Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)

Every student deserves access to the care, support, and resources they need to thrive in school and in life. That's why the Child and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) exists, to help ensure students can access essential health and wellness services where they learn.

At SMUHSD, we believe that student mental health and wellness are critical to academic success. Our District is fortunate to have skilled and compassionate school-based providers, including therapists, school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists, who support students every day. Through California's Child and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), school districts may receive reimbursement for eligible health and wellness services already being provided to students. Beginning in August 2026, SMUHSD will participate in the CYBHI Fee Schedule Program, helping to sustain and expand services that support student well-being and success.

SMUHSD Participation in the CYBHI Billing Program

What does this mean for families?

1. Continued support. Reimbursement helps SMUHSD maintain school-based student support services for students.

2. No change in services. Students will continue to receive the same supports and services. This program simply helps offset the cost of eligible services already being provided.
3. No insurance? No problem! Students without health insurance will continue to receive school-based supports and services at no cost.

What if my student does not receive or need direct counseling services?

Many of the services provided by school-based staff support students beyond individual or small group counseling. Eligible services may include activities and supports that promote student well-being, school engagement, academic success, and positive school climate. Examples include:

• Whole Class Lessons: Classroom presentations, lessons, and activities designed to support students' academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development.
• Schoolwide Presentations: Assemblies, workshops, and educational activities that promote student well-being, positive school climate, and social-emotional development.
• Brief Student Check-ins: Short-term interactions with students to assess needs, provide support, and connect students with appropriate resources when needed.
• Drop-in Support: Responsive support provided when a student seeks assistance, guidance, or consultation outside of regularly scheduled services.
• Crisis Triage/Immediate Response: Responsive assessment, intervention, and coordination provided when a student requires immediate support.
• Restorative Practices and Conflict Resolution: Facilitating peer conflict resolution or reintegration after suspension.
• Attendance Interventions: Collaborating with students and families, including through attendance support processes such as SART and SARB, to address barriers to attendance and promote student engagement and success.
• Return to School Meetings: Coordinated planning and support to help students successfully transition back to school and reconnect with services and resources.
• Staff Consultation and Collaboration: Partnering with school staff to address student needs, problem-solve concerns, and support student success.
• Care Coordination: Connecting students and families with school and community-based resources and services to support their needs.
• Case Management: Providing ongoing support, follow-up, and planning to help students access resources, address barriers, and achieve success in school.
• Parent Engagement & Education: Family-focused workshops, support groups, consultations, and educational opportunities that promote student well-being and strengthen home-school partnerships.
• Data Review: Reviewing student and schoolwide data to identify needs, inform supports, and promote student success.

As part of the District's annual enrollment process, families will be asked to provide or update their student's health insurance information and will have the opportunity to opt out of participation in the billing program. Insurance information may also be updated at any time through the Aeries Parent Portal.

All information shared is kept confidential and protected under HIPAA and FERPA regulations.

If your student does not currently have health insurance, our team can help connect families with resources and community partners to explore available health coverage options. Regardless of insurance status, students will continue to have access to school-based wellness services and supports.

Every student deserves access to care, support, and the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can promote the health, wellness, and success of all SMUHSD students.

In addition to the CYBHI Fee Schedule Program, SMUHSD participates in the Local Educational Agency Billing Option Program (LEA BOP).

LEA BOP is a separate reimbursement program that allows school districts to seek reimbursement for certain health-related services provided to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) when those services are documented in the student's IEP.

Families of students receiving Special Education services may receive additional information regarding LEA BOP through the Special Education Department, including notices, informational resources, and opportunities to authorize participation when applicable.

For additional information, please visit our LEA BOP information page.