Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative

In response to the growing mental health crisis among youth the State of California created the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI).  This initiative will help youth overcome mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges, which will increase their overall academic and personal success.

CYBHI is bringing services to the places and spaces where youth spend time – like schools!

California public schools offer behavioral health services to students and families—at NO COST. Services and support are safe, confidential, and available on campus or through school-based programs.

The State of California partners with schools and health plans to make sure students can get mental health and emotional well-being support in schools across the state.  Under the CYBHI Fee Schedule program, California’s health plans and insurers are now required to reimburse public schools  (including K-12 school districts, colleges, and universities) for covered mental health services provided to students under the age of 26.

Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Parent/Caregiver Information

Iniciativa de Salud Conductual para Niños y Jóvenes

Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)

What is it and how does it help our students?

California public schools provide free behavioral health and emotional wellness services—such as counseling and mental health support—to students who need them.

To sustain these programs, the state authorizes schools to bill health insurance plans for covered services.  

Key Highlights

• Cost to Families: $0 - Services are provided free of charge
• What’s Covered: Counseling, therapy, emotional and behavioral wellness supports
• How is it Funded: Schools may seek reimbursement from health insurance providers

Learn more about CYBHI on the California Department of Healthcare Services website at https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/cybhi.