How the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative provides quality school-based mental health care
School-based mental health care programs
Research indicates that school-based mental health programs have a positive effect on youth mental health. Studies evaluating the programs showed improvements to youth mental health outcomes .
Mentally healthy students are more likely to go to school ready to learn , actively engage in school activities, have supportive and caring connections with adults and young people, use appropriate problem-solving skills, have nonaggressive behaviors, and add to positive school culture.
Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)
The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative in California helps facilitate mental health care for youth and families. Youth up to 25 years old can receive behavioral and mental health care — focused on preventive care — for free.
How the CYBHI Statewide All-Payer Fee Schedule operates
Carelon verifies, manages, and maintains local educational agencies' (LEAs) identified networks. LEAs, school districts, and colleges can participate, identifying their own school link network of providers. Networks include counselors, school psychologists, drug counselors, and community health workers providing services throughout the state of California, delivering behavioral and mental health services in school-linked sites. Beginning in 2025, networks will include wellness coaches.
Networks have the option of affiliating with local organizations such as YMCAs and community centers. The LEA maintains student eligibility files once a network is established.
Payers include commercial payers, Medi-Cal, and payers under California’s Department of Insurance (CDI).
Who the CYBHI Statewide All-Payer Fee Schedule serves
The services, which have stable reimbursement pathways, provide youth with behavioral and mental health care. The program focuses on preventive care so that a youth's issues do not escalate to a severe or crisis level. Should a youth need further assistance, they can receive referrals for a higher level of mental health care.
How CYBHI Statewide All-Payer Fee Schedule provides a solution
“This is an innovative and creative program. We are acting as a bridge between two systems that don’t traditionally communicate,” says Brandy Gadino, MA, Behavioral Health Market Director, Carelon Behavioral Health. “Getting these two delivery systems to speak the same language to one another is a huge step in helping members navigate healthcare more seamlessly.”
