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Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative

Supporting Access to School-Based Mental Health Services


IUSD is proud to be a part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), which is a statewide program that helps school districts expand access to mental health and wellness services. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, families may opt in to this no-cost program.   

How it Works

Through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, California allows school districts to bill health insurance, including Medi-Cal, for certain school-based mental health services that students may receive, such as counseling, wellness check-ins, and related supports. The purpose is to help schools sustain and strengthen student mental health services by using available insurance funding, thereby preserving school resources and supporting continued access to care for students.

 

Here’s what this means for you and your child:

  • Providing health insurance information is optional.
  • If your child receives eligible mental health services at school, the District may bill your insurance for those services if you opt in.
  • There is no cost to families. You will not be charged a co-pay or deductible, and it will not impact your child’s available mental health visits through their insurance provider.
  • Your child can still receive school-based support, whether or not you choose to share insurance information.
  • This does not change your child’s access to services – it simply helps schools receive reimbursement so we can continue offering and expanding student supports.
  • This does not change your child’s access to services – it simply helps schools receive reimbursement so we can continue offering current levels of support, with a goal of eventually increasing support services.
  • Any information shared is confidential, in accordance with state and federal privacy laws.

Opt In During IUSD’s Annual Data Confirmation

Families will have the opportunity to opt in during IUSD’s annual Data Confirmation process, which takes place each August before the start of the school year. All IUSD families are required to complete Data Confirmation through the Parent Portal to ensure that student emergency contacts, health information, and other important details are up to date. As part of this process, families will receive information and a reminder about the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative.

Why This Program is Vital to Support Students

School districts are often one of the first places students and families turn for mental health support, whether through services provided on campus or connections to trusted community resources. Through the District’s Annual Survey, families, students, and staff consistently identify mental health as a top priority. 

In recent years, many of these services have been supported by one-time funding sources – temporary funds provided during and after the pandemic that are no longer available. To meet the needs of our students and families and address rising costs, this program helps ensure schools can continue to offer these important supports with a goal of eventually increasing support services.

Your Partnership Can Make a Difference for Students 

We know that when students have the skills and support they need to manage their mental health, they are better able to engage in learning and achieve at higher levels. By opting in, you help us sustain and expand the supports that promote students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This is a new California program that allows school districts to receive reimbursement from health insurance providers for certain mental health services provided to students at school. This helps schools sustain and expand student mental health supports.

The program will be implemented in IUSD starting the 2026–27 school year.

No. Participation is completely optional. Families can choose whether or not to opt in.

In recent years, many of these services have been supported by one-time funding sources – temporary funds provided during and after the pandemic that are no longer available. When you opt in to this program, you will be helping our district meet the needs of our students and families and address rising costs to ensure schools can continue to offer these important supports with a goal of eventually increasing support services.

No. There is no cost to families. You will not be charged co-pays or deductibles, and participation will not impact your child’s mental health benefits.

If families choose to opt in, the District may bill health insurance providers (including Medi-Cal) for eligible services that are already being provided at school. This creates a sustainable funding source to help maintain and expand mental health supports for students.

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

The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative provides a range of behavioral health supports, such as:

  • Mental health counseling and therapy

  • Screening and early identification of behavioral health concerns

  • Peer support and community-based services

  • Crisis response resources

  • Training for educators and school staff to better support students

Yes. A student’s access to mental health services at school will not change whether or not a family chooses to participate.

This program helps ensure schools can continue to provide and strengthen mental health services. When students have the support they need, they are better able to engage in learning and succeed.

This program is supported by a statewide investment from California and allows schools to use existing health insurance benefits to help fund student mental health services, at no cost to families.

Yes. All information is handled in accordance with state and federal student privacy laws.

Families will have the opportunity to opt in during the District’s annual Data Confirmation process each August through the Parent Portal.

Yes. Families will receive a reminder and additional information about the program during the annual Data Confirmation process in August.

First, start with your child’s school. They know your student best and can connect your child and you with appropriate supports. You may also visit iusd.org/MentalHealth to learn more about mental health and wellness in IUSD. This webpage includes information about resources and services both on campuses, through the District, and in the community. 

The CYBHI allows school districts to bill health insurance, including Medi-Cal, for certain school-based mental health services that students may receive, such as:

  • Behavioral Health Screenings and Assessment: Evaluations for mental health or substance use issues.
  • Counseling Services: Individual and group counseling focused on behavioral health, social-emotional learning, grief, anxiety, and school-based supports.
  • Crisis Support and Intervention: Immediate intervention for mental health crises.
  • Care Coordination: Services and resources designed to connect students with care.
  • Preventive Services: Universal school-based mental health services.

IUSD strongly values partnerships with parents and caregivers and believes that collaboration among families, schools, and providers leads to the best outcomes for students.