WellSpaces
There are many ways to partner with CHOC to enhance the health and well-being of children in our community.
At CHOC, we know that a child’s health goes beyond physical health. As part of our ongoing commitment to improve pediatric mental health in the community, CHOC partners with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) to create WellSpaces, spaces dedicated to the mental and emotional health of the county’s students.
CHOC and the OCDE created the first WellSpace model in 2019 and opened its first location in 2020. Collectively, this partnership has led to the opening of more than 50 WellSpaces across 17 school districts in the county.
WellSpaces are spaces dedicated to the mental wellness of kids and teens in Orange County schools. We know school is a big part of kids’ lives. Through this initiative, CHOC can help reach a larger population of kids struggling with mental and emotional health before it escalates into crisis.
The core outcomes of WellSpaces are:
- Increasing access to care by meeting students and families where they are, with a focus on school-based education, prevention and early intervention within our communities.
- Identifying students and families in need of support early and connecting them with the appropriate care services via school-based mental health professionals.
- Equipping the school community, including students, parents, educators and school staff, with the knowledge, tools and resources to support youth wellness in Orange County.
What are the benefits of WellSpaces?
WellSpaces are flexible by design to meet students’ varied needs. Some classes visit their WellSpace for “restorative circles” (group work) or for student-led activities that promote connection and belonging. Some sports teams use their WellSpace before stressful games. Some students enjoy them as a relaxing space to intentionally focus on their mental wellbeing, while others use it to de-stress before or after exams. These spaces are unique in part because they are available and flexible to kids how and when they need them.
Since the opening of WellSpaces, more than 23,000 students across the county have used the check-in system supported by OCDE when entering the WellSpace, with many other visitors who have not used the check-in system. Among these check-ins, 41% of students reported a low-to high-intensity negative mood upon entering. At check-out, 78% left the WellSpace with a low- to high-intensity positive mood. More than half of students reported visiting the WellSpace on their own, while about a quarter reported visiting after a recommendation from a fellow student.
Where are WellSpaces located?
Nearly 50 WellSpaces have been opened across middle and high schools in Orange County, with many more to come. An updated list of locations can be found on the OCDE website.
WellSpaces are:
- Spaces for mental health and wellness services to improve the educational, social and emotional outcomes for all students
- Spaces with stress management and coping tools, rooted in mindfulness, such as movement, mindfulness apps, coloring, sand gardens, and fidget items
- Supported and supervised by district-hired staff, such as a school-based mental health professional, with fundamental knowledge of mental health
- “Spaces of calm” with a home-like feel and biophilic design – an evidence-based approach to wellness and stress reduction
- Spaces for staff, during dedicated staff hours, to tend to self-care and wellness
- Spaces where all students can access resources and information about mental health and wellness.
WellSpaces are not:
- Places to access medical services, such as immunizations, exams or other services
- Replacements for regular, ongoing medical and/or mental health care
- Places where services are provided without parent consent where required.
Request Community Resources from CHOC
The Population Health team at CHOC coordinates a menu of services 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 record for school nurses. All of these resources work toward our goal of supporting youth wellness across every layer of our community.
