Coaching is an integral component of the STAND system of care. The system of care leverages an online screening tool to triage participants according to their symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicidality. Those individuals triaged to the digital mental health program tier are paired with UCLA-trained and certified STAND coaches. The STAND Coach program includes the following elements: 

• coach training
• coach trainee competency certification
• coaching services by certified STAND coaches
• supervision of coaching services
• fidelity checks of coaching services

The Case for Coaching

The STAND system of care incorporates coaching, because research has shown that when digital mental health programs are supported with coaching, participant success and engagement increases. 

Coach Training & Certification

STAND coaches are undergraduate students graduate students and community members who have received extensive training to help participants learn practical skills for self-management of low mood and anxiety.

In the most recent cohort (c. 2023), coaches were trained through a cohort model over 15 weeks to develop (1) supportive communication skills, (2) a deep understanding of the STAND content and STAND system of care, (3) the ability to support participants in applying STAND skills and tools, and (4) documentation skills. This training was provided by licensed clinicians with support from existing certified coaches and graduate students.

A 5–10-hour weekly commitment for coaches in training was expected; time was spent in group sessions, role-plays and independent study. Coaches had to demonstrate ongoing learning and eventually skills competency through quizzes and mock demonstrations of skills in order to become certified. 

It is anticipated that the format of coach training will be revised with the next cohort.

How Coaching Works in the STAND System of Care

Participants are expected to review a lesson on their own and thereafter meet with a certified coach to review and practice that week’s skills. Coaching sessions are 20–30-minute meetings held 1:1 over Zoom. Depending on the assigned package of lessons, participants are able to schedule between six and eight sessions with a coach. They may meet with different coaches during their participation. 

Supervision & Fidelity Maintenance

All coaching activity is supervised via a tiered supervision model overseen by licensed clinicians and featuring several different modes of supervisor- and self-evaluation.

To maintain fidelity, coaches follow module-specific intervention guides, complete self-evaluations after each session, receive written feedback and performance evaluations from supervisors, and are subject to regular fidelity monitoring by independent raters with clinical psychology expertise.

Coaches attend weekly group meetings, comprising 1) ongoing coach training and skill development, 2) a discussion forum for coaches to relay experiences and insights with their peers, and 3) administrative updates.