Supporting Student Mental Health at School
Through California’s Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), schools provide emotional wellness and behavioral health support to students safely, confidentially, and at no cost to families.
Putting Kids First: The Bold Transformation of California’s Youth Care
California is doing more than just planning for the future—we are transforming care in real-time. The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) represents a historic commitment to putting our kids first by building a “whole-child” ecosystem designed around the actual lives of young people.
Learn more by exploring the mission in motion through this video. See how we are dismantling old barriers and uniting the agencies, schools, and healthcare providers that serve our communities. By centering the diverse needs of youth and families, we are ensuring that mental and emotional support is no longer a challenge to find, but a fundamental resource available whenever, wherever, and however it is needed most. This is how California is reimagining a healthier, more connected future for every child.
Transforming Care at School: Support Without the Stress
We are putting kids first by bringing vital mental health services directly to where students spend their day: on campus. Through our Fee Schedule program, California is transforming care to ensure student well-being is supported without financial barriers. Learn more by exploring how this program works in the video below.
Key Benefits for Your Family
This initiative is designed to be seamless, secure, and—most importantly—free for families. Here is what you need to know:
- Zero Cost to Families: You will never receive a bill, pay a co-pay, or deal with deductibles for school-based services. Your insurance premiums will not increase because of these services.
- Convenient On-Campus Support: Behavioral health services are integrated into the school day, meeting students exactly where they are.
- Simple Insurance Coordination: Schools may ask for basic insurance details, but this is only to ensure the program receives payment so it can continue serving all students. It does not change your personal benefits or access to care.
- Total Privacy Protection: Your family’s data is guarded by the highest state and federal standards (FERPA and HIPAA), and all staff are rigorously trained in privacy protocols.
The Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a California effort that helps schools provide behavioral health and mental health services to students ages 0–25.
Services may include support for:
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Emotional challenges
- Substance use concerns
- General mental wellness
California public schools – including K–12 districts, colleges, and universities – offer FREE behavioral health services to students and families—at no cost to you and your family. These supports are safe, confidential, and available on campus or through school-based programs.
Learn more about the program:
Parent Flyer (ENG) (PDF, new window)
Parent Brochure (ENG) (PDF, new window)
Parent Flyer (SPAN) (PDF, new window)
Your Child Can Receive Support at School
Many Napa County schools already provide mental health services. Services are often delivered through Wellness Centers, individual counseling, and health skills development programming. 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.
You Will Not Be Billed
Families will never:
- Receive a bill
- Pay a co-pay
- Pay a deductible
- See insurance premiums increase because of this program
Why Schools Ask for Insurance Information
Schools may request:
- Insurance company name
- Member or policy number
- Subscriber name
- Group number
- Copy of insurance card (if available)
This information is used only so schools can receive payment for services and continue providing behavioral health support. It does not change your benefits or access to care.
Your Privacy Is Protected
- Information is stored securely
- Protected under FERPA and HIPAA
- Shared only according to state and federal law
- Staff receive privacy training
Learn more about the program:
Parent Flyer (ENG) (PDF, new window)
Parent Brochure (ENG) (PDF, new window)
Parent Flyer (SPAN) (PDF, new window)
When families share insurance information, it helps schools continue offering mental health services to all students.
Provide Insurance Information
If your child receives services at school, you may be asked to:
- Sign a consent form
- Share or update health insurance details
Why Schools Ask for Insurance Information
Schools may request:
- Insurance company name
- Member or policy number
- Subscriber name
- Group number
- Copy of insurance card (if available)
This information is used only so schools can receive payment for services and continue providing behavioral health support. It does not change your benefits or access to care.
Getting mental health care for your child might sound complicated — but it’s actually as easy as A-B-C:
- A is for Access: Children under 26 in California public schools may qualify for free mental health care right on campus.
- B is for Benefits: No cost. No co-pays. No impact on your insurance.
- C is for Confidential: Services are private and protected.
Simply update your child’s health insurance information and sign a consent form to get started. That’s: Access. Benefits. Confidential. Easy as ABC!
English Video Information
Video #1 (ENG) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1mM3eJrbEY
Video #2 (ENG) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWId9D7OpcE
Spanish Video Information
Video #3 (SPAN) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxK99L69CQ4
Will this cost me anything?
No. Families are not billed.
Will this affect my insurance?
No impact on coverage, premiums, or deductibles.
Do students without insurance still receive services?
Yes. Services are available regardless of insurance status.
Is this confidential?
Yes. Information is protected by FERPA and HIPAA.
Questions? We’re Here to Help. Learn more about your district Mental Health & Wellness services and reach out with questions.
Calistoga Joint Unified (external website)
Howell Mountain Elementary School District (external website)
Mayacamas Countywide Middle (external website)
Napa County Office of Education
- Camille Creek School (external website)
- Early Learning Services (external website)
Napa Valley Unified School District (external website)
Pope Valley Union Elementary (external website)
Stone Bridge School (external website)
Resource Links:
- California CYBHI website (external website)
- Bright Life Kids for ages 0-12 and Soluna for ages 13-25 (external website)
- Medi-Cal Enrollment Resources – Community Health Initiative Napa (external website)