Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative: Students & Families
Every student deserves support for their mental health and well-being.
We know that a child’s mental and emotional well-being is just as important as their academic success. That’s why we’re excited to share information about the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a major statewide effort to improve mental health support for young people across California.
What makes CYBHI special is that it’s designed with families and youth in mind. The goal is to make it easier for children and teens to get the help they need in the places they already spend their time, like schools, colleges, and community spaces.
In Mendocino County, we bring these important services to our students through partnerships with local schools and community organizations, and being able to receive reimbursement for services already being provided means more money back into our schools and to our students.
Our goal is to ensure families like yours feel informed, empowered, and supported. Together, we can create strong systems of care that help every child thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Free Mental Health Services at School
Through CYBHI, students can access free mental health support right at school or at nearby community locations. These services are completely free—no co-pays, no deductibles, and no impact on your insurance.
There is absolutely no cost to families. Your school may ask you to update health insurance information and give permission to bill your health plan, but you will never receive a bill or be charged anything.
What Services Are Available?
- Counseling and therapy sessions
- Mental health and substance use screenings
- Family sessions (parent and child together)
- Education about mental health and treatment options
- Help connecting to other services and community resources
- Wellness coaching from trained professionals who help students manage stress and build healthy habits
Who Can Get These Services?
Students under 26 who attend a California public school or college and have:
- Medi-Cal
- Private/commercial health insurance
- Disability insurance
There is absolutely no cost to families. Your school may ask you to update health insurance information and give permission to bill your health plan, but you will never receive a bill or be charged anything.
How You Can Help
Ensure your school has your most updated insurance information, and that you’ve signed the appropriate consents schools need to be reimbursed for services.
All information shared during behavioral health services is confidential and protected under federal and state laws, including FERPA and HIPAA, where applicable.
What is behavioral health care?
Behavioral health care includes support for mental health and substance use disorders. Students and their families can get help for:
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Emotional struggles
- Substance use or addiction
- General mental wellness
How does it work?
Many schools already provide mental health services. A new state program – the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Fee Schedule program – helps schools get reimbursed through health insurance programs for providing these services to students 0-25 years old, regardless of whether you have Medi-Cal, commercial health care, or disability insurance.
Will this affect my coverage or cost me anything?
No. These services are provided at no additional cost to families.
- You will not be billed.
- You will never be charged a co-pay or deductible.
- Your coverage will not be affected.
What do I need to do?
If your child is under 18, attends a California public school, and receives behavioral health services at school, you may be asked to:
- Sign a consent form
- Update your child’s health insurance information, such as:
- A copy of their insurance card, and/or
- The name of their health plan, policy number, and your name (if you’re the policyholder).
If you are 18 – 25 years old you may qualify for these services, too.
Is my information safe?
Yes. Your privacy is protected. Your insurance information will only be used to help the school receive payment for services. You and your child have legal rights to confidentiality and protection under both California and federal law.
Free featured digital resources from CYBHI
This factsheet features free CYBHI resources to support adult and youth mental health. (Available in English and Spanish)
A comprehensive guide to understanding CYBHI.
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The CYBHI Fee Schedule Program provides free mental health services and supports to students and families in California public schools.
Confidential behavioral health coaching, tools, and resources for parents or caregivers and children ages 0-12.
Confidential behavioral health support, multimedia resources, and peer communities for youth ages 13-25.
The Mendocino County Office of Education (MCOE) Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Mental Health Supports document provides an overview of the CYBHI Fee Schedule and available mental health resources for families.
A free digital journaling app co-developed with teens designed to enhance mental wellness for youth.
Resources such as palm cards, posters, talking points, and more to learn abou youth suicide prevention and how to support youth before, during, and after a crisis.
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A public education campaign with the goal of reducing stigma around mental health and inspiring California teens to seek help before mental health challenges escalate. Resources include a short quiz to create a custom plan to take space to pause and feel better.
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.