We encourage WellSpace sites to fundraise or reach out to school/district leadership and/or PTA for support.
Where can I find technical assistance and/or other support for my school’s WellSpace?
If you’re an existing partner and need help with QI visits, resolving damage to the space, or have other questions, please contact our team at [email protected]
WellSpace News
Innovation
The Orange County Register: CHOC helps launch first ‘well-space’ in Anaheim United School District
CHOC partnered with CalOptima Health and OCDE to launch the first ‘well-space’ in Anaheim United School District to support student mental health.
CHOC Inside
Healthcare
The Orange County Register: Funding infusion will help expand WellSpaces to more schools for addressing students’ mental health
CHOC is closer to its goal of establishing health and wellness spaces at every school in Orange County following a $7 million donation.
CHOC Inside
Health
Why back-to-school worries are common, and how grown-ups can help!
Struggling with back-to-school anxiety? Learn how to recognize signs, ease your child’s worries and support them with practical tips.
CHOC Health
Healthcare
Pediatric mental health services take the spotlight at Research Day 2023 at CHOC
CHOC’s annual Research Day back in full, in-person swing this year with nearly 80 scientific poster and podium presentations.
CHOC Pediatrica
Mental Health
AAP calls on clinicians to help prevent youth suicides
AAP suggests youth suicide warning signs and preventative measures for clinicians and in community and school settings.
CHOC Pediatrica
Mental Health
WellSpaces, other initiatives showcase CHOC’s efforts at addressing mental health crisis
CHOC collaborates with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) to address the youth mental health crisis.
CHOC Pediatrica
More from CHOC Population Health
The Population Health team at CHOC coordinates a menu of offerings to our community schools and partners beyond the creation of WellSpaces. Other services include Community Education, CHOC’s Mental Health Education Program, the Help Me Grow Program, Wellness on Wheels and consented access to CHOC’s electronic medical records for school nurses. All of these resources work toward our goal of supporting youth wellness across every layer of our community.
